Furnas stew
Let’s start with a classic: Cozido das Furnas (Furnas Stew). This is perhaps the most famous dish in the Azores. This is mainly due to the curious way in which it is traditionally prepared.
It turns out that, instead of a common dish, in which a fire is used (typically a stove, fireplace, etc.), Cozido das Furnas is cooked using only the heat of the earth, more specifically in the fumaroles of the Caldeiras das Furnas. These are secondary volcanic manifestations of the volcano that has been dormant here since 1630.
Watching the stew being removed is as much part of the experience as tasting the delicacy itself, as it is “buried”, left to cook for around 6 hours and then removed.
Although there are holes reserved for restaurants, Cozido das Furnas can be made by anyone, subject to prior reservation.
If you prefer to skip the cooking step and go straight to tasting, you can visit one of the local restaurants, as this is a very popular dish in Furnas.
Regional steak
If you prefer steaks, then you’ll also have the famous Bife à Regional (Regional Steak) to choose from, a typical dish much sought after by locals and found in many of the island’s restaurants.
This steak is typically made with one of the best cuts of beef, the loin, always accompanied by Pimenta da Terra (a regional ingredient), its typical sauce (based on white wine, beer or whisky), a horse egg and fried potatoes.
Pineapple
Perhaps one of the least expected items to see on a list of typical products of Azorean gastronomy, the pineapple is, in fact, an element that has quickly become emblematic of the Azores. Despite being a recent addition to the Azorean menu, the introduction of the pineapple becomes logical when you consider its historical context.
Around 1830, the orange plantation was one of the region’s export engines. However, its production was seriously affected by a disease called gummosis, which led to its sharp decline.
As it seems that the pineapple was discovered by the Portuguese at the time of the colonization of Brazil, it became the fruit planted as an alternative to the orange.
Today, the pineapple is an iconic delicacy of the Azores and São Miguel and is a fruit that is both beneficial to health and delicious. As well as containing anti-cancer properties, pineapples are also rich in vitamin C, B6, A, Co, Zn, Mg and folic acid.
Queijadas da Vila
So named because they come from Vila Franca do Campo, these queijadas are one of the island’s most typical sweets.
Curiously, Queijadas da Vila originated in a convent, more specifically the Convent of Santo André, in Vila Franca do Campo. The recipe was created by the nuns who lived there and is now considered a relic of the convent sweets of the Azores. The original ingredients used by the nuns were milk, egg yolks and sugar, which is responsible for the texture and unmistakable taste of the queijadas.
Nowadays, a visit to the Queijadas da Vila do Morgado factory allows you to observe the process of making them.
Tea
Tea on the island of São Miguel is extremely important, as it is here that the oldest tea factory in Europe is located. We are, of course, talking about Gorreana, which has been planting and producing tea for almost 140 years, and this has lasted for five family generations.
Tea is believed to have benefits in various fields of health, helping with weight loss and the fight against cancer, as well as promoting better cognitive and cardiac functioning. Its antioxidant properties moisturize the skin and reduce the effects of ageing, while also strengthening the immune system by reducing the body’s propensity to inflammation.
