THE ISLANDS OF MADEIRA
Madeira's cuisine is typically Mediterranean, with plenty of fish, olive oil and garlic.
The seas surrounding Madeira are extremely productive and full of marine life. Espada, or scabbard fish, is the island's most traditional dish. Despite its terrifying appearance, this long, sharp-teethed, wide-eyed fish provides a tasty meal of white, flaky flesh, often served with sliced banana or a delicious wine and vinegar marinade.
Locally-caught atum (tuna) is usually grilled as a meaty steak served with slices of lemon. Other popular fish dishes on the island include grouper (garopa), red mullet (salmonete) and swordfish (espadarte).
The island's most famous meat dish is espetada, comprising several cubes of meat (normally beef), onions, tomatoes and peppers cooked over an open wood fire.
Another mainstay of the region's gastronomy is fried cornmeal (milho frito), often served as an accompaniment to main dishes.
The Madeirans grow a wonderful range of tropical fruits, most of which are displayed in Funchal's daily market. Visitors can buy locally-grown avocados, kiwi fruits, mangoes, papayas and figs, as well as custard apples, guavas, passion fruit, pittanga, loquat and tomarillo.