Galega Green Olive Paste with Dry Figs

The Galega Green Olive Paste with Dry Figs is an authentic combination of Portuguese gastronomy, bringing together the intensity of the Galega olive—an exclusive variety in the world and considered the true “Portuguese olive”—with the natural sweetness of the Honey Drop fig from the Trás-os-Montes region. The result is a creamy, balanced, and versatile paste, where the vibrant, slightly tangy flavor of the olive merges with the smooth, sweet texture of the dried fig, creating a rich and memorable tasting experience.

Handcrafted with care, it highlights 100% Portuguese ingredients and preserves the Mediterranean tradition of consuming olives and figs, two historic staples of the Portuguese diet since Roman times. Rich in flavor, it is also a natural source of nutrients, combining the healthy fats of the olive with the fibers and minerals of the dried fig.

Versatile and practical, this paste is perfect for different moments at the table. It can be enjoyed on a slice of cornbread, Avintes cornbread, toasted bread, or fresh multigrain bread, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. In salads, it reveals its surprising character, whether in vegetarian combinations, with fruits, salmon, or chicken, where its sweet-and-sour profile enhances the freshness of the ingredients.

As an appetizer, it pairs beautifully with seaweed crackers or cheese and charcuterie boards, elevating the gourmet experience. It can also be incorporated into main dishes, used as a filling for pasta, or served alongside roasted meats, adding sophistication and a distinct Portuguese identity to any recipe.

The Galega Green Olive Paste with Dry Figs is a way to savor the essence of Portugal’s gastronomic tradition in every tasting, transforming everyday meals into unique experiences full of authenticity.

The Galega Green Olive Paste with Dry Figs is extremely versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. One of the most traditional pairings is spread on slices of Portuguese cornbread ("broa de milho") or "broa de Avintes", where the intense flavor of the olive balances the natural sweetness of the fig, creating the perfect contrast with the rustic character of the bread. It is also delicious on toasted bread or fresh multigrain loaves, making it a flavorful and nutritious choice for breakfast, snacks, or appetizers.

In salads, this paste stands out as a unique and flavorful element. It pairs beautifully with vegetarian salads, enhancing the freshness of vegetables, but also works in fruit salads, creating a sweet-and-savory fusion. For seafood lovers, it adds a Mediterranean touch to salmon salads, while in chicken salads, it brings depth and freshness to every bite.

As an appetizer, it’s a sophisticated choice: serve it on seaweed crisps for a modern twist, or as a complement to artisanal cheese, charcuterie, and nut boards, elevating the gourmet experience. It’s also excellent with cold starters, adding an elegant sweet-and-savory balance that surprises the palate.

Finally, this paste is a wonderful ingredient for main dishes. It can be used as a filling for fresh pasta, such as ravioli or tortellini, where the contrast between olive and fig becomes the star of the dish. With meat dishes, like roasted poultry or oven-baked meats, it works as a refined accompaniment, adding intensity, creaminess, and a distinctly Portuguese flavor to any recipe.

1. Pepper pinch with “Galega” Green Olive Paste with dry figs meia.dúzia® - Chef Álvaro Costa
2. Anchovy Pinch with Red Pepper Chutney meia.dúzia® and “Galega” Green Olive Paste with dry figs meia.dúzia® - Chef Álvaro Costa
3. Tuna Tapas with Onion and “Galega” Green Olive Paste with dry figs meia.dúzia® - Chef Ignatius

“Galega” olive (82.0%), fig (0.3%), virgin olive oil, spices, aromatic herbs, acidity regulator (citric acid) and salt. It may contain traces of olive pits.

Average nutritional information per 100 g / 3.53 oz: : Energy 1257kJ / 299 kcal; Fats 9,6 g / 0.3oz , of which saturated fat acids 5,3 g / 0.2oz; Carbohydrates 48,9 g / 2oz, of which sugars 45,7 g / 2oz; Proteins 2,5g / 0.09oz; Salt 0,0 g / 0.0 oz.

The Galega Green Olive Paste with Dry Figs is based on one of the finest ingredients in Portuguese gastronomy: the Galega Olive from Beira Baixa PGI. This unique variety, often called the “Portuguese olive,” stands out for its delicate flavor, subtle wine-like aroma, and singular characteristics that reflect the deep connection between the olive tree and the Beira Baixa region.

Galega Olive from Beira Baixa PGI

The Galega Olive from Beira Baixa PGI is made from the Galega variety of the species *Olea europaea L.* Its fermentation follows the traditional natural curing method, passed down through generations, which enhances its weight, color, and salt balance while preserving its authentic and traditional character. The region’s climate, fertile soils, and centuries of local expertise all contribute to a truly distinctive product in both the national and international culinary landscape.

The production area of this olive covers all the municipalities of Beira Baixa, from Covilhã, Fundão, and Castelo Branco to Oleiros, Sertã, Vila de Rei, and Mação, among others. This strong link between territory and tradition makes the Galega Olive not only a symbol of the region’s gastronomic identity but also a product of certified quality and reputation through its PGI designation.

Olive cultivation in Beira Baixa has deep historical roots, with records dating back to the early 16th century. Even then, olive groves covered vast areas around Castelo Branco, becoming an integral part of the landscape and the local economy. To this day, the Galega Olive from Beira Baixa is still produced and preserved using the same artisanal methods, passed down from generation to generation, ensuring its status as a traditional product essential to the Portuguese diet.

Thus, the Galega Olive from Beira Baixa PGI remains a true Portuguese gastronomic heritage, a symbol of tradition, authenticity, and regional identity, all reflected in the unique flavor of this paste.