For a small country,  Portugal has made massive contributions to the world  throughout its history. Once pioneers who discovered foreign lands during the  Age of Discovery  , Portuguese influence spread far and wide. Here are some important ways in which this sunny, laid-back country has influenced the rest of the world, and we havent even mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo.

 

 

More than half of the worlds cork

 

In Portugal, you can buy almost anything made of cork bags, bracelets, shoes and, yes, wine corks, the material being one of the most important exports in the country  . Where does everything  come from  ? Cross the  Alentejo and rural Algarve and take a look at the trees that have been stripped of their bark.

 

Nationwide use of electronic tolls

Portugal was the first country to use a single electronic toll system, which they call the Via Verde, reducing the need to slow down to stop and fish coins between the seat cushions. Anyone who commutes will agree that this is an important contribution.

Marmalade

The Portuguese may not have created their own marmalade, but they are the culture to thank for the word marmalade that comes from the  marmalade  . If you have not tried it, have a meal the next time you are having breakfast in Portugal. The   Portuguese  marmalade is made with quince and has a great roasted flavor.

 

 

The ukulele

This stringed instrument was  introduced in Hawaii by the Portuguese  in the mid-19th century. In Portugal, it was called  Machete de Braga  (not to be confused with the blade) and originally came from Madeira Island.

 

Two famously sweet wines

OK, maybe this one you know, but it should be mentioned nonetheless; Both Porto and Madeira are the names of Portuguese wines that are popular all over the world and which sometimes constitute the secret ingredients in many recipes (such as port wine in  francesinha sauce  , for example).

 

Vindaloo curry from india

Who would have thought that Indias famous recipe was inspired by the Portuguese? Originally from Goa, the vindaloo comes from the Portuguese recipe  for vinha dalho  (meat marinated with wine and garlic) and was introduced at the time of the Discoveries, when the Portuguese discovered Goa.

 

Seasonings

Have you tried  Horta fish  in Portugal? These fried green beans may have been the spark that ignited the tempura frenzy in Japan after being introduced by the Portuguese.

 

 

One of the most beautiful words in written and spoken language

 

The Portuguese word  saudade  is  one of the most beautiful words in the world that needs direct English translation  . Meaning a mixture of loss, longing, love and melancholy, is a common theme in Portuguese fado, a devastating musical style developed in Lisbon.

 

More cod recipes than days of the year

Cod, or  cod  in Portuguese, is perhaps the favorite national fish (though not fished in coastal waters), and the Portuguese have hundreds of ways to cook it (easily over 365).

 

Green wine

Vinho Verde is only created in one place around the world and this place is northwest of Portugal. Although  Portuguese residents like to drink alongside pork meals  , it is also a delicious drink to enjoy while eating seafood. Despite the name green wine, this variety can be made in white, pink and red.

 

Portugal brought cinnamon and other spices to the western world

Once again, thank the role of Portugal during the Age of Discovery for bringing exotic spices from the East to the Western world.

 

Surf all year round

So maybe Portugal doesnt "take" this to the world, but the world can travel to Portugal and enjoy this fantastic sport whenever they want. The  best time to surf  in terms of bigger waves is winter, but summer is the perfect time to learn while enjoying the warmer temperatures.

 

Devices for measuring latitude while at sea (Mariner astrolabe)

Who perfected a way to measure latitude while at sea? Yes, those smart Portuguese browsers during the 1500s!

 

 

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