In 1756 the battle of Menorca took place. France and Great Britain entered naval and terrestrial conflict in dispute of the island of the western Mediterranean Sea, Menorca. The French won, and the island remained in their hands until 1763, when they gave it back to the British in exchange for the French Antilles.
During their occupation on the island, the French discovered a traditional sauce that was made in Menorca, some historians of the time called it all-i-oil. It was popularized and used in the rest of the Kingdom of Aragon. Here, a new version of it emerged for the many eager to try, one which was thicker due to the addition of an egg.
The French loved it so much that they began to include it in French gastronomy. It was popularized in such a way that it became known to the rest of the world.
The French named this sauce mahonesa, in honor of the victory against the British in the Port of Mahon, a municipality in Menorca. It is the easternmost point of Spain, located in the western Mediterranean.Because of its strategic location, It has been involved in numerous conquests and commercial incursions by the Phoenicians, Greeks and Turks. These incursions were responsible for introducing the olive growing on the island, leading the locals in the area to obtain and come up with their very own EVOO, which is fruity, smooth and is a tad spicy.
This excellent EVOO was mixed with fresh salt and eggs, giving rise to this wonderful sauce, one which is recognized worldwide, whose origin is Spanish and comes from Menorcan olive oil. Mahon esa.to this wonderful sauce, one which is recognized worldwide, whose origin is Spanish and comes from Menorcan olive oil.