In the Azores, the authenticity felt in every place you visit is extended to the local cuisine. Here, everything is authentic in flavor, freshness, richness of color and unforgettable memory that remains on the palate of any foodie. We leave you some suggestions about 3 mandatory delicacies on your trip to the Azores.
Azorean cheese
It is said that cheese has been produced in the Azores for over 500 years, since the arrival of the first Flemish settlers. And, as a matter of fact, most Azorean restaurants offer a cheese board, complemented by regional sausages and wine, as a starter, to the great delight of those who sit at the table.
The best-known cheese in the Azores is the São Jorge Cheese, with a Protected Designation of Origin (DOP). Its spicy, intense and, without a doubt, delicious flavor is truly remarkable! Manufactured on the island of São Jorge by skillful hands, it has a minimum curing time of 3 months and contains production secrets that turn it unique.
Also well known, Queijo do Pico DOP, made since the end of the 18th century, and passed down from generation to generation until today, has a salty and intense flavor that has given it many enthusiasts.
You cannot, however, leave out the huge variety of cheeses produced in other islands of the Azores, as we guarantee that this tasting journey through the Azorean cheeses doesn’t end with the most famous ones.
Azorean wine
In the Azores, red, white, green, verdelho, rosé and sparkling wines are also produced, as well as fortified wines that can be pleasantly savored as an aperitif.
Coming to the Azores and savoring the wine produced from the vineyards of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture landscape, a World Heritage Site, is almost mandatory. Pico wine, especially the white one, is internationally recognized for its quality.
The wine produced on the islands of Terceira, Graciosa, and even on the island of São Miguel, is also an excellent choice.
The fresh fish
It is more than natural that these islands located in the middle of the Atlantic have an abundance of fresh fish, which is often carried from the harbor directly to the table. The smell of the sea that comes from its freshness is unmistakable and, above all, unforgettable.
Grilled with butter and lemon sauce, fried (as the emblematic chicharros with “molho de vilão”) or as the main star of a stew, fish is one of the great bases of the Azorean cuisine, and it couldn't be more delicious.
The Azores sea still provides a wonderful starter: grilled limpets with butter, garlic, regional pepper, and lemon. This entry has already become a feature of the Azores, along with barnacles, cavaco, and clams.
Have we whetted your appetite? Book your trip now!
Learn more about the Azores at www.visitazores.com.