Food & Tradition

In the Serra de Monchique, Medronho belongs to a range of mountain products. Goat's cheese and honey, alongside the brandy, were sources of income for the mountain villages, and those shopping there still find them side by side today. This is why the region's festivals showcase all these things together.

At the Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais de Serra de Monchique, the traditional sausage fair, more than fifty exhibitors presented their goods in 2012 and 2013 according to reports, including sausage, cake, honey and Medronho. Alongside this, Monchique held the Feira do Presunto, the ham fair, which was at times joined by the Feira do Medronho.

Later, according to press reports, the Feira do Medronho ran as its own event, featuring a competition for the best Medronho in the area. Ham, sausages and the brandy go well together, because hearty saltiness and a strong, dry spirit balance each other out. Monchique, the main town of the Serra, presented itself in the press as the capital of Medronho. The region thereby celebrates its products, and the brandy is one of them.

Café com Medronho is also common. As with other Aguardentes, the brandy is added to coffee after a meal, as described in the literature. The coffee tempers the sharpness and lets the fruit's aroma come through.

Finally, a word on moderation. A small glass after a meal is customary, nothing more. Alcohol delays digestion, it does not speed it up, and anyone who still has to drive afterward should skip the brandy, even out of politeness toward the host.