'Out of the blue' debates the past and future of Matosinhos' relationship with the sea.
“Heating up our sardine” was the motto for a conversation that took place yesterday at the Matosinhos Municipal Market, as part of the “Out of the blue” event.
Promoted by Opium and produced by Local Heroes with the support of Turismo de Portugal, in partnership with Matosinhos City Council, “Out of the blue” aims to discuss the future of food from the Ocean and position the coast of Northern Portugal as a privileged destination for gastronomic and sustainable tourism.
Moderated by Brazilian food journalist Rafael Tonon, the conversation focused on Matosinhos' deep relationship with fish and preserves, symbols of the city's identity, and featured the participation of Chef João Oliveira, nutritionist Helena Real, the director of Lotas and Fishing Ports of the North and Matosinhos, Nuno Coelho, and the councilor for Economy, Tourism and Internationalization, Marta Pontes.
According to Nuno Coelho, “we are the largest European producers when it comes to sardine capture. 1/3 of the sardines consumed in mainland Portugal come from Matosinhos”. It is, therefore, Docapesca's role to “ensure the flow of the product in safe conditions from the arrival of the fish until it is purchased, so that the quality and freshness are maintained until it reaches the consumer”.
In the words of Chef João Oliveira, for years, “the culture of fish consumption was somewhat lost”. Therefore, he believes that it is “necessary to instill the gastronomic culture of fish in the new generations. We have been going to schools to show the fish so that the children can get to know the fish, touch the fish, feel the fish.”
In turn, nutritionist Helena Real stated that “much of the waste nowadays comes from not knowing where the food that ends up on our plate comes from”.
“Fish is very important for our health because it reduces the risk of disease. Contrary to what we think, the amount of fish that the Portuguese population consumes is not that high. We should eat fish up to seven times a week, of which three to four times should be oily fish, namely sardines, salmon and mackerel, for their nutritional benefits, such as omega 3, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12 or iron”, revealed Helena Real.
The nutritionist advocates moderation in consumption and variety of consumption, in order to promote biodiversity. “Everything must start at home, with the preparation of these foods,” added Helena Real.
Finally, the Councilor for Economy, Tourism and Internationalization, Marta Pontes, addressed Matosinhos' relationship with the sea, in its various aspects, namely in fishing, the canning industry, gastronomy, research and sport. The mayor mentioned the commitment to gastronomic literacy in school curricula, raising awareness among young people about the benefits of consuming seasonal and local products, involving the business community in the sector in the need to keep up with new consumption trends.
“Out of the blue” takes place from October 23rd to 26th in several locations in the municipality, specifically in the Matosinhos Municipal Market.
Over four days, scientists, chefs, researchers and entrepreneurs debate sustainability, the new blue economy and the tourism of the future. Conversations, tastings with local products, themed guided tours, workshops, showcookings and activities for schools and families are part of the “Out of the blue” event program.
Check out the full event schedule at https://outofthebluematosinhos.pt/matosinhos-pt
This initiative is part of the municipal program “Business Month”, which consists of carrying out a series of specific activities for the sector with the aim of supporting economic activity and the business fabric of the municipality of Matosinhos.
For more information about the event and its schedule, visit https://www.matosinhosinvest.pt/evento-32/mes-das-empresas-2024