Centro de Portugal Region

Serra da Estrela Cheese – no others need apply

Thursday, 03 May 2012 17:59

Rachael Ray Magazine, in its 2012 March issue, asked Max McCalman – cheese expert - the following question: If you could only eat one cheese for the rest of your life what would it be?

His answer? Serra da Estrela, and here is what he said: "I just sent it to a friend in Louisiana as a birthday gift. I got a three word response; "Oh my god." It's a soft sheep's milk cheese, so when I no longer have teeth I can eat it by the spoonful. It has a full, grassy aroma, sublime flavor and a phenomenal finish. You know you're eating something that must be good for you."

European Geoparks Conference will take place in the Arouca Geopark

Wednesday, 02 May 2012 00:00

The 11^th European Geoparks Conference of the EGN (European Geoparks Network) will take place in the Arouca Geopark, from 19^th to 21^st September 2012- an important meeting about Geotourism issues.

Since 2009, the Arouca Geopark has been a classified area by the European and Global Geoparks Networks, under the auspices of UNESCO. It is located in northern Portugal, about 50 km away from Oporto and Aveiro cities. This is a unique geotouristic destination; renowned for its exceptional geological heritage of international relevance, with 41 geosites (the Giant Trilobites of Canelas and the Castanheira's "stones that give birth" are the most emblematic ones), and its national archaeological, historical, cultural and mining relevant legacy, Arouca Geopark offers distinct experiences for visitors. This mountainous region is famous for its outdoor activities, especially for adventure sports such as rafting, canoeing, canyoning, rock climbing and the network of walking trails. It allows visitors to discover geosites, to enjoy breathtaking landscapes, to meet people and to experience local traditions. Visitors can also taste the famous local gastronomy, based on the indigenous cattle breed and the conventual sweets with traditions, dating back to the foundation of the Arouca Monastery in the 10^th century.

Unique museums in Serra da Estrela

Friday, 20 April 2012 00:00

The Jewish Museum of Belmonte, the Wool Museum in Covilhã and Electricity and Bread Museums in Seia are museums in the high mountains of the Serra da Estrela, each covering a specific aspect of the regions past.

Centro de Portugal creates first route goat route

Tuesday, 17 April 2012 00:00

"Rota do Cabrito" is a new culinary tour in Centro that covers Oleiros, Castanheira de Pera, Poiares, Gois, Miranda do Corvo, Lousã, Tondela and finally Penacova. Great opportunity for connoisseurs, the first Goat Route starts at Oleiros, with a specialty of kid that is "out of this world."

Ovos moles of Aveiro will be exported

Tuesday, 03 April 2012 00:00

Ovos moles from Aveiro can be frozen for four months without losing quality, and the technology for exporting them is now being developed. The conclusion of a study, commissioned by APOMA - Ovos moles Producers Association to the University of Aveiro (UA), reveals that the coveted sweet made from egg yolk and certified by the European Union (EU) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), can extend the shelf life pass the current 15 days, to four months without losing flavor or being harmful to health. The 36 members of APOMA, which in 2011 produced 200 tons of the sweet, are limited almost exclusively to the internal market, and are now finalizing the necessary technology for deep freezing the soft eggs with safety and quality. In the coming months, they expect to increase sales and jobs.