Nut allergy on the Camino Frances?

[NadineK]

I'll be on the Camino Frances this June/July; this forum has been invaluable in terms of resources and guidance and advice, thank you all!

I hope to eat my fair share of Pilgrim Menus during the Camino, and I'm wondering how often, if at all, nuts show up in dishes on the menu? I don't eat any nuts (peanuts or tree nuts), and my allergy is mild/moderate. I've previously spent time in France, and know that nuts can sneak into desserts and salads: is this common in Spain as well?

 

[Anniesantiago]

I haven't seen a lot of peanuts on the Camino and I think "most" of the cooking is done with olive oil. You should be fine

 

[Tia Valeria]

Tarta de Santiago is made with almonds, sadly one to avoid if you have a nut allergy . Great for gluten free folk though if it is the non-pie crust type.
Mostly found in Santiago itself as a desert or cake.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Tarta de Santiago is made with almonds, sadly one to avoid if you have a nut allergy . Great for gluten free folk though if it is the non-pie crust type.
Mostly found in Santiago itself as a desert or cake.

Oh yeah. I was thinking of peanuts. There are a LOT of almonds in the various desserts.

 

[lynnejohn]

Some people have legume allergies (peanuts), and others have tree nut allergies (almonds). Often they do not have both, but the people I know don't really like to take any chances because some individuals who have only one kind eventually develop an allergy/intolerance to both. I really feel for these folks when they're travelling, as it's really difficult to always know what is in all the food that's offered.
So, NadineK, you are probably accustomed to being vigilant about this, but I suggest you memorize "I am allergic to nuts", and maybe have it printed on a small card. And/or medic alert bracelet.

 

[Tia Valeria]

Oh yeah. I was thinking of peanuts. There are a LOT of almonds in the various desserts.

I think that 'flan' and 'arroz con leche' are both nut free and are often on the menu del dia. Quite often the dessert can be swapped for a piece of fruit or a coffee and the idea to have a card with at least 'sin nuez por favor' is a good one.
Buen Camino

 

[NadineK]

Some people have legume allergies (peanuts), and others have tree nut allergies (almonds). Often they do not have both, but the people I know don't really like to take any chances because some individuals who have only one kind eventually develop an allergy/intolerance to both. I really feel for these folks when they're travelling, as it's really difficult to always know what is in all the food that's offered.
So, NadineK, you are probably accustomed to being vigilant about this, but I suggest you memorize "I am allergic to nuts", and maybe have it printed on a small card. And/or medic alert bracelet.

I think that 'flan' and 'arroz con leche' are both nut free and are often on the menu del dia. Quite often the dessert can be swapped for a piece of fruit or a coffee and the idea to have a card with at least 'sin nuez por favor' is a good one.
Buen Camino

Thank you for this advice, and yes, bring on the flan and arroz con leche! I'm used to eating 'safe' desserts and will probably (unfortunately) avoid most pastries. And having a card on me is a great idea, I will be sure to do that.

Thank you!!

 

[Saint Mike II]

Some people have legume allergies (peanuts), and others have tree nut allergies (almonds). Often they do not have both, but the people I know don't really like to take any chances because some individuals who have only one kind eventually develop an allergy/intolerance to both. I really feel for these folks when they're travelling, as it's really difficult to always know what is in all the food that's offered.
So, NadineK, you are probably accustomed to being vigilant about this, but I suggest you memorize "I am allergic to nuts", and maybe have it printed on a small card. And/or medic alert bracelet.

Maybe have the card printed/translated into Spanish to show to staff in restaurants!