S5E4 Savouring Alentejo: Alfredo’s Portuguese Legacy, Montado do Freixo do Meio
Listen to this episode above, on the link below, or on your favourite listening platform:
Did you ever drive by a village when traveling and wonder what people do here day to day, what is their story?
In this episode of 'In My Kitchen with Paula, Paula talks with Alfredo Cunhal Sendim, a former fisherman turned organic farmer from the Alentejo region of Portugal.
Alfredo shares his journey from the sea to farming, championing the Montado agroecological system in Freixo do Meio (a former estate). He discusses his family history, the importance of acorns as sustainable food, and how the Montado system intertwines with Portuguese culture and cuisine. Paula and Alfredo also explore the power of trees and the impact of balanced ecosystems, providing listeners with a deep dive into sustainable farming practices, community building, and food innovation.
The episode concludes with details about the University of British Columbia Alumni Travel Club's upcoming culinary tour to Portugal, including a visit to Alfredo's Freixo do Meio
00:50 Alfredo's Journey from Fisherman to Organic Farmer
10:16 The Montado System and Agroecology
21:45 Exploring the Freixo do Meio Estate
37:01 Personal Reflections on Childhood and Social Changes
40:25 Tourism's Impact on the Alentejo Region
44:46 The Cultural and Nutritional Importance of Acorns
53:21 Traditional Acorn Stew and Communal Cooking
01:00:11 The Significance of Trees
Subscribe, Rate and Review
If you love this podcast and want to give us your support, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. This goes a long way in helping us get in front of other culinary adventurers like you. Just open up your Apple Podcast app and go to the “In My Kitchen with Paula Show” or in this episode, click on the 3 dots in the right corner and click on “Go To Show”. At the bottom of the Show page, you will have the opportunity to rate and review.
Helpful Links
Get my free planning tool: Paula’s Travel Planning Tool
Learn more about Freixo do Meio on Instagram @freixodomeio website: freixodomeio
Cozido de Bolota (Acorn Stew) From the Montado Freixo do Meio
Tag @inmykitchenpaula to share your culinary adventures abroad especially if you go to Portugal! Sign up for the In My Kitchen with Paula newsletter, to be the first to know when a new episode is out, recipes and more. Sign up here.
If you would like to join In My Kitchen abroad, Paula will be a study leader on the upcoming culinary tour in Portugal with the UBC Alumni Travel Club, Sept 28th - Oct 5th, 2025. Download the detailed itinerary and booking info here.
In My Kitchen is creating connections one dish at a time, by exploring culture through food. Our unique culinary workshops, podcast show and signature talk (My 4-Steps To Planning A One-Of-A Kind Trip Through Food) dive into diverse cultures while fostering personal growth, cultural understanding and meaningful connections.