Best Chocolate in Portugal
Portuguese Chocolate Desserts
Chocolate is made from roasted and ground cacao seeds, typically sweetened. Obviously, the quality of cacao is essential for good chocolate! I tested a few Portuguese chocolate brands to check their quality, and here is the conclusion!
What is the history of chocolate?
I made a brief history of Chocolate on this infographic on the right.
Where does the chocolate grow?
The Chocolate birthplace is in Latin America – Mexico. But a few centuries ago, chocolate was used in rituals and medicine. And the Mayans called chocolate the drink of the gods! The Aztecs began to use cocoa beans as a bargaining chip.
The History of Chocolate in Portugal
Many centuries later, cocoa arrived in Europe with navigators. But it was not immediately added to Portuguese cuisine. The reason is simple – Our History! The traditional Portuguese desserts are the Conventual sweets. They were made in convents and monasteries by nuns or monks. Conventual sweets are characterized by large amounts of sugar, egg yolks, and almonds. Because of the civil war, the convents and monasteries were closed in 1834. And we didn’t introduce this new product in our traditional cuisine!
The first machine created during the Industrial Revolution appeared in 1828! The chocolate industry changed when Joseph Fry made the first chocolate bar in 1847.
But, the Portuguese helped this industry by providing the main product- cacao! The Portuguese took the cocoa tree from the Amazon to São Tomé & Príncipe. Portugal was one of the leading cocoa traders in the world through this colony in Africa.
Do you want to learn more about chocolate in Portugal?
Book our Food Tour in Braga. During this tour, you will taste the best chocolate brand in Portugal! Chocolataria Equador offers high-quality chocolate. They directly contact cocoa farms in São Tomé and Príncipe and export this main product to Portugal. They go to great lengths to ensure fair trade and the highest quality product available. That is why I love this company; it is an authentic and sustainable company!
If you visit this boutique chocolate store, don’t forget to buy Dark Chocolate with Port Wine. Yummy!
Should I travel without travel insurance?
No! Ask for your travel insurance quote online at no cost. You can see, it is not too expensive! Although touring is one of the safest ways to travel, accidents happen.
Chocolate Festival in Portugal
Suppose you have a trip scheduled to Portugal at the end of winter or the beginning of spring. In that case, the probability of being able to attend the Obidos Chocolate Festival is high! The event date is mobile and may change from year to year. In 2022, it will take place on March 25th, 26th, 27th, and April 1st, 2nd, and 3rd!
We recommend you visit this festival during the week. On weekends, local visitors mix with foreigners, and the volume of people increases. However, there are also more activities for adults and children these days.
The festival is next to Óbidos Castle, opposite the entrance to the village. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices next to Óbidos Castle, opposite the village gate, or on the event website. The ticket price usually costs 5€ – children from 3 to 11 years old pay less.
See our package Portugal Food Tours. That is included a walking tour in Obidos.
You are not lucky enough to visit Obidos during the festival, don’t be sad! You can buy a glass of chocolate with a ginjinha or the delicious bombocas (chocolate with marshmallows)!
Is chocolate good for humans? Is it can good for your health?
Yes, dark chocolate has antioxidants. It helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of clotting. It increases blood circulation to the heart. Cocoa contains potassium, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc, and magnesium.
How much chocolate can you eat a day?
It is recommended to approximately 1 to 2 ounces or 30-60g.