The Azores is the only place in Europe where tea is grown commercially.
Azorean Tea origin story
The Azores is a Portuguese island chain in the north Atlantic Ocean.
In the 19th century, oranges were the biggest Azorean crop. Orange production was incredibly profitable, but when an orange blight wiped out the trees, farmers had to look elsewhere. Pineapples and sweet potatoes were some of the crops that were successfully grown.
Then, the tea plant was introduced. Initially, tea was grown for its ornamental properties, not for consumption. Only when a tea expert from China named Lau-a-Pan arrived in the Azores did commercial production of tea as a beverage take off.
Within a few decades, there were dozens and dozens of tea plantations on São Miguel along with several processing factories. In the 20th century, customs laws were put in place that crippled Azorean tea production and today there are only 2 tea plantations left.
Types of Azorean Tea
Most of the tea produced in the Azores is Black Tea.
Orange Pekoe is made from the highest quality first tea leaves. So, Orange Pekoe is not only the best quality Azorean Tea, it is also the most expensive.
The second harvest of leaves yield the Pekoe tea while the third leaves are harvested as Broken Leaf tea. Each of these is progressively less expensive.
Some Green Tea is produced on São Miguel which is not subject to the same withering and fermenting of the leaves as the more famous Black Tea.
Visiting a Tea Plantation
You can visit both remaining tea plantations on São Miguel. You’ll see the tea plant growing, learn about tea cultivation, production, and sample a cup or two. Of course, there’s a shop where you can buy tea to take home.
Gorreana Tea Plantation is the oldest tea plantation in the Azores. They’ve been around since 1883 and you can wander the trails of the tea plantation before visiting the shop and sampling their teas.
Nearby Porto Formoso Tea Factory opened in the 1920s, though it was abandoned in the 80s before being reborn in 2001. Upon arrival at Porto Formoso you can watch a short film about the history of the company and then walk amongst the tea plants which overlook the Atlantic Ocean. There’s a charming little shop and tasting room where you’ll be treated to a complimentary cup.
Getting to São Miguel
São Miguel is about a 5 1/2 hour flight from Boston and 2 1/2 hours from Lisbon. The tea plantations are on the north side of São Miguel, about a half hour drive from Ponta Delgada and PDL Airport. You’ll want a car since public transportation is spotty, at best, outside Ponta Delgada.
About the Author
Brent Petersen is the Editor-in-Chief of Destination Eat Drink. He currently resides in Setubal, Portugal. Brent has written the novel Truffle Hunt (Eckhartz Press) and the short story collection That Bird. He’s also written dozens of foodie travel guides to cities around the world on Destination Eat Drink, including an in-depth eating and drinking guide to Portugal. Brent’s podcast, also called Destination Eat Drink, is available on all major podcasting platforms.
