Travel Kit – Special Christmas Edition No. 3

Creative Ideas to Use Each Flavor

The jams, olive paste, and chutney in tubes by meia.dúzia® were created to simplify the pleasure of enjoying artisanal products, blending innovation with tradition. Versatile and practical, they allow you to explore the best of Portuguese gastronomy in a modern way, adding a touch of originality to appetizers, main dishes, and desserts.

During the Portuguese Christmas season, these tubes become the perfect allies for reinventing classic recipes such as codfish, roasted turkey, “bolo-rei,” and French toast. Each flavor adds freshness, sophistication, and authenticity, transforming every meal into a memorable experience full of Portuguese taste.

Azores Pineapple Extra Jam with Lemongrass

With its tropical aroma and citrus notes, this jam is a true explosion of freshness that pairs perfectly with festive dishes and desserts. The contrast between the sweetness of pineapple and the herbal touch of lemongrass creates unique harmonies—ideal for balancing rich flavors and adding lightness to holiday meals.

• Flaked codfish or cold Christmas salads: Use as a light vinaigrette or topping to add freshness and shine to the dish.
• Cured ham or sausages: The sweet-and-sour balance enhances the salty, aged textures—perfect for appetizer boards.
• French toast and doughnuts: Serve as a citrus and aromatic topping, making these desserts lighter and irresistible.
• “Bolo-rei” or “Bolo-rainha” (traditional fruit cakes): An exotic touch that balances the richness of dried fruits and nuts.
• Christmas cocktails: Mix a spoonful of jam with gin or rum to create a tropical cocktail with a Portuguese soul.

Fig and Orange Extra Jam with Cinnamon

Rich and aromatic, this jam captures the essence of the Portuguese winter. The blend of “pingo de mel” figs, Algarve oranges, and cinnamon creates a warm flavor—perfect for pairing with cheeses and festive desserts. A choice that combines tradition, elegance, and authenticity.

• Christmas cheeses: Ideal with aged cheeses such as Serra da Estrela PDO, Brie, or Gorgonzola.
• Roasted turkey or pork loin: A spoonful of this jam as a glaze or sauce adds a sweet-and-spiced aroma.
• Almond or ricotta cake: Use as filling or topping to add flavor and texture.
• “Filhós” or “filhoses” (Portuguese fried pastries): Serve warm over these traditional treats to enhance the cinnamon and orange notes.
• Artisanal “Bolo-rei”: Spread a thin layer between slices for a festive citrus touch.

Pumpkin and Orange Jam with Rosemary and Eucalyptus Honey, Cinnamon and Liqueur Wine

With warm, aromatic notes, this jam expresses the true spirit of a Portuguese Christmas. Honey, cinnamon, and liqueur wine evoke memories of cozy firesides and homemade desserts. Its creamy texture and intense flavor make it the perfect complement to traditional recipes.

• Aged cheeses and “requeijão” (fresh cheese): A classic of Portuguese confectionery, perfect for Christmas starters.
• Cornbread-crusted codfish or roasted octopus: A spoonful of this jam on the plate creates a unique sweet-and-sour contrast.
• French toast: Use as a warm topping to intensify the holiday aroma.
• Toasts and scones: Spread for a cozy winter snack full of flavor.
• Walnut or almond cake: Ideal as filling, adding sweetness and shine to the cake’s interior.

Galega Olive Paste with Fig

Authentic and versatile, this paste combines the intense flavor of Galega olives with the sweetness of dried figs, reflecting the perfect balance between savory and sweet—so characteristic of Portuguese cuisine. It’s an ideal ingredient for appetizers and main courses, especially during Christmas meals.

• Cornbread or rustic bread toasts: A perfect appetizer to pair with red or sparkling wine.
• Roasted turkey: Serve as a sweet-and-savory complement that enhances the flavor of white meats.
• Christmas salads: Add as a final touch to chicken, codfish, or roasted vegetable salads.
• Cheese and charcuterie boards: Harmonizes beautifully with cured ham, goat cheese, and nuts.
• Pasta and ravioli: Use as filling or sauce to add Mediterranean flavor and creaminess.

