Azorean and Iberian Cuisine

Welcome to the "Recipes from Azores" . Enjoy the recipes, and the culture of a wonderful people.
































Flowers made from a simple material; fish scales, from the island of S. Miguel, Azores

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Fish Scale's Flowers

In the Azores island, crafts are a way of making some money or to give wings to the inspiration of the people. A tourist can see delicately beautiful, jewel-like flower bouquets that are displayed like artworks under glass in the Azores islands in the Atlantic. But these artworks have a slippery secret: They're actually made from fish scales. The scales are washed thoroughly, sorted by size, dyed white, pink, yellow or peach with natural materials - using natural elements like hibiscus flowers or coffee - and then trimmed and polished. These are sewn with metallic thread and studded with pearls, the scales are glued and meticulously arranged into bouquets or "paintings" by skilled artisans. The most popular flower for this craft is the "hortênsia" or hydrangea. Usualy they are given as a wedding gift. The origin of flores em escamas de peixe (flowers in fish scales) is hazy: It is believed to have originated as a hobby of fishermen's wives in the mid-19th century. Today you can buy the fragile creations at gift shop in Ponta Delgada, on the biggest Azores island, São Miguel or at the airport and in small jewelry shops.