Meloa de Santa Maria
Santa Maria Melon is perhaps the most prominent product in the gastronomy of Santa Maria and is definitely one of the first delicacies that comes to mind when we think of the island’s cuisine.
At first glance, it’s relatively easy to identify some of the unique characteristics of the Santa Maria Melon:
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Peel – The peel of the Santa Maria Melon typically has a greenish, yellowish tone, which contrasts with the light, strong yellow tone that the normal melon has;
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Interior – Being extremely juicy, the inside of the Santa Maria Melon has a very characteristic orange tone, which contrasts with the greenish and almost whitish tone of the common melon;
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Taste, aroma and texture – Typically sweet taste and aroma, with a very soft texture.
In addition to these factors, the Santa Maria Melon also has a number of unnoticeable characteristics that may persuade you to add this fruit to your regular diet.
When examining the nutritional composition of the Santa Maria Melon, you can see that, compared to the common melon, it has a high vitamin C content, as well as potassium, magnesium and calcium. It also has higher protein, lipid and carbohydrate values, resulting in a higher energy value.
Biscoitos de Orelha
Biscoitos de Orelha are the traditional sweet of Santa Maria. Their unique shape is immediately recognizable by their triangular shape and cuts on each of their tips or “ears”.
Its main ingredients consist of wheat flour, salt, eggs, sugar and butter and are always present on the table at the island’s main festivities.
Stay tuned for our next articles to find out how you can make them at home!
Turnip broth
Caldo de Nabos de Santa Maria (Turnip Broth) is distinguished by its main ingredient, the turnip. This is because this dish uses the common turnip that we all know, but a specific variation that only grows in the parish of Santa Bárbara. This local turnip has a characteristically bitter taste, which is why it needs to be blanched in two waters in order to soften it.
Lamb
Santa Maria lamb is characterized by a very mild taste and by being very tender. This is believed to be due to the conditions of the pastures in which the animals are raised, which are characterized by grasses and other forage plants.
Wine
We can’t fail to mention the wine that comes from the vineyards on the hillsides of São Lourenço and Maia. Yes, in Santa Maria the vineyards were planted on hillsides, a decision that has resulted in stunning landscapes, marked by the bays of São Lourenço and Maia, which are decorated with small corrals of black rock that climb their slopes.
Don’t forget to try the “abafado” and “abafadinho” wine, the blackberry and milk liqueur, as well as the handmade brandy (“aguardente”), an excellent digestif to end your Santa Maria meal.