Red Pepper Chutney

With its sweet-and-sour and slightly smoky profile, this chutney is a versatile ally for festive and savory dishes. Fresh lemon zest and the spicy touch of ginger add intensity and elegance to the Christmas table, balancing flavors and creating memorable contrasts.

• Stuffed turkey or roasted beef: A vibrant accompaniment that enhances the meat’s flavor.
• “Bacalhau à lagareiro” (olive oil-roasted cod): A small spoonful creates an irresistible sweet and smoky contrast.
• Cheese boards: Pairs well with strong, aged, or goat cheeses.
• Cold appetizers: Excellent in canapés, vegetable wraps, or toasts with cured ham.
• Savory fritters and pies: A creative topping that gives new life to traditional recipes.

São Tomé Dark Chocolate Spread with Cherry and Brandy

The contrast between intense São Tomé dark chocolate, Fundão cherry, and Portuguese brandy makes this spread an irresistible choice for Christmas desserts. Its creamy texture and refined taste transform simple dishes into sophisticated experiences.

• “Bolo-rei” and chocolate cake: Spread as filling or topping for a luxurious, aromatic touch.
• French toast and doughnuts: Cover with a thin layer of this spread and garnish with fresh cherries.
• Cheesecake or tiramisu: Use as an intermediate layer for a wine-kissed, fruity contrast.
• Pancakes and waffles: A rich topping that turns breakfast into a festive dessert.
• Turkey or foie gras: For bold palates, use a small amount as a refined sweet-and-savory contrast.

Flavors That Transform Christmas

The Travel Kit – Special Christmas Edition No. 3 is a carefully curated selection designed to create authentic and surprising combinations. Each tube is a practical and creative way to celebrate Portugal’s flavors—reimagining traditions and elevating classic recipes with a modern, sustainable touch.

Whether at a family dinner, a festive gathering with friends, or as a special gift, these flavors make Christmas more Portuguese, more flavorful, and more unforgettable.

Discover the Origins and Identity of the Ingredients

The Travel Kit – Special Christmas Edition No. 3 brings together fruits, olives, spices, and emblematic ingredients that reflect the agricultural diversity of Portugal and its Mediterranean heritage. Each tube expresses the connection between territory, tradition, and craftsmanship—transforming premium raw materials into authentic combinations for celebration and sharing.

More than a set of flavors, this kit is a journey through Portuguese regions and the historical routes that brought to our tables ingredients such as cocoa, cinnamon, and brandy. A collection that honors artisanal methods, respect for nature, and the identity of a Portuguese Christmas.

Azores Pineapple PDO

Grown exclusively on São Miguel Island, the Azores Pineapple (Cayenne variety) holds Protected Designation of Origin status and is cultivated in glass greenhouses using traditional techniques such as smoking and “warm beds” of organic matter. The two-year cycle allows for a uniquely aromatic profile and sweetness balanced by fresh acidity.

With its deep orange peel and translucent golden-yellow pulp, it offers an irresistible sweet-and-tart tropical flavor. It serves as the perfect base for a jam that celebrates the authenticity of São Miguel and more than a century of export tradition to Europe.

Lemongrass from Portugal

Lemongrass has found ideal conditions for sustainable, often organic cultivation in Portugal. Known for its fresh, citrus fragrance, it is appreciated in both gastronomy and herbal traditions for its light, revitalizing notes.

In the pineapple jam, it enhances the tropical character and adds citrus freshness, creating an elegant and balanced fusion that modernizes a recipe inspired by the Azores.

“Pingo de Mel” Fig from Trás-os-Montes

In Trás-os-Montes, figs are classified as lampos (May/June) or vindimos (July/September). This fruit has remarkable organoleptic characteristics, rich in B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium.

The “pingo de mel” variety offers dense, honey-like pulp—ideal for jams with a rich texture and deep flavor, where natural sweetness finds balance in citrus and spices.

Pumpkin

Originally from North and Central America, pumpkin became part of the Mediterranean diet after the Age of Discoveries and is now a constant in Portuguese confectionery—from jams to traditional cakes and convent desserts. Rich in beta-carotene (provitamin A), it stands out for its vibrant color and soft texture.

