Located in the district of Santarém, the municipality of Mação reveals itself as a territory of great natural beauty and rich historical heritage. Nestled in the transition between the Southern Interior Pine Forest and the Ribatejo floodplain, this municipality offers an atmosphere of tranquility and a deep connection to the surrounding nature.
The landscape of Mação is predominantly marked by the presence of the pine forest, which extends over vast areas, and by its proximity to the Zêzere River. This river, with its serene banks and dams that create expanses of water, lends the territory a dimension of calmness and remarkable biodiversity. The interaction between the forest and the riverside environment shapes the local identity and invites observation of the fauna and flora.
Mação's cultural heritage reflects its long history, with traces dating back to ancient times. Its villages, many of them maintaining their traditional layout, tell stories of communities that have known how to preserve their customs and their relationship with the land. The simplicity of their constructions and the genuineness of their inhabitants contribute to an authentic experience, where life follows a slower pace, connected to local traditions.
Mação is an example of how history and nature intertwine to create a place of distinctive character. Its unique geography and the way of life that has developed there over the centuries are central elements to understanding the richness of this Ribatejo municipality.
Authentic flavors that tell the story of our land
Os Marqueses de Mação are an emblematic conventual sweet from the municipality, with a history that dates back to the time of the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Luz de Mação. Their preparation is simple yet exquisite, based on eggs, sugar, and almond, which gives them a soft texture and a delicate flavor. They represent a deeply rooted sweet tradition in the territory, often associated with celebrations and special moments.
The tradition of cured sausages in Mação is centuries old, reflecting the importance of pig farming and the integral use of meat in the economy and sustenance of rural families. The pig slaughter, a community ritual, gives rise to a variety of sausages such as chouriço, blood sausage with rice, farinheira, and linguiça, all traditionally cured, often smoked in wood-fired smokers. The quality of the meat and the knowledge passed down through generations give them an authentic and unmistakable flavor, strongly linked to the local gastronomic identity.
Given the vast forested area of Mação and the abundance of wild fauna, game dishes hold a prominent place in the local gastronomy. Wild boar and venison are often prepared in robust and flavorful ways, frequently stewed or roasted, and accompanied by potatoes and chestnuts, typical ingredients of the region. These dishes are a direct reflection of the municipality's natural environment and its historical connection to hunting as a form of sustenance and culture.
The proximity of the municipality of Mação to the Zêzere River significantly influences its gastronomic offering, particularly through the consumption of freshwater fish. Species such as perch and barbel are caught in the river waters and prepared in various ways, commonly fried or grilled, enhancing the fresh flavor of the fish. This type of dish establishes a direct link with the riparian ecosystem of the territory, offering a culinary experience tied to the region's water resources.
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