Ananas di Sao Miguel

The **Ananas di Sao Miguel** is a pineapple-based dish originating from the island of São Miguel in the Azores, Portugal, where the fruit has been cultivated in unique greenhouses since the 19th century. The name itself derives from the Portuguese word for pineapple ("ananás") and the island's designation. Key ingredients typically include fresh São Miguel pineapple, which is prized for its exceptional sweetness and low acidity, along with sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes a splash of local liqueur or wine. A great version is distinguished by the use of fully ripened fruit, often caramelized or baked to concentrate its natural sugars while retaining a tender, juicy interior; the preparation must balance sweetness with a hint of citrus or spice to avoid cloyingness. Regional variations abound within the Azores: some versions serve the pineapple raw with a sprinkle of cinnamon, while others incorporate it into flans, tarts, or flambéed desserts. A notable modern interpretation is featured at **Magma** in Terra Alta, Portogallo, as highlighted by the creator **Sentieri Golosi**; this rendition likely emphasizes the fruit's purity and may include a warm, syrupy glaze or a complementary ice cream. The dish remains a cherished emblem of Azorean gastronomy, celebrating the island's agricultural heritage and the distinctive flavor of its famous pineapples.