Local hidden gem food producers you need to know

Portugal is a country rich in culinary traditions, but beyond its famous wines and pastéis de nata, countless small-batch food producers are creating exceptional products that remain relatively undiscovered. These hidden gems craft everything from organic honey and artisanal cheeses to hand-harvested sea salt and rare olive oils. If you love high-quality, locally made food, here are some Portuguese producers you need to know.

1. Artisanal cheese makers in the Serra da Estrela

The Serra da Estrela region is home to some of Portugal’s most celebrated cheesemakers. Using milk from free-roaming Bordaleira sheep, these producers create rich, creamy cheeses that are still made using traditional methods. Many of these cheesemakers operate small farms where quality takes precedence over quantity, ensuring an authentic taste in every bite.

2. Organic honey from the Algarve

Portugal’s beekeepers produce some of the finest honey in the world, and in the Algarve, you’ll find small producers crafting organic, raw honey with unique floral notes. These honey, infused with rosemary, eucalyptus, or orange blossom, capture the essence of the Portuguese countryside and are packed with natural health benefits.

3. Hand-harvested sea salt from Aveiro

The coastal city of Aveiro is known for its traditional salt flats, where salt has been harvested by hand for centuries. Local producers use time-honoured methods to extract pure, mineral-rich sea salt that enhances the flavour of any dish. Some even create gourmet blends infused with local herbs and spices.

4. Craft olive oil from Trás-os-Montes

Portugal produces world-class olive oil, and in Trás-os-Montes, family-owned estates cultivate rare olive varieties to create some of the country’s finest extra virgin olive oils. These oils are cold-pressed and minimally processed to preserve their bold, fruity flavours and health-boosting properties.

5. Traditional cured meats from Alentejo

In Alentejo, small-scale producers continue the tradition of making cured meats using free-range, acorn-fed black pigs. The result is a selection of exceptional presuntos (hams) and chouriços (sausages) with deep, smoky flavours that reflect Portugal’s rich culinary heritage.

6. Small-batch chocolatiers in Porto

While Portugal isn’t widely known for chocolate, a handful of artisan chocolatiers in Porto are changing that. These makers focus on bean-to-bar production, using ethically sourced cocoa to craft unique chocolates infused with flavors like port wine, sea salt, and local spices.

7. Boutique coffee roasters in Lisbon

Portugal has a strong coffee culture, and in Lisbon, a new wave of speciality coffee roasters is emerging. These small-batch roasters carefully source high-quality beans, roasting them to perfection for a more complex and flavorful coffee experience.

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At The Local Story, we bring the best of Portugal’s small-batch and artisanal foods straight to your door. Our curated food boxes feature these hidden gems, allowing you to experience the authentic flavours of Portugal no matter where you are.

Order your box today and discover Portugal’s best-kept culinary secrets!