Carqueja is a wild medicinal herb that thrives in uncultivated land.
Traditionally, it was used as fuel for bakery ovens, infusing freshly baked bread with a delicate aroma. Harvested around Castelo de Paiva, it was transported by boat to Porto from the present-day Pedorido River Beach.
Now the symbol of Octant Douro, carqueja flavours the butter served at Raiva restaurant and is used to prepare a fragrant infusion known for helping regulate blood sugar levels.
