Brazil de Janeiro Globo Biscuits: A Beach Classic
August 4th, 2009 | by carnivalnetwork
Today Belavista-Rio will talk about one of Rio-de-Janeiro´s true beach classics: the legendary Globo biscuits, or “Biscoitos Globo”, as they are called in Portuguese. To make sure you have the right idea of the importance of these biscuits, not eating them when visiting Rio is similar to going to Mykonos and not trying the Greek gyro. If you have ever been to any of Rio hot beach points, you will surely see locals of all ages eating something. There is a good chance they are eating these crunchy biscuits that crack apart when upon your mouth.
Biscoito_Globo.jpg
The history of the Globo biscuits or donuts goes back to 1953, when two Brazilians entrepreneurs ironically from São Paulo (and not Rio-de-Janeiro) moved to live in with their cousin who owned a bakery. At this time, the two brothers learned to make the manioc flour donut, which started to be sold at São Paulo streets. In 1954, knowing that huge crowds of people would travel to Rio-de-Janeiro for a Catholic Eucharist Congress, the Ponce brothers decided to try to sell their donuts at the wonder city. The biscuits became an instant success, and based on the enormous sales and characteristics of the biscuits, the Ponce brothers decided that Rio do Janeiro would be the ideal market for their product.
Globo_Biscuits.jpg
They decided then the manioc flour biscuits needed a name, which was branded with the name of the bakery which at first hired them and ordered the first lot of new biscuit. The name of the bakery was “Padaria Globo” - so they decided for Globo Biscuits. This was 1955, and soon the Globo biscuits started to be sold in other 7 bakeries in town and by independent vendors. What they didn´t expect was that the flour donuts would become a fever at Rio do Janeiro. Suddenly at the Rio beaches, everyone who was hungry, before or after a swim, would end up asking for the Globo donuts at Copacabana, which were sold by independents beach vendors. The biscuit would be preferably accompanied by the Mate herb tea, which added strength and vigor to the snack.
Up until this day, the biscuits are a great success amongst locals and tourists alike.
Globo_Street_Vendor_1.jpg
The air puffed donuts come in two flavors, salty (with a green wrapping) and sweet, (with a red wrapping). Both are really interesting; specially do to its texture. To enhance and eternalize evermore the Globo donuts frenzy, during the last couple of years, several artists developed their creations using the biscuits distinct wrapping design as their inspiration. Towels, beach bags, beach umbrellas and even bikinis were produced with the famous logo. (Please see below:)
Globo_1.jpg
As a gift to all of our readers, we will be publish below the official recipe of these mysterious biscuits. Next time in Rio, make sure you don´t miss them!
Polvilho (Manioc flour) Globo-Biscuit Recipe:
3 glasses of sweet manioc flour
A pinch of • salt
• 6 eggs
• 1 oil glass
Preparation: In a pot, mix 1 glass of water, the oil, the salt and light to the fire. Let to boil for 2 minutes and remove. In a big bowl, put the manioc flour and, on him, spill the oil mixture, still hot, and go mixing with a wood spoon. Let to cool for 30 to 40 minutes. Increase to the mass already cold the eggs, one to a, and manipulate for 15 minutes. The mass should be easily a little. Transfer the mass for a confectioner sack with fine beak and make the cookies in an anointed baking pan. Light to roast in very high oven for 15 minutes, or until that it are very dry and slightly gold.
Biscoito_globo_wrapping.jpg
Above, the two wrappings and flavors
