Montemor-o-Velho Sweet Corn Ears

Espigas Doces de Montemor-o-Velho are long, golden, deeply ridged cakes shaped to evoke the ears growing in the Lower Mondego fields. Their dough combines egg, maize flour, wheat flour, vegetable fat, sugar and cinnamon, creating a toasted exterior and fine-grained yellow interior.

Shape is inseparable from the name: lengthwise grooves and small cuts suggest rows of kernels and leaves. Production is demanding and supply does not always meet demand, although the sweet is made throughout the year.