Cheese and Handicrafts of São Jorge Island, Azores
São Jorge is famous for its artisanal products that reflect the island’s history, culture, and natural resources. Local crafts are deeply tied to São Jorge’s traditions, with items made using age-old techniques that have been passed down through generations. Visitors to the island can take home unique, authentic pieces, from the world-renowned cheese to handcrafted quilts that brighten the island’s traditional homes.
São Jorge cheese: the island’s star product
One of the island’s most celebrated products is the São Jorge semi-hard, aged cheese known for its piquant flavor and high quality. Made from the milk of cows that graze on the lush pastures of São Jorge, this cheese is produced in large wheels, weighing between 8 and 12 kilograms (17 to 26 pounds). Its flavor intensifies with age, developing a creamy texture and a slightly spicy taste that makes it a favorite among cheese lovers. The cheese is designated as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product, meaning it’s protected and can only be produced in São Jorge.
This cheese is enjoyed locally as an appetizer or paired with Azorean wines, and it has become a popular export that showcases the island’s dairy industry.
Where to Buy?
You can purchase the cheese directly from local producers, shops, and markets. It is available in different stages of aging, from mild to more intensely flavored varieties.
Here are some of the best places to buy this renowned cheese:
- Cooperativa de Lacticínios de São Jorge (São Jorge Dairy Cooperative): Located in Beira, this cooperative is the main producer of Queijo de São Jorge. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about the cheese-making process and purchase freshly produced cheese directly from the source.
- Local markets and shops in Velas and Calheta
- Azorean specialty stores and mainland Portugal
- Online retailers
Colorful patchwork quilts: a unique handicraft tradition
These colorful patchwork quilts are one of the most characteristic forms of handicraft in the Azores. The quilts are crafted using a combination of red, yellow, and other vibrant colors in a patchwork of squares and rectangles that create a lively, patterned design. Each quilt is laboriously handmade on crude wooden looms, using traditional techniques that have been preserved over centuries. Crafted from warm wool, these quilts are designed to keep out the cold during winter nights, adding warmth and a cheerful note to the simple, whitewashed walls of local homes.
Traditional wool weaving and textiles
Beyond quilts, São Jorge’s artisans produce a variety of woolen items that showcase the island’s weaving heritage. Traditional weavers use wool sourced from local sheep to create blankets, shawls, and rugs, often adorned with intricate designs and patterns. These items are woven with skill and care, reflecting the island’s dedication to maintaining its artisanal traditions.
Handmade pottery and ceramics
Inspired by the island’s landscapes and volcanic origins, local pottery is created using techniques that have evolved over time, resulting in beautiful, durable pieces that reflect Azorean aesthetics.
Honey and local sweets
São Jorge produces high-quality honey from its diverse flora, as well as traditional sweets, including especies (spiced cookies) and coscoroes (fried pastries). These treats are beloved by locals and provide visitors with a taste of São Jorge’s culinary heritage. Know more about this island’s gastronomy.
See and buy Azorean products firsthand during our tours.