Viagens de um património alimentar português

O Arroz-doce

Abstract

The recognition, valorisation and promotion of food heritage enables the recovery of flavours, knowledge and know-how, pillars of a people's culture and identity, promoting their transmission to future generations, which is essential for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. The tourist experience is increasingly a sensory experience, and most tourists can understand the local culture through its gastronomy. Therefore, including food heritage in the gastronomic tourism offer is a pillar for developing the tourist experience, contributing to local development and territorial branding.

Rice pudding has marked its presence in Portuguese confectionery since medieval times and is still present on everyday tables today, and is a must at festivities, particularly at Christmas.

The aim of this study is to analyse the changes in Rice pudding over the centuries, in terms of ingredients, quantities and units of measurement, preparation and presentation of the recipe. Although food heritage is not static, reflecting historical and social changes, the analysis allows us to conclude that Rice pudding recipe is almost unchanged, thus justifying its prominent place in traditional Portuguese confectionery and gastronomic tourism and its classification as Portuguese food heritage.