Madeira’s local agriculture, farming & fishing

What grows in Madeira?

Madeira has a subtropical climate and provides almost perfect conditions for agriculture. The name of the island means ‘wood,’ as it was once covered by a dense forest, which contributed to the fertility of its soil. You might wonder how a volcanic island with such a rugged landscape can be suitable for farming, but the Madeirans have adapted remarkably well.

You may have noticed terraced layers of land divided by stone walls. These terraces, called poios are built to prevent soil erosion, manage water efficiently, create arable land on slopes, preserve soil fertility, support sustainable farming, and often hold cultural or aesthetic significance.

Madeira was once part of the spice trade routes. Over the decades, many seeds were brought to Madeira, and with its near-perfect climate, they discovered that almost anything could grow here—and throughout the year.

The island also has one of the most sophisticated irrigation systems in the world, believed to have been influenced by ancient Greek designs. This system, known as levadas, channels water from the wetter northern side of the island to the drier south, improving conditions for agriculture.

What fruits grow in Madeira?  

The most popular are bananas, papaya, passion fruit, lemon, grapes, figs, guava, pitanga, avocado, cherry, plumbs, tangerine, mango, surinam cherry, plumbs, melon and many other common fruits. For more exotic fruits, rare to find in supermarkets check the question below.

What exotic rare fruits you can eat in Madeira?

Besides knowing the name or where to find them, it’s important to know how to eat them. Here is a list of exotic fruits in Madeira and how you should eat them:

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Custard apple (Anona):

It’s sweet and very tasty. Works the same as avocado. You should buy it when is hard and wait till gets soft. Then, on the first day, you have to eat it. Cut it and eat the white from the inside. The seeds are big and will be easy to find. If you leave it for too long, it will start to get yellow inside and change the taste which will not be so good anymore. Then follow the same principle as avocado. If you wanna buy a soft one, be aware that should be harder than softer of touch. Never way too soft! 

Monstera Deliciosa (Banana-Pineapple Fruit): ‍

This fruit looks like a green ear of corn. Let it ripen until the scales start to lift, then peel them off to eat the flesh beneath. It tastes like a mix of banana and pineapple. Be cautious: unripe parts can be irritating. 

Named also as ‘delicious fruit’ it’s a rare fruit but grows everywhere on the island. Some stores or salespeople take advantage of tourists asking way too expensive prices for them. Don’t do it! Check on YouTube for more information on how to eat it.

Tabaibo (is a fruit from a cactus):

‍They love this fruit here. Never think to collect it yourself from a cactus. Can be very painful and it’s almost impossible to pill without proper gloves. Buy it at the market or from people on the street (already cleaned). Is sweet and watery with some seeds inside. You may crazy like it or be impassive about it. 

Physalis:‍

You probably saw this fruits often as decoration of food. They are sweet and probably you tried them before. Here you can find them in supermarkets and they are cheap to buy. 

Chestnut:

Something they love to eat here. If you walk on the main Monumental Boulevard of Funchal and you notice a huge smoke from somewhere, just know - there they cook this chestnut of real fire. They are tasty and worth to try it. 

Loquats:

Sweet and a bit sour, they are very tasty and cheap to buy. Also very healthy fruits to eat. 

Araçal:

Taste of it is reminiscent of guava. It’s a vitamin C powerhouse. 

Banana passion fruit:

It’s a mix of the two fruits that taste sour and tangy very close to passion fruit. 

Tamarillo (or English tomato):

On Madeira island you can find them everywhere, it’s sweet and acidic and can be eaten with a soon. They name it like this because the trees was brought by the English on the island sLoquats - some people use it as an ornamental plant but the fruits are quite tasty. They just don’t last long after you collect them. Worth to try it. Easy to find and very cheap to buy. 

Tangerines:

Known as a different type of Mandarines. You can distinguish them due to the yellow green pill instead on orange. Madeira Island has an intense aroma easily distinguishable from other tangerines, being traditionally used to enrich several foods and beverages.

What Vegetables Grow in Madeira?

‍Thanks to Madeira's fertile soil and subtropical climate, farmers can grow almost any type of vegetable year-round. Local markets and supermarkets are brimming with fresh produce, including onions, potatoes (with several varieties, including sweet potatoes), tomatoes, cucumbers, beets, broccoli, cabbage, green beans, pumpkins, eggplants, peppers, chayote (pimpinela), garlic, leeks, spinach, and more. The abundance of fresh, local vegetables makes Madeira a haven for food lovers and a wonderful place to explore seasonal, farm-fresh produce.

Sweet Potatoes of Madeira (Batata Doce)

‍Madeira is especially known for its unique potato varieties. The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), native to South America, was introduced to Europe by the Portuguese and is now a beloved crop in Madeira. Known for its rustic nature, low production costs, and resistance to pests, it thrives in the archipelago’s fertile soil and subtropical climate.

