Straight from the earth, the oxheart tomato occupies a prominent place in O Paparico's cuisine and is also a favourite at the Portuguese table. Its sweet aroma and flavour are its most evident characteristics. Despite its robust appearance, it is a delicate product. Its firm texture adds crunchiness, which, together with the juiciness of the product itself, perfectly harmonises its composition. Very fleshy, with a thin skin and few seeds, it should be consumed ripe, when it presents a red colour, moment in which its organoleptic properties reach their peak. It provides great benefits for health. In addition to being low in calories, it has several nutritional properties for the organism. Composed mostly of water, it has a panoply of nutrients, such as vitamin C, A complex vitamins, potassium, B complex vitamins, magnesium, carotenoids, lycopene and vitamin K. All these components act to prevent cardiovascular diseases, and benefits functions such as vision, bone health, as well as skin health, and prevent certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer.

The summer truffle begins its seasonality with the arrival of the season that gives it its name and lasts until the middle of autumn. It is also called the Tuber Aestivum or Saint-Jean truffle. It has rounded and irregular shapes and a rough surface that easily distinguishes it from the others. Its exterior is dark brown in colour and its interior is smooth and compact. Its aroma retains some intensity and has peculiar hazelnut notes. Although less popular than the black or white truffle, it is a unique and much appreciated product.

Known as forest boys, chanterelles, or simply wild mushrooms, the Cantharellus Cibarius, fruits from spring, which is the start of its season, and ends in autumn. This mushroom grows in resinous environments with leafy vegetation. It lives in chalky and thermal soils and is easily found in woods under holm, cork, eucalyptus or pine trees. It is fleshy and tender, has a creamy-white colour and can be eaten as a whole. It is extremely aromatic, with a sweet apricot flavour. Nutritionally, it contains eight types of amino acids, fibre, protein and vitamin A.

The products we have been writing about throughout this article can be found in June's Menus at O Paparico and are considered to be part of the Salty Cuisine. There is, however, one product that takes us directly to the Pastry, which will allow us to end this narrative with a golden key.