The cuisine of this Portuguese island is traditionally tasty. His secret is the use of fresh and varied ingredients of the volcanic nature of this archipelago, abundant water and favorable climate. From fish to meat, also Madeira fruits and wines or sweets, the typical bolo do caco bread and nutritious vegetables, are part of their pantry. Discover these typical products of its gastronomy here.
The richness of Madeira's fruits and wines
It is essential to try its relaxing tomato and onion soup; the steaks of fried tuna with corn, the swordfish with banana, fried corn and salad, the Christmas dish of meat, wine and garlic, to finish with the passion fruit pudding.
Because originality and exoticism characterize Madeira fruits and wines. Thanks to the subtropical climate and the fertile soil of the island, there are many varieties of fruits that fill both tables and markets with color and flavor. As with wine bottles.
La fruit in Madeira is used creatively, whether in typical dishes, in salads (avocado), ice creams (pitanga or tabaibo), Juices (mango and passion fruit), confectionery (guava, grape or medlar), baked (chestnut) and even as a decorative element in Christmas.
The identity of the island is due to another fruit, the grape, with which the Madeira. One of its main producers is Madeira Wine Company, with brands like Blandy's, Cossart Gordon, Leacock's & Miles, belonging to the family Blandy.
In every age, exquisite fruits
Whatever the season, there are fruits for all tastes or preferences. Thus, in autumn and winter, do not miss the sweet taste of custard apple or roasted chestnuts on the streets. There is even a party at Nuns' Corral dedicated entirely to this fruit. The avocado pears they are also common at this time of year, as well as orange, mango and mandarin. The guava and quinces they are still used in sweets like jam.
In spring and summer, the star is the fruit of the passion, with its varieties, which can be found in the emblematic Farmers Market. Located in the old town of funchal It is the place of choice to meet and taste most of the regional fruits, such as passion fruit, banana, pineapple, passion fruit, etc.
The apples are typical of this season, where those of Ponta do Pargo, whose aroma is particular. There is another fruit in Madeira that, due to its exotic appearance, arouses much curiosity among visitors, such as the tabibo.
The cherries abound in Chamber of Wolves, more precisely in Serra Garden. Then the pitangasAlthough from America, they are very abundant on the island and can be eaten directly. The blueberries They are known for their excellent antioxidant properties.
In late August and early September, the harvest season is underway and the Wine Festival. Porto Santo is another paradise when it comes to summer fruits like figs, grapes, watermelons and melons. They are so good that they deserve a visit to the golden island. Another of the most emblematic fruits of the island is the madeira banana. As the regional saying goes, "it's small but good" and the best thing is that it can be enjoyed all year round.
Wine in Madeira
In the past, due to its strategic position in the Atlantic, Madeira it was an important stopping point for ships operating on routes between Europe and the African and American continents. These packages allowed the transport of products such as Madeira fruits and wines, in particular these seconds.
It was trade with England that brought many Britons to the island, including John blandy, the founder of the company, who landed in 1808. Its wineries, Blandy's Wine Lodge, they are in a convent with about 200 years of history, in the center of Funchal, and can be visited. And of course, his wine, tasted.
