A vibrant and delicious part of everyday life, Portuguese fruits also reflect the country’s strong agricultural heritage! When it comes to these sweet and tasty treats, freshness is everything. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the wonderful Portuguese fruits that are a staple in many homes.
BELOVED FRESH FRUITS IN PORTUGAL
APPLE (MAÇÃ)
The Maçã de Alcobaça (apple of Alcobaça) is the country’s most famous apple. It delivers a balanced sweetness and crisp bite. People often enjoy it as a snack or use it for baking.
APRICOT (DAMASCO)
Apricots are a popular stone fruit in Portugal. They offer a tart taste, and people often snack on them or use them to make preserves.
AVOCADO (ABACATE)
Though not native to the country, avocados now grow in regions suited to their cultivation, especially in the Algarve. People often add them to smoothies, salads, and toast.
BANANA
The ones from Madeira may be small but oh-so flavorful! People can eat these bananas on their own or blend them into smoothies.
BERRIES
Portugal grows a variety of them, such as:
- Blackberry (Amora)
- Blueberry (Mirtilo)
- Raspberry (Framboesa)
- Strawberry (Morango)
Locals enjoy them fresh but also use them to make desserts, sweet jams, and preserves.
CHERRY (CEREJA)
The cherries from Fundão are arguably the best of its kind that you can buy in the country. Locals celebrate a Cherry Festival where tourists taste everything cherry—from jams to gin each June.
FIG (FIGO)
A popular fruit that brings on the nostalgia factor (think spending the holidays at Grandma’s). They are used fresh or dried but can be expensive due to their short consumption time.
GRAPE (UVA)
Grapes are essential parts of Portugal’s thriving wine industry. However, some varieties can also be eaten fresh, especially the green and red ones.
KIWI
Kiwis are especially sweet in Portugal, where the cooler temperatures in the northern regions greatly support their cultivation. Locals enjoy eating the flesh as is or adding it to their salads and yogurts.
LEMON (LIMÃO)
Lemon is among the Portuguese fruits that have a wide range of uses! They can be used in anything from making drinks (like lemonade) to cooking.
LIME (LIMA)
Limes are fantastic for cocktails and tangy desserts. However, they are less commonly used in culinary dishes than lemons.
MANGO (MANGA)
Mangoes are creamy and sweet, and in the country, they are often used to make fruit juices, purees, and nectars.
MELON (MELÃO)
Melons, particularly the green ones (melão verde) are fruits that locals enjoy during summer. They can be juicy and sweet, especially if you pick good ones!
ORANGE (LARANJA)
Locals enjoy eating oranges throughout the year. However, the most delicious Newhall oranges can only be found around November. They are mostly seedless and very flavorful!
PAPAYA (MAMÃO)
Consumption of this tropical fruit is increasing in Europe, especially in Portugal! It’s sweet-tasting and can be enjoyed as is or with a squeeze of lime.
PEACH (PÊSSEGO)
Peaches in Portugal taste sweet and comforting. They can be eaten raw or made into homemade jams and delicious tarts.
PEAR (PERA)
Pera Rocha is perhaps the country’s most popular pear variety. It offers an aromatic crunch; people eat it raw, poach it, or use it in desserts and liqueur-making.
PERSIMMON (CAQUI)
Honey-sweet and soft, especially when ripe, persimmons are one of the best Portuguese fruits to eat in autumn. Don’t eat the unripe ones - they can taste waxy and bitter!
PINEAPPLE (ABACAXI/ANANÁS)
Pineapples are grown mostly in greenhouses in the Azores, particularly on São Miguel Island. They are vibrant and sweet-tart, which can be enjoyed fresh or made into juices, jams, and liqueurs.
POMEGRANATE (ROMÃ)
The locals much love the “Assaria” variety of pomegranates. It’s characterized by its sweet and tender seeds that the spoonful can enjoy! However, the fruit can also become syrups, jellies, and carbonated beverages.
STARFRUIT (CARAMBOLA)
Starfruits are less commonly known but are pretty unmistakable due to their star shape and mild, citrusy flavor. They’re often eaten fresh as a snack but can be used as a garnish for drinks and salads.
TANGERINE (TANGERINA)
Tangerines are easier to peel than oranges, and people often eat them as snacks or add them to dishes. Madeira Island’s “setubalense” variety is especially fragrant and delicious, particularly when eaten fresh!
WATERMELON (MELANCIA)
Locals enjoy watermelons as a refreshing summer snack or dessert. They also work well as a beachside treat!
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