The island of Gozo is a heaven for agriculture. Gozo food produce is very diversified. This is due to the island’s location in the center of the Mediterranean Sea.
The Mediterranean climate is excellent for cultivating and producing agricultural produce. Temperatures are “warm” all year round, with an abundance of sunshine. Winters are described as cold and dry, while summer as hot and humid. Despite the helpful climate that the island enjoys, cultivation becomes tricky in coastal areas where fields may be subject to salt from the sea during windy days.
What fruits grow on Gozo?
Fruits do thrive on Gozo, however some perform better than others. Apart from their growth rate, the climate and soil affect their texture and taste which renders some fruit very appealing.
As a prime choice of fruit, one finds all citrus fruits, especially in the North East of the island, on the outskirts of Nadur village.
Lemon
Lime
Orange
Mandolin
Blood orange
Fruits that grow naturally without much care
Dates
Fig
Prickly Pear
Water Melon
Melon
Other fruits found on the island
Apple
Pear
Strawberry
Kiwi
Banana
Vegetables
The list of Gozo food produce excels in the area of vegetables. With a vast array of vegetables that grow on the island, some are seasonal while others are able to mature all year round.
Following are some examples:
All year round vegetables
Lettuce
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Onion
Carrot
Seasonal
Tomato
Cucumber
Soybeans
Peppers
Pumpkin
Thanks to such a variety of produce, the local people were able to differentiate their nutrition, and throughout the ages a delicious and interesting culinary expertise was created in the warm houses of the Gozitans.
Livestock
The island is also home to a few animal farms mainly pigs, cows, and chickens. Unlike other animals, rabbits are bred in small family farms. This results in better tender meat. Local animal farming supplies fresh meat to the inhabitants of the island. Also, animal produce is of high demand to make milk, yogurt, and cheese.
On a smaller scale you will find quite a few goat farms. These fairy animals are not farmed for meat but for their excellent milk. The dairy produce is used to make “gbejniet” also knows as cheeselets. The cheese is considered as a local delicacy and can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or with herbs, served for lunch or as a snack along with “gallet”.
Fish
The food production on Gozo extends beyond the island’s shores where fishing has been practiced for centuries.
The sea was and remains a big source of food and hosts different types of fish. With modern boats, fishermen can venture further away from land, especially to the south of Gozo where the marine life is more abundant.
Some of the local fish that are found in the Gozitan cuisine:
Dolphine Fish
Sea Bream
Squid
Octapus
Tuna
Sword Fish
Oysters
Scallops
Sea Urchins
You can not visit Gozo without indulging in our palate of food