Description
The Anona da Madeira PDO is a sub tropical and exotic fruit belonging to the Anona cherimolia Mill species.
Production Area
Anona da Madeira PDO is grown on the island of Madeira off the Portuguese and North African coasts.
Production Method
this fruit is cultivated up to an altitude of 550 m above sea level on the south coast of the island and up to 280 m above sea level in the north of the island. The plant propagates with seeds, even though grafting is the most common method adopted because it produces earlier ripening and higher quality fruit. These fruits have to be picked when they are still green because they may easily drop to the ground. They are delicate fruits and must be carefully handled.
Appearance and Flavour
Anona da Madeira PDO is a large, smooth skinned (Anona Lisa) or scaly skinned (Anona de Escamas) fruit. The smooth variety has a smooth skin with U shaped formations; the flesh is dense, floury, hard and sweet with few seeds. The scaly variety has a thick skin, with deep U shaped reliefs; the flesh is juicy, white, soft, medium sweet and of excellent quality. The seeds are black and vary in number depending on the variety of fruit. It has a distinctive and pleasant flavour, greatly appreciated by the local population and all those who visit the island of Madeira.
History
The history of Anona da Madeira PDO is rooted in Latin America. This species of Anona in fact probably originated in Peru and was introduced to Madeira in the 17th century by the Madeirenses returning from South America. The position of Madeira on great commercial sea routes also explains the considerable exportation of this fruit to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Many historical documents exist that attest to a certain amount of commerce in this fruit and its presence in the markets of both Lisbon and London.
Gastronomy
Anona da Madeira PDO must be stored at a temperature of between 7°C and 8°C at 90% to 100% humidity. It can be eaten as a dessert or a snack. It is also used in liqueurs, cakes and dessert making such as Pudim de Anona.
Marketing
This fruit is sold as Anona da Madeira PDO, in the categories I, II and Extra. The fruits are sold whole, cleaned, and ripe and packed in clearly labelled cardboard boxes.
Distinctive Features
The excellent geographical position, the exposure to the winds, the sun and the Atlantic climate together with the volcanic soil make Madeira a perfect location for the cultivation of Anona da Madeira PDO, a unique and very particular fruit.
