Calçots de Valls: origin, territory and how to recognise the PGI

Valls, the origin of a tradition

Tradition links the origin of calçotada with Xat de Benaiges, in Valls, at the end of the 19th century. The history published by the Valls Chamber of Commerce explains how that meal spread among families and, later, through cultural meetings and restaurants.

That relationship with the city is still alive in the garden, the farmhouses, the family tables and the Gran Festa de la Calçotada. Visiting Valls to eat calçots allows you to learn the context of a custom that begins long before lighting the grill.

What does Calçot de Valls PGI mean?

PGI stands for Protected Geographical Indication, known locally as IGP. Certified calçots are grown from the Blanca Gran Tardana de Lleida onion variety and must meet defined production and certification requirements. The Catalan government publishes the European registration, growing area, marketing requirements and inspection system.

For those who buy, the useful question is whether the product is identified as PGI and from which producer it comes. The proximity of the point of sale or the name of the restaurant, alone, do not allow verification of the certification of a specific bunch.

The four regions of the protected territory

The scope of the PGI includes Alt Camp, Baix Camp, Tarragonès and Baix Penedès. Valls is in the Alt Camp and gives its name to the indication, but the protected territory covers more municipalities. A certified calçot can come from any of these four regions if it meets the corresponding conditions.

This distinction helps you buy wisely: city of origin of the tradition, place of cultivation and quality seal are related data that should be consulted separately. The directory of PGI producers allows you to search by region and contact directly to ask about product, format and availability.

How to recognise certified calçots

Look for the PGI identification on the label. The Catalan government's information, updated in July 2026, specifies bundles of 12, 25 and 50 calçots with identifying tape and a numbered label approved by the Regulatory Council. It specifies a white section 15 to 25 cm long and a diameter of 1.5 to 2.7 cm, measured 5 cm from the root.

These measures update the references that appeared in historical articles on Calsotada.com. For a current purchase, give priority to the label and current information from the competent body. If you are going to cook for a group, also ask about the number of units in each bunch: this way you can calculate the purchase without confusing formats.

Field work is also part of the flavour

Our original articles show how to plant the onion bulbs, prepare the furrows and leave room for earthing up. As the shoots grow, soil is banked around their base. This work explains both the name of the calçot and its distinctive shape.

In our article on how calçots are planted a home growing experience is documented with photographs. In the guide of calçots you have a general explanation of the product, its season and how to eat it.

Buy Valls calçots or enjoy them in a restaurant

To prepare your own calçotada, contact the producer and specify the date on which you will cook, the units and the collection or delivery. Maintain product information and prepare calçots sauce in advance.

If you go to a calçotada restaurant, ask about the origin of the calçots and the composition of the menu. Conversation can help you get to know the territory you visit better. In addition to the product, the experience your group is looking for matters: a family table, a meal with friends or a getaway linked to the festival.

From the Calsotada.com archive

The experiences and original articles of Lisard Bellod, with their publication dates.

• Websites about calçots and related products (2011)
• Calçots with true roots (2010)
• Buying and planting seeds for calçots (2010)
• The end of the calçot season (2010)
• A saying about calçots (2010)
• Happy New Year 2010 and Many Calçots! (2010)
• What is a Calçot like? (2009)
• The calçot rumba (2009)
• How are Calçots planted? (2009)
• The properties of calçots (2009)
• Earthing up calçots: part 1, clearing the ground (2009)
• Buying onion bulbs for calçots (2009)
• Planting distances for calçots (2009)
• The calçot: everything has a beginning (2009)

Frequently asked questions