It serves as a smooth, creamy base for harmonies with orange, honey, and cinnamon—symbolizing comfort and cultural identity at the Portuguese table.

Algarve Orange PGI

With Protected Geographical Indication status, Algarve oranges benefit from over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and fertile soils, resulting in thin-skinned citrus fruits with intense aroma and high juice content. Their balance between sweetness and acidity is their signature.

In the jam, they add citrus freshness and brightness, enhancing the pumpkin’s sweetness and reinforcing a distinctly Portuguese profile.

Rosemary and Eucalyptus Honey

Harvested from Portuguese apiaries, rosemary and eucalyptus honeys are light brown in color, with floral aroma and balsamic notes. They are aromatic and persistent, heirs to a long national beekeeping tradition.

In the jam, they bring natural, fragrant sweetness, rounding out flavors and adding aromatic depth.

Port Wine

A fortified wine from the Douro Valley, aged in wood barrels, famous for its body, balanced sweetness, and notes of dried fruits and spices. It is an icon of Portuguese identity and a staple in festive recipes.

Integrated into the pumpkin and orange jam, it provides warmth and complexity, leaving an elegant finish on the palate.

Galega Olive from Beira Baixa PGI

Made from the Galega variety (Olea europaea L.), the Galega Olive from Beira Baixa PGI is fermented using the natural curing method passed down through generations—preserving color, texture, and balanced saltiness. The production area includes municipalities such as Covilhã, Fundão, Castelo Branco, Oleiros, Sertã, Vila de Rei, and Mação.

With historical roots dating back to the 16th century, it maintains an artisanal process that honors the land and results in a distinctive and authentic product, essential to the Portuguese diet and perfect when paired with fig.

Red Pepper from Póvoa de Varzim

Póvoa de Varzim, in northern Portugal, has a strong horticultural tradition. In fertile soils and under a mild Atlantic climate, local red peppers develop a sweet flavor, meaty texture, and intense aroma.

They are the base of our chutney, providing body, freshness, and a genuinely Portuguese character to a sweet-and-sour, versatile recipe.

São Tomé Dark Chocolate (70% Cocoa)

Cocoa from São Tomé is renowned for its purity and sensory depth. With 70% cocoa, this chocolate offers notes of coffee and blackberries, a firm yet elegant bitterness. The history of cocoa in the archipelago dates back to the Portuguese maritime routes of the 15th century.

In the spread, it provides structure and intensity, serving as the perfect base to contrast with fruits and fine spirits.

Fundão Cherry PGI

A symbol of the Cova da Beira region, the Fundão Cherry holds Protected Geographical Indication status and stands out for its firm pulp, deep color, and balanced sweetness with mild acidity. It benefits from a unique climate and soil, expressing the freshness of the mountains.

In the chocolate spread, it adds fruity smoothness and brightness, creating the perfect contrast with the intensity of cocoa.

Portuguese Brandy

A traditional Portuguese spirit aged in wood, brandy reveals complex wine notes, deep aroma, and a hint of spice. It is a symbol of refinement and tradition in Portuguese culture.

In the spread, it adds warmth and sophistication, balancing the cherry’s sweetness with the dark chocolate’s bitterness and extending the finish elegantly.

Cinnamon

With a warm, sweet aroma reminiscent of cloves and citrus, cinnamon has a light brown hue with bronze reflections. For nearly 200 years, the Portuguese controlled the monopoly of this spice from Sri Lanka, marking the history of our gastronomy.

In the recipes of this kit, it provides an enveloping fragrance and seasonal identity, elevating winter jams and harmonies with fruits, honey, and Port wine.

A Tribute to Portuguese Diversity

Each ingredient in this kit carries its own history, climate, and territory—from the Atlantic orchards of the Azores to the Douro valleys, from northern gardens to the mountains of Beira Interior. The result is a collection that celebrates origin, authenticity, and tradition.

By offering this Travel Kit, you are also offering a piece of Portugal: flavors that unite memory and innovation, perfect for making Christmas more Portuguese and unforgettable.