Traditional foodways in Serra da Estrela

daily food practices, specific shepherd’s diet, local products, and restaurants

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14195/0871-1623_49_7

Keywords:

Foodways, gastronomy, Portuguese regional gastronomy, Serra da Estrela, shepherds

Abstract

The study focuses on traditional and sustainable food practices in Serra da Estrela region (Portugal), with a specific emphasis on the dietary habits of shepherds, the local population, and how these practices are reflected in the local restaurant scene. It explores the role of food in shaping regional identity, collective memory, while fostering a sense of belonging. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research includes literature review, semi-structured interviews, direct application questionnaires, and menu analysis in the restaurant sector. The findings reveal an evolution in the dietary habits of both shepherds and the general population, with an increased variety of consumed products, driven by changes such as the sedentarization of shepherds, evolving cultural traditions, and the bigger availability of non-local food products. However, the consumption of traditional dishes based on sheep and goat meat persists, particularly during festive occasions. The local food practices, both in daily life and on exceptional days, shape the regional gastronomic landscape, which is primarily represented in the restaurant offerings by the dishes of those special occasions. Local restaurants focus on an exceptional connotated dishes associated with communities’ special moments, including desserts.

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Published

2024-05-15