Madeira is home to unique varieties such as  “Brasileira”; “5 bicos”; “Cenoura regional”; “Inglesa”; “Cabeiras”; “Amarelinha” and “Cabreira branca do Porto Santo’’, all cultivated using traditional practices. These varieties are so distinctive that "Sweet Potato of Madeira" (Batata Doce da Madeira) is now being registered as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in the European Union, safeguarding its authenticity and heritage.

If you’re visiting Madeira, don’t miss the chance to taste these exceptional sweet potatoes, a true highlight of the region’s agricultural tradition!

What are they farming in Madeira?

On an industrial level, Madeira primarily produces chicken, both for meat and eggs, as well as engaging in fish farming. If you spot sheep, goats, or cows during your rides or walks in rural areas, they are most likely part of small-scale local production that provides meat for Restaurants or local small butcher shops.

The majority of the meat consumed on the island is imported. Although large-scale farming is not currently prominent in Madeira, you may notice some abandoned farms in Santo da Serra, once growing pigs, hinting at the island’s past agricultural activities.

What are the best traditional meat dishes to try in Madeira?

Meat on a Stick (Espatada):

Espetada is one of Madeira's most iconic and delicious traditional dishes! It's essentially skewered meat, typically beef, marinated with garlic, salt, and bay leaves, then grilled over an open flame or on a barbecue. What makes Madeira's espetada unique is its preparation method. Traditionally, the meat is skewered on a laurel stick, which imparts a subtle aromatic flavor during cooking. These skewers are often cooked over hot coals, giving the meat a smoky and juicy finish. Espetada is typically served with milho frito (fried cornmeal cubes) and fresh local bread, such as bolo do caco, spread with garlic butter. It’s a must-try dish for anyone visiting Madeira, often enjoyed during festivities or at traditional restaurants, called adegas.

Picado:

Another beloved traditional dish from Madeira that’s perfect for sharing! It consists of small, tender cubes of beef or pork, seasoned and sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and sometimes a touch of chili for a mild kick. The meat is often accompanied by fried potatoes, all mixed together in one big platter. It’s a dish made for communal enjoyment, with everyone diving in and grabbing bites using toothpicks or forks. Picado is a staple in Madeira’s social dining scene, often paired with a cold beer or local wine. It’s especially popular in family gatherings and casual restaurants. Don’t be surprised if it comes in generous portions—you’ll need friends to help finish it!

What are they fishing in Madeira?

The island is known for fishing! They even have a fisherman city named Camera de Lobos. The most popular is fishing the tuna and scabbard fish. Other less popular are sea bream, mackerel, grouper, trout, and Azores chromes. They also have a fish farming in the ocean of Dorada, and a forgot farming in Ribeiro Frio.  

What are the best traditional fish dishes to try in Madeira?

Scabbard Fish (Espada):

One of Madeira’s signature dishes, scabbard fish is often served with passion fruit sauce and fried banana, creating a distinctive blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Tuna (Atum): Madeira is abundant in various tuna species, including bigeye, albacore, and skipjack. One of the most popular dishes is tuna steak, seasoned with “molho vilão,” a sauce made with vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, oregano, and pepper. Madeira also once had a thriving tuna canning industry.

Codfish (Bacalhau): Although not locally caught, salted cod is beloved in Madeira. Imported in its dried and salted form, bacalhau is prepared in numerous ways, with locals boasting at least 10 different recipes. Drying and salting the cod enhances its flavor, though it requires a long process of soaking and desalting before cooking.

These dishes reflect Madeira’s culinary tradition, blending fresh local seafood with unique seasonings and techniques.

What seafood is special in Madeira?

One of the most popular and authentic dishes you can eat on the island are grilled limpets. They collect them from the big rocks by the wild beaches, and they are a rare delicacy to eat as they grow just in the water of the Ocean. Another delicacy is octopus and squid. The rest of the seafood products are most probably imported. 

What are the best seafood dishes to try in Madeira?

Seafood lovers will enjoy:

Limpets (Lapas):

‍Grilled limpets are a local delicacy, often cooked with garlic and lemon.

Octopus and Squid: Commonly featured in stews, grilled or salads.

Where to buy fresh fish in Madeira?

If you’re staying in Funchal, we highly recommend visiting the fish market at Mercado dos Lavradores. You can enter through the back of the building or via the market itself. Fresh local fish is also available in major supermarkets in the city center, such as Pingo Doce Anadia, located near the old town, and Continente Modelo Monumental in São Martinho, on the newer side of Funchal. Additionally, larger supermarkets can be found in shopping centers like Madeira Shopping, Forum Madeira, and La Vie Funchal.

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