Todolí Citrus Fundació took part in the Euro-Toques Assembly of the Comunitat Valenciana, held from 6 to 8 September at València’s Exhibition Palace, marking the 40th anniversary of this international association of chefs.

The gathering took place in this emblematic example of Valencian Modernist architecture, built for the 1909 Regional Exhibition. Over three days, it brought together more than one hundred chefs and gastronomy professionals from the Comunitat Valenciana and across Spain to champion produce, territory and culinary culture.

Euro-Toques was founded in 1986 to protect Europe’s gastronomic heritage and to recognise the role of all those who make cuisine possible: producers, fishers, farmers, artisans and chefs. Four decades on, the association continues to promote a gastronomy committed to local and seasonal produce, biodiversity, traditional recipes and the passing on of culinary knowledge.

Invited to present the Fundació’s project, Vicente Todolí’s contribution focused on citrus fruits: among the most representative products of the Comunitat Valenciana and a plant heritage of extraordinary gastronomic richness. The occasion offered an opportunity to share the conservation, research and outreach work carried out at the El Bartolí Botanical Garden, whose collection includes nearly 500 citrus varieties from around the world.

It was a privilege to take part in this celebration of gastronomy rooted in origin and produce, and to share the day with outstanding chefs and gastronomes. We are especially grateful for the welcome extended by Begoña Lluc, Euro-Toques delegate in València and chef, and for the organisational and communications work of Cris Gómez, from La Madre del Cordero, as well as that of the entire Euro-Toques team.