Porto Formoso Tea Factory

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Açores > Ribeira Grande > Porto Formoso > Gorrena

Location:

The Porto Formoso Tea Factory is located in the parish of Porto Formoso, in the Gorrena area, an integral part of the municipality of Ribeira Grande, on the island of São Miguel. This location is on the north coast of the island, in a distinctive rural area, shaped by vast tea plantations. Its position offers extensive views of the lush green fields and the tranquility of the Azorean landscape, creating a serene environment for visitors.

Tea in the Azores: A Heritage and Uniqueness:

The history of tea production in São Miguel is a unique chapter in Europe. It is believed that the first tea seeds arrived from Brazil in the second half of the 18th century, initially as ornamental plants. The major impulse for industrial-scale production emerged in 1878, with the arrival of two Chinese masters on the island, who shared their knowledge of cultivating and processing tea leaves. The Porto Formoso Tea Factory, founded by Amâncio Machado Faria e Maia in the 1920s, is one of the legacies of that era. After ceasing activity in the 1980s, it was restored in 1998 and is now recognized as Regional Industrial Heritage, maintaining the tradition of processing Camellia sinensis for industrial purposes in Europe.

From Plant to Cup: The Legacy of Production:

At this location, tea production follows traditional processes that honor the delicacy of the plant and the quality of the product. The harvesting of the leaves, a fundamental moment for the tea's flavor and characteristics, takes place between April and September, a period when climatic conditions favor the concentration of its compounds. After picking, the leaves go through stages such as wilting, rolling, oxidation, and drying. The process culminates in careful selection, resulting in different tea varieties, such as "Orange Pekoe," with a more intense flavor, and "Broken Leaf," known for its smoothness. This dedication to ancient methods reflects the commitment to the authenticity of Azorean tea.

The Visitor Experience:

The Porto Formoso Tea Factory offers its visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in tea culture. It is possible to explore a museum space that preserves the memories of its manufacture, from its beginnings on the islands. The panoramic gardens invite a tranquil stroll, with open views over the tea plantations that stretch across the landscape. Annually, in spring, visitors have the opportunity to witness a re-enactment of the tea leaf harvesting, with figures wearing typical 19th-century costumes, evoking the traditions of the era. This experience allows observing the tea cycle in a natural and historically valuable setting, revealing the beauty and legacy of this activity in the Azores.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt