São Jorge Cheese: A Taste of Portuguese Tradition and Culinary Excellence
The Azores Islands often called “Europe's Hawaii”, are gaining popularity in great waves, with travelers from all corners of the globe setting their sights on getting a gander firsthand at just what all the fuss is about. So, what is all the fuss about? Well, for nature lovers, the Azores Islands is a Portuguese archipelago of which dreams are made – filled with lush landscapes, otherworldly volcanic terrains, rich forested trails, natural hot springs, wondrous waterfalls, and much, much more. But let us tell you about the cuisine, as the Azores has its unique traditional fare filled with amazing flavors and tastes that will send your taste buds soaring into a state of total euphoria.
Aside from the inherently unique nature of Azorean cuisine, what truly captivates is the distinct culinary identity found on each of the nine Azores Islands. Today, we turn our attention to the sun-kissed and slightly lesser-known island of São Jorge—a haven of celestial beauty and exceptional flavors!
São Jorge Island, Azores: Offering Much More than Breathtaking Natural Beauty
São Jorge Island, Azores (or as some call it San Jorge, Azores) is known for its immense natural beauty, and the utmost peace and serenity, it affords world-weary travelers seeking an idyllic escape from their everyday busy schedules and breakneck pace of life. While travelers will be wowed by São Jorge's stunning cliffsides, captivating coastlines, and world-famous fajãs, far too little is said about the epic cuisine this tiny island in the Azores offers visitors to avail themselves of during their dream Azores Islands vacation. And while much praise is garnered for São Jorge's fresh from the sea clams, barnacles, crabs, and limpets (seafood is big here, as you can see!), by far the most famous and beloved culinary treasure of São Jorge is its mouthwatering and oh-so-fresh locally produced cheese.
São Jorge Island, Azores: The Cheesiest of All the Islands
São Jorge Island makes “being cheesy” cool thanks to its locally produced (and decidedly delicious!) cheese named in honor of the island itself. São Jorge cheese has an exceptional taste, but before we get into that, it's best to explain just how – and why – São Jorge can produce such a phenomenal dairy product that destroys all others. So, just what is São Jorge's secret? It's all about a perfect recipe consisting of a pinch of great soil, a smattering of ideal weather, and a little bit of this and' that (I mean, we can't tell you all the secrets after all!)
Thanks to its situation in the middle of the Atlantic, which lends to its mild, moist climate, as well as its rich fertile soil and volcanic origins, São Jorge is a proverbial paradise for producing all things dairy. This would explain why the Azores Island is home to a whopping 20,000 plus dairy cows – all ready to help make São Jorge's cheese magic possible.
The Storied Saga of São Jorge Cheese
No proper article about São Jorge cheese would be complete without first giving you a little history about its interesting origins. The long-cherished tradition of Azorean cheesemaking can be traced back to the early settlers that arrived in the Islands from mainland Europe (the Netherlands especially), toting with them an ample supply of dairy cows and cheesemaking know-how.
And the rest is history, literally! The Azores becoming a happening hub for sailors from ships' crews stopping to stock up on the aged Azorean cheeses while in port – São Jorge cheese specifically since it was known to be travel-worthy and able to withstand varied conditions with staying power to last well into myriad months on the open sea. But not just sailors fell deeply in love with São Jorge cheese, as local islanders also were wild about it – as is everyone now who gets the lucky chance to taste its golden goodness. So, just how is it made, and what does it taste like? We're glad you asked!
São Jorge Cheese: The Process
As mentioned before, São Jorge cheese first became famous due to its popularity among sailing crews passing the Azores and stocking up on it due to its excellent taste, of course, but also for its staying power aboard the boat at sea for weeks on end. So, to say that São Jorge cheese is robust and aged would be an understatement!
To make this cooked-curd, pressed cheese that originates from raw cow's milk is no quick process but rather takes time and care – an endeavor that is more than worth the investment, and one which you can literally taste in each bite. How it all works is that the cow's milk goes straight from the udder at the farm, directly to the cheese plant, where the wheels are immediately set into motion for making your very own magic wheel!
The standard rule of thumb for the period of aging for São Jorge cheese is between three and seven months before it is ready to be released – and savored – by the adoring public. And believe us, it is worth the wait. When they say good things come with age – we secretly think they must have had São Jorge cheese in mind!
São Jorge Cheese: The Taste
As for the taste, São Jorge cheese typically has a mild yet satisfying buttery flavor that is perfectly accompanied by a subtle undertone of tang. The smell, you ask? Far from being a stinky cheese, São Jorge cheese has an aromatic and rich scent that will have you craving for that next wedge.
And if you are wondering what to pair your São Jorge cheese with, ask any Azorean, and they will surely advise you that a full-bodied red wine is the way to go. And if you are someone who cannot possibly end any dining experience without a proper dessert of sorts, why not finish things on a sweet note with yet another of São Jorge's signature culinary gems: a popular regional sweet called “espécies” (translated as spices), which is the perfect concoction of sugar, spice, and everything nice!
Are you already in love with the Azores? Take a look at our stress-free packages that allow you to book your ultimate island adventure. All our packages are carefully curated by our team of local Azorean Experts so that you don’t need to worry about any details – just enjoy your trip!