Savour Azores, Portugal Islands' Authentic, Tasty, Exquisite, Special and Unique Food, Pico Wine

Описание: The nine volcanic islands of the Azores archipelago in Portugal offer a unique and authentic culinary experience shaped by their isolation, fertile volcanic soil, and the surrounding Atlantic Ocean. The cuisine is simple yet exquisite, focusing on fresh, local ingredients.
Unique Main Courses
Cozido das Furnas: A truly unique dish where a mix of meats (beef, pork, chicken, sausages) and vegetables are cooked in a pot that is lowered into a volcanic hot spring (fumarole) for 6 to 8 hours. The result is a tender, earthy stew with a distinct flavour. You can sample it at restaurants near the Furnas Lake on São Miguel Island.
Fish and Seafood: The surrounding Atlantic provides an abundance of fresh seafood. Cracas (barnacles), lapas (limpets) grilled with garlic and butter, and a variety of fish like alfonsino (Boca Negra in Portuguese) are local delicacies. The traditional caldeirada (fish stew) is also a must-try.
Alcatra (Terceira Island): A pot roast of beef marinated in red wine and spices, traditionally cooked in an unglazed clay pot in a wood-fired oven. It's a signature dish of Terceira Island, typically served with sweet bread (massa sovada).
Special Produce and Treats
Azorean Pineapple: The Azores are the only place in the world where pineapples are grown in greenhouses. They are smaller than their tropical counterparts but intensely sweet, aromatic, and less acidic. Visit a plantation on São Miguel to see how they are grown.
Cheese: The islands produce excellent dairy, with a variety of cheeses. Queijo de São Jorge, a sharp, hard cheese from São Jorge Island, is the most famous and holds Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.
Tea Plantations: São Miguel is home to Europe's only commercial tea plantations, Gorreana and Porto Formoso. You can tour the factories, learn about the tea-making process, and enjoy a fresh cup of green or black tea with stunning views of the plantations and the ocean.
Passion Fruit: Known locally as maracujá, passion fruit is used in a variety of desserts, juices, and liqueurs across the islands.
Authentic Drinks
Azorean Wine: The islands, particularly Pico Island, produce unique wines. The vineyards on Pico are planted in small, walled-off plots (currais) made of black basaltic stones to protect the vines from the wind and sea spray. The Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Try the sweet Lajido wine or the dry white Verdelho.
Liqueurs: Various fruit liqueurs are popular, with passion fruit and pineapple being the most common flavors.
Kima: A popular, local, carbonated passion fruit soft drink found throughout the islands.
The Azores offer a culinary journey that is as adventurous and unique as the islands themselves, connecting the natural landscape with authentic flavours and traditions.
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