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.