Submitted by Rebecca Biddle on the 2020 winter session program in Portugal sponsored by the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and College of Arts and Sciences…
This past week, my group and I had the opportunity to dive into some of the best foods Portugal has to offer. Although the people of Portugal do not focus too much on breakfast food, they sure do know their way around pastries! Lisbon is home to the world famous Pastéis de Nata. This delicious treat is comprised of a crisp, flaky crust holding a creamy center. Even more amazing than the taste is the story behind this staple food. The Pastéis de Nata originates from one of the oldest neighborhoods in Lisbon called Belem. Catholic monks living in Belem’s monastery, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, in the 18th century used large quantities of eggs to starch their clothing. The excess yolk was often used in the kitchen to make baked goods, hence the birth of Pastéis de Nata. Fast forward to the year 2020 and to this day only two people living on Earth know the original recipe, one being a descendant of the inventor, and the other being a descendant of the owner of Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém bakery who was sold this recipe back in 1834. Because of this deal, people from around the globe can continue to enjoy this crunchy, creamy dessert for centuries to come.
