The Peras de Rincón de Soto PDO are pears from the Pyrus communis L. species achieved from the Blanquilla and Conference varieties.
Production Method
They boast a long tradition in fruit-growing techniques, indeed, thinning out and pruning of plants are still handmade, while irrigation is made in line with specific rules and is not made during blooming or a short time before harvesting to not damage the fruits. Harvesting is handmade in two phases: taking the fruit and pulling it upwards to not damage the stalk. The transport to the warehouse must be made within six hours after harvesting. Then, the pears are classified and selected and the cooling process starts in special refrigerators with controlled atmosphere. Finally, they are packed.
Appearance and Flavour
Peras de Rincón de Soto PDO are pears with an oblong shape and a big size, in fact, their maximum diameter, measured in their equatorial section, amounts to 58 mm for the Blanquilla variety and to 60 mm for the Conference one. Their taste is very sweet and their peel is hard and greenish.
Production Area
The production area of the Peras de Rincón de Soto PDO is located in the municipal areas of Aldeanueva de Ebro, Alfaro, Calahorra and Rincón de Soto in the Rioja Baja region.
History
The first documents which refer to the Peras de Rincón de Soto PDO Blanquilla go back to 1747; in fact, these pears were already eaten during the Kingdom of Philippe V. Some documents from 1752 confirm that these pears were cultivated and harvested in the Rincón de Soto municipal area. During the 19th century up to today, the Conference pears have started to expand and have achieved increasingly more importance.
Gastronomy
The Peras de Rincón de Soto PDO can be stored in fresh and ventilated rooms or in the refrigerator. In addition to be eaten fresh, these pears can be used to enrich fruit salads or to prepare juices, ice creams, jellies and different desserts, and combined with basic meat or vegetable dishes.
Marketing
The Peras de Rincón de Soto PDO are sold in the Extra and First classes and in the Blanquilla and Conference varieties, in conformity with law regulations. They are put in single layers and packed in containers covered with alveolar material to not damage the fruits during transport.
Distinctive Features
The pear trees are located in open and wellventilated fields, plane and sunny. These features ensure the high content of vitamins and organoleptic properties of the Peras de Rincón de Soto PDO. Moreover, also their russet tones is due to the production area's climate, indeed, the fog burns the peel of the pears giving it a characteristic superficial corrugation.
