The agriculture of northern Tenerife : Cultures and markets
- Cécile Barrès
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 28
A fertile land shaped by volcanoes
The north of Tenerife enjoys ideal conditions for agriculture: volcanic soils rich in minerals, mild and humid climate, trade winds that bring water and freshness. For centuries, the island has lived at the rhythm of its cultures, and if tourism dominates the economy today, agriculture remains a pillar of local identity.
The main cultures
The banana of the Canaries (plátano de Canarias)
It is the emblematic product of the island, grown on terraces up to the cliffs. Bananas from the Canaries benefit from a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), a guarantee of quality. Tenerife alone accounts for more than 40% of the Canary Islands' production.
Each year, the islands produce around 400,000 tonnes of bananas, a large part of which is exported to the Iberian Peninsula and Europe. In the north, the landscapes are marked by banana plantations, true "green seas" that descend to the ocean.
The potato (papa canaria)
Introduced in the 16th century from South America, the 'papa' has become an essential part of Canarian food. Some traditional varieties, such as papa negra, are today protected by a Denomination of Origin.
She is at the heart of the most famous dish in the Canaries: papas arrugadas con mojo.
The avocado
Cultivated in the fertile valleys of the north, avocado is experiencing a real boom in recent years. Tenerife produces a significant part of the 40,000 tonnes of avocados annually from the Canaries, intended for the local market but also for export.
Citrus fruit
Orange, lemon and mandarin trees thrive in the wetlands of La Orotava, Tacoronte or Icod. Although less exported than bananas, they bring diversity and color the markets with their fresh perfumes.
Tropical and exotic fruits
In addition, Tenerife offers an abundance of tropical and “exotic” fruits, such as passion fruit, papayas, mangoes, and prickly pears. These fruits reflect the island’s climatic diversity and add freshness and originality to local gastronomy.
And the vine, an emblematic culture
Although I focus here on banana, potato, avocado and citrus fruits, it would be impossible to mention the agriculture of northern Tenerife without mentioning the vine. Present since the 16th century, it has shaped the landscapes and given birth to renowned wines, in particular the famous malvasia.
To learn more, I invite you to read my article dedicated to the cultivation of vines and wines of Tenerife
Farmers' markets: at the heart of local life
These products can be discovered and tasted in the farmers' markets, which remain privileged meeting places between farmers and residents. We can mention in particular the markets for :
La Guancha, the closest to my bed and breakfast Un Jardin al Mar (Saturday and Sunday in the morning)
• The Laguna (Mercado de San Cristóbal), one of the largest and most lively on the island.
• La Orotava, renowned for its local dads, its gofio and fresh fruits.
• Tacoronte, in the heart of an agricultural region, ideal for tasting avocados and citrus fruits.
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Mercado Nuestra Senora de Africa).
In addition to fruits and vegetables, there are goat cheeses, honey from Tenerife (protected by a Denomination of Origin), local pastries and aromatic herbs.
Between tradition and modernity
The agriculture of northern Tenerife illustrates the balance between heritage and innovation: bananas and potatoes perpetuate a centuries-old tradition, while avocado or tropical crops (mango, papaya...) are developing to meet growing demand.
Conclusion
These agricultural landscapes, the markets where they come to life, and the flavors that result from them are an integral part of the identity of Tenerife. They invite the visitor to discover an authentic island, where agriculture is not only an economic resource, but also an essential component of its culture and lifestyle.
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