Take a little part of Malta with you. Pack in these 12 products that are made in Malta.
Flickr/Benjamin Fenech
You're leaving a piece of your heart in Malta. So how about you take a part of it with you? These products made in Malta make that easy to do.
1. Silver filigree
Maltese silver filigree is definitely a favourite, partly due to it craftsmanship and partly due to the ease by which it can be transported. Designs vary from the most traditional Maltese cross design to artistic contemporary jewellery and objets d'art.
2. Lace & knitwear
Handmade lace is unique craft that's always more a labour of love than a means of making a living. The time invested in making an item should suppose a much higher value. Intricate designs are made with a series of knots in several cotton threads using pins and wooden 'combini'. One of Malta's dying traditions, machine lace is sometimes sold, so ask to know.
3. Maltese honey
Honey is what gave Malta its ancient name 'Melita' when the Romans prized its produce on the islands. Maltese honey typically has the aroma of carob, thyme and other Mediterranean flora. Curiously, Maltese 'honey rings' (qagħaq tal-għasel) have absolutely no honey in the recipe.
4. Carob syrup
Derived from the fruit pods of the iconic Maltese carob tree, carob syrup is used as a traditional medicine against coughs and sore throat, as well as a delicious sweet hot drink. Carob boiled sweets are known as karamelli. Traditionally, they substituted ordinary sweets during times of fasting.
5. Maltese almond sweets
If you enjoy almonds, you're in for a treat. Most of Malta's traditional sweets are made with almonds. From pastini at tea-time, to Maltese nougat at the village feast, to the Easter sweets kwarezimal and figolli, Maltese almond sweets are delicious. And because they are baked and not creamy, they are easy to take home! The halwa (helwa tat-tork) also comes in a handy tub.
6. Liqueurs
Here's a taste of Malta with a tingle. Malta's carob liqueur, prickly pear liqueur and pomegranate liqueurs by Zeppi’s are unique, sweet and wonderful, and you can purchase them in duty-free.
7. Local beer
Cisk is on everyone's lips but there's also a smooth Blue Label and a variety of craft beer as well as many other Maltese beers you can take home with you. Avoid putting cans in checked luggage as they may pop. Grab a few cans to go with you from duty-free.
8. Wines
Gellewza and Girgentina are the local grapes. International grape varieties grown here include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Carignan, Chenin Blanc and Moscato. It's all up to your taste.
Here are a few recommended Maltese wines, beers and liqueurs.
9. Malta's iconic snacks & soft drinks
Twistees and Kinnie are the all-time local favourites, but why not throw in some traditional galletti (water biscuits), bigilla (bean paste) and gbejniet (goats cheeselets) too, while you're at it?
BONUS: Glass, stone crafts, pottery, ceramics
If you don't mind carrying the weight and handling with care on your transit back home, Malta has some fine workmanship in blown glass, stone crafts, pottery and ceramics. All we can say is that they are well worth the effort! Head over to the crafts villages in Ta' Qali in Malta and Ta' Dbiegi in Gozo for the best selection.
Read more about the history of Maltese craftsmanship that will make up your souvenirs from Malta to gain a deeper appreciation of how they tie in with Maltese culture. Whichever way you let Malta stay in your home, she will always stay in your heart.