Tea and Biscuits

DESCRIPTION

CHÁ E BISCOITOS | TEA AND BISCUITS

ROTA DO CHÁ | TEA ROUTE
In São Brás and Porto Formoso, the specific relief and availability of water provided by the water lines that cross this territory created the ideal conditions for the production of tea. The production and commercialization of tea, which started in the 19th century, constituted (and constitute) a great factor of wealth and employability. Sometimes it is possible to participate in the traditional tea picking and visit the factories to follow the former production process. In the end, there is nothing like tasting a unique cup of tea of unforgettable taste. Currently, in addition to the historical and cultural value, tea production remains active, due to the investment in the quality and differentiation of its products, especially in the production of Gorreana and Porto Formoso.

O REI ANANÁS | KING PINEAPPLE
Introduced to the Azores in 1832, Pineapple is considered the King of fruits, thanks to its "crown". Registered since 1996 the DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) Pineapple of the Azores, the characteristics and quality of this product were ensured.
There are about 230 producers of pineapples, with more than 1500 greenhouses scattered all over São Miguel island. Annually, 700 to 1000 tons of pineapples are produced. Some of the main explorations are located in Laranjeiras and Fajã de Baixo.

BIFE À REGIONAL | AZOREAN STEAK
“Bife à Regional” is probably the most well-known and requested meat dish on São Miguel island and is present in most restaurants on the island.
The secret of this dish is the quality of the beef, from Azores, usually the loin or sirloin. It comes always with a side of french fries and with a fried egg. It’s most requested dish by tourists and residents.
Some of the most famous restaurants are Galego, in São Roque, Alcides, Aliança or Adega Regional in Ponta Delgada or the restaurant of the Associação Agrícola, located in Santana, Rabo de Peixe. To die for!

PEIXE DOS AÇORES | AZOREAN FISH
In the Azores sea we can find what is considered one of the best fish in the world, the Fish of the Azores. Exported to the 4 corners of the world, this fish is in great demand for its freshness and for the traditional way it is caught.
Throughout São Miguel island you can eat fresh fish, however, some of the best known restaurants are Mariserra, in São Roque, Paladares da Quinta, in Lagoa, Caloura Bar, in Água de Pau, Cantinho do Cais, in São Brás, or O Silva, in Ribeira Grande. Always fresh and delicious!

BOCA DOCE | SWEET TOOTH
From tartlets, to cakes, to sweets and other treats, São Miguel offers a great variety and diversity of sweets.
Queijadas da Vila, are typical conventual small tarts, a recipe that was originally a secret from the nuns of the St.º André Convent in the 16th century. Today, we can visit the Queijadas da Vila factory in Vila Franca do Campo and taste this sublime conventual sweet.
In Furnas, we can find the famous Bolos Lêvedos and the Queijadas de Inhame das Furnas. While the Bolos Lêvedos can be eaten plain or in sandwiches, the Queijadas are ideal for dessert or to accompany a cup of coffee.
Still in Povoação, there is a sweet made with choux pastry known as Fofa da Povoação, which is inspired by French eclairs.