Meet the faces and stories that bring our tradition to life. These are the people who will introduce you to the secrets of Madeiran couscous, sharing the ancestral craftsmanship and dedication that shape our identity. We invite you to discover this heritage through the experience of local artisans and the commitment of the University of Madeira research team, who together preserve this living legacy.
The Farmer: Mr. José Luís Sousa
Based in Lombada dos Marinheiros, Mr. José Luís is the guardian of a rare local seed: the canoco wheat. On his land, he maintains the cultivation of this native species through a 100% organic process, without the use of any chemicals. His work is the foundation for soil regeneration and the authenticity of the raw materials that reach the table.
The Host: Chef Duarte Martins
With over two decades of experience in 4 and 5-star hotels and as a culinary trainer, Chef Duarte Martins is an expert in transforming Madeira’s culinary heritage into elegant, contemporary experiences. A native of the island, the Chef welcomes visitors to his own home in Arco da Calheta, blending international sophistication with hospitality and seasonal local produce.
The Tradition: Chef Duarte’s Cousin
Also in Arco da Calheta, Margarida, Chef Duarte’s cousin, ensures the continuity of Madeiran couscous, a craft she learned from her mother, Benvinda, who in turn inherited the knowledge from her own mother. Having mastered this practice over more than three decades, Margarida is renowned across the island for a product distinguished by unique technical and gustatory characteristics, resulting from a manual expertise that today stands as one of the region’s rarest living heritages.
Co-creation: UMa Team
This experience was designed in co-creation with researchers from the Centre for Research, Development and Innovation in Tourism (CiTUR – Pole Madeira) of the University of Madeira within the framework of the research project ENOGASTRO-TOUR-MAD:
- António J. M. da Silva (Coordinator): Professor and researcher in cultural heritage.
- Naidea Nunes Nunes: Professor and researcher in cultural studies.
- Rossana A. N. dos Santos: Professor and researcher in tourism.
