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European Week of Regions and Cities

Discovering the Azores

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Discover the Azores' Culinary Delights: A Taste of Paradise the Azores archipelago’s nine islands, located in the center of the Atlantic Ocean, take a voyage by land and by water and discover a hidden jewel for foodies. With its lush landscapes, volcanic soil, and plentiful seafood, this Portuguese paradise provides a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience that will excite your taste senses. The Azores are famous for their tasty and fresh seafood. The inhabitants have perfected the technique of preparing and cooking fish and shellfish due to their closeness to the ocean. It was the first archipelago in the world to be certified as a sustainable tourism destination by the destination certification entity Earthcheck, according to the strict criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

At the European Week of Regions, owners of Mercearia Creativa presented food and wine that you can find in their local shop. Mercearia Creativa is a one-of-a-kind and dynamic concept shop in the stunning Azores archipelago. This beautiful store provides an enjoyable shopping experience by presenting the best of local skills and creative thinking. The Azores' Mercearia Creativa not only provides a lovely shopping experience, but it also tantalizes taste senses with its exquisite assortment of native gourmet products. The store features the greatest of the region's gastronomic pleasures, ranging from traditional Azorean cheeses and cured meats to artisanal jams and preserves.

The famed Queijo sao Jorge, a semi-hard cheese created from cow's milk with a particular flavor and creamy texture, is irresistible. Combine it with a piece of Chouriço, a tasty smoked sausage, for the ultimate savory combo.

No trip to the Azores is complete without sampling the native sweets and pastries. Mercearia Creativa provides a variety of handcrafted jams and preserves prepared from locally obtained fruits for people with a sweet tooth. These preserves are packed with flavor, from acidic pineapple to luscious passion fruit, and make a great complement to any breakfast or dessert. Queijadas da Vila Franca do Campo is a classic pastry made with cheese, eggs, and sugar. The creamy, somewhat sweet center is covered in a flaky pastry shell, resulting in an ideal mix of tastes and textures.

Try the native wines and spirits to wash down all of these delectable delicacies. The Azores are famous for their unique vineyards, where grapes are cultivated on volcanic soil, producing wines with a special flavor. Verdelho, a crisp and fruity white wine, is a popular option.

Mercearia Creativa is the place to go whether you are a foodie or simply want to experience the real flavors of the Azores. It is a paradise for food enthusiasts looking to enjoy the gastronomic wonders of the Azores, with its carefully chosen variety of local food items.

Finally, the Azores archipelago is a foodie's dream getaway. So pack your bags and prepare to embark on a culinary excursion in this Portuguese paradise. Your taste senses will be grateful.

By Sara Fačko