Food Calendar

The food we produce and eat varies over the year according to seasonality, traditions and culture. Here is a brief summary of our plates, 12 months a year.

Each Season has its own flavour and taste

Spring

 (March – May)

 

 

Agriculture

Things that are grown and harvested during these months are

  • Apricot (Berquq)
  • Artichoke (Qaqoċċ)
  • Aubergines (Brunġiel)
  • Broad Beans (Ful)
  • Broccoli (Brokkoli)
  • Cabbage (Kaboċċi)
  • Cauliflower (Pastard)
  • Kohlarbi (Ġdur)
  • Lemon (Lumi)
  • Potatoes (Patata)
  • Pumpkin (Qargħa Ħamra)
  • Strawberries (Frawli)
Food

Gozitan plates at this time normally consist of the following dishes.

Torta tal-Ġbejniet u Kapuljat (Cheeselet and Chard Pie)
A savoury pie made with ġbejniet (traditional Gozitan cheeselets), fresh chard, and herbs, wrapped in a flaky pastry. It’s a favorite during the Lenten season and springtime when fresh greens are abundant.

Ravjul bil-Ġbejniet  (Gozitan Ravioli)
Handmade pasta filled with ġbejniet and fresh herbs often served with a simple tomato sauce, olive oil, and fresh basil.

Soppa tal-Armla (Widow’s Soup)
A hearty vegetable soup made with fresh spring produce like broad beans, peas, and zucchini, typically topped with ġbejniet for added flavour.

Qassatat tal-Pizelli u Ġbejniet(Pea and Cheese Pies)
Small pastries filled with a mixture of mashed peas, ġbejniet, and a touch of mint, perfect for picnics or light meals.

Frawli u Għasel (Strawberries with Honey)
A simple yet delightful dessert celebrating Gozo’s spring strawberries, often drizzled with local wildflower honey.

Carciofi mimlija (Stuffed Artichokes)
Fresh artichokes stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, and capers, steamed to tender perfection.

Bigilla (Broad Bean Dip)
A creamy dip made from mashed broad beans, olive oil, garlic, and herbs, served with crusty bread or Gozitan crackers.

 

Summer

 

(June-September)

 

Agriculture

Things that are grown and harvested during these months are

  • Apricot (Berquq)
  • Aubergines (Brunġiel)
  • Bambinella (Bambinella)
  • Bell Peppers (Bżar Ħelu)
  • Carrot (Zunnarija)
  • Fresh Figs (Tin Frisk)
  • Lettuce (Ħass)
  • Grapes (Għeneb)
  • Garlic Bulbs (Basal tat-Tewm)
  • Melon (Bettiegħ)
  • Potatoes (Patata)
  • Onion (Basal)
  • Peach (Ħawħ)
  • Plums (Għajnbaqar)
  • Pumpkin (Qargħa Ħamra)
  • Prickly Pears (Bajtar tax-Xewk)
  • Tomatoes (Tadam)
  • Watermelon (Dulliegħ)
  • Zucchini (Qarabagħli Twil)
Food

Gozitan plates at this time normally consist of the following dishes.

Kapunata (Maltese Ratatouille)

A hearty vegetable stew made with summer staples like tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, and zucchini, cooked in olive oil with garlic and capers. Often served as a side dish or eaten with crusty bread.

Timpana (Baked Macaroni Pie)

A rich and filling dish of baked pasta in a tomato-based sauce with minced meat, eggs, and sometimes cheese encased in a golden pastry crust, it’s perfect for summer gatherings and feasts.

Aljotta (Fish Soup)

A light and aromatic soup made with fresh summer fish, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. This dish is a refreshing yet hearty option for the warmer months.

Hobż biz-Żejt (Bread with EVOO)

Thick slices of Gozitan bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil, and topped with capers, olives, ġbejniet, and sometimes tuna. It’s a perfect no-cook summer meal.

Għaġin bil-Brodu tal-Fenek (Pasta with Rabbit Broth)

A lighter version of the traditional rabbit stew, featuring pasta cooked in a flavorful rabbit broth, served with fresh herbs.

Pixxispad Moqli bil-Lumi (Grilled Swordfish with Lemon)

Freshly caught swordfish, simply grilled and served with lemon wedges and a drizzle of olive oil, highlighting the natural flavours of the sea.

Patata l-Forn (Gozitan Roasted Potatoes)

A summer barbecue favourite, potatoes roasted with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Qarnit bit-Tewm u Żejt (Octopus with Garlic and Oil)

Tender octopus cooked with garlic, olive oil, and a splash of white wine, often served as a light main dish or appetizer.

Imqaret (Date Pastries)

Deep-fried pastries filled with a sweet date mixture, often enjoyed as a dessert or snack at summer festas and fairs.

Bajtar tax-Xewk (Prickly Pears)

These juicy, sweet fruits are a summer favourite in Gozo, often enjoyed fresh or used in jams, sorbets, and desserts.

Granita tal-Lewż (Almond Granita)

A refreshing frozen dessert made from almonds, sugar, and water, perfect for cooling down on hot summer days.

Lampuki Pie

A savoury pie made with fresh lampuki (dorado), onions, tomatoes, spinach, and capers, all encased in a flaky pastry. This dish celebrates the start of the lampuki fishing season in late summer and is a true Gozitan favourite.

Autumn

 

(October-December)

To Write

Agriculture

Things that are grown and harvested during these months are 

  • ??
Food

Gozitan plates at this time normally consist of the following dishes.

 

 

Winter

 

(January-March)

 

Agriculture

Things that are grown and harvested during these months are 

  • ??
Food

Gozitan plates at this time normally consist of the following dishes.