Azaruja sausage facts for kids
Azaruja sausage is a special kind of sausage from a town called Azaruja in Portugal. This town is in the Évora region, which is part of Alentejo. These sausages are so unique and important that they are listed on the Ark of Taste. This list helps protect traditional foods from around the world.
Azaruja Sausage: A Taste of Portugal
Azaruja sausages are usually made only at certain times of the year. This happens during the pig harvest season, which runs from December to February. They are made using a special type of pig called the Alentejo black pig. This pig is also known as the Iberian black pig.
Besides pork, the sausages include tasty spices and bread. The families who make these sausages have recipes that are over 150 years old! They prepare them in their traditional home kitchens. They even use special fireplaces found in the Alentejo region.
Types of Azaruja Sausage
There are a few different kinds of Azaruja sausage, each with its own unique flavor and ingredients:
- Batateira: This sausage is made with pork fat and cooked potatoes. It also has garlic, pepper, and salt for seasoning. The mixture is put into a pork casing. Then, it is smoked over special woods like holm oak, cork oak, or olive wood. After smoking, it is cooked slowly over a flame.
- Botifarra: This type uses different parts of the pig. These include ears, snout, and head, along with pork fat scraps. It is seasoned simply with salt and pepper. The seasoned mix is put into intestines, which are then cooked. These sausages need to be kept cold and eaten within two weeks.
- Linguiça: This sausage is made from ground pork leg, tripe, and fat from the pig's head. It is seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper. After being made, it is dried for about two months. Unlike the others, Linguiça is usually eaten raw.
