An idea for a stay in the Maltese archipelago: visiting the producers is a way to discover the best of Maltese gastronomy during your vacations. Some good local products from Malta and Gozo to savor on the spot… And that travel well in a luggage…
Local product of Malta : the olive
Olive oil productionhas been reviving in Malta for some years now: olive trees had been felled to make way for orange and almond trees. A safeguarding plan in which some forty producers are participating has made it possible to revive the cultivation of the Maltese olive, the bidni, which has been present for 2000 years. Low in acidity, it can be tasted with great pleasure and its high quality oil is now recognized worldwide. An Olive Festival is held in Żejtun in September.
Producer address: Samuel Cremona – Wardija village (St Paul’s bay)
Local product of Malta : wine
Less well known than French, Italian or Spanish wines, Malta’s wines are nevertheless beginning to make a name for themselves in international competitions. The small wine production in Malta is made from classic grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, Merlot, Chardonnay but also two exclusively Maltese varieties: Gellewza and Ghirghentina adapted to limestone soils. Planted on small plots, it is interesting to discover the Maltese vineyards and to be informed by the winemakers.
Producer address: Emmanuel Delicata in Nadur
Local product of Malta : cheese
The only real cheese speciality on the Maltese archipelago, real “ġbejna” made from goat’s or sheep’s milk is made in Gozo. If the family production has almost disappeared, visiting a small artisanal workshop allows you to see the stages of production, taste the different varieties of ġbejna (fresh, dry, with pepper…) and how to use it in the kitchen. On sale in all the shops of the archipelago, this typical cheese of Gozo should not be confused with the industrial production made on the island of Malta from pasteurized cow’s milk… rather bland.
Producer address: Ta’ Rikardu 4, Triq il-Fosos, in the Ċittadelle of Victoria (Gozo).
Local product of Malta and Gozo: honey
Malta and honey: a love story since Roman times! About 200 small Maltese beekeepers produce with passion a honey unique in the world. Often with the scent of wild thyme, its beautiful amber color invites you to a beautiful tasting during your walks on the markets of the Maltese archipelago. You will also find products based on beeswax and propolis.
Address of producer: Arnold Grech Xehda Ghasel 15 Triq il-Ferrovija -Attard
Other local products from Malta and Gozo
Dried tomatoes, spreads made from black or green olives, red peppers… Or the famous Bigilla made from beans and spices. A must-have that you will find on every market: the jars of capers of Malta ! Caper trees grow wild: you can even harvest your own in May. For those who love sweets, the fruits of Malta are transformed into delicious jams, but also into liqueur: carob, strawberry, almond, orange and prickly pear…
Producer’s address: Ta’ Mena Handicraft Workshops, Rabat Road- Xaghra (between Victoria and Marsalforn in Gozo).
NB : Think about the capacity of the products if you travel with a “cabin baggage”: it would be a shame to have to leave your purchases at the boarding !
Discover what characterizes the cuisine in Malta in our dedicated article.
