Description
The Berenjena de Almagro PGI is a conserve of aubergines from the Solanum melongena species, a Scuientum subspecies, from Depressum variety.
Production Area
The Berenjena de Almagro PGI is produced, processed and packed in different districts in the Province of Ciudad Real in the Autonomous Community of Castilla-La Mancha.
Production Method
This is an autochthon variety of aubergine which the farmers reproduce from the self-produced seeds and cultivate in a small scale, in lands with family management which do not overcome a hectare sized plantation. Seeding takes place in the seed-beds in February, and the small plants are planted out in May in the ground previously prepared and fertilized, 50 cm far one from the other. The plantation must feature a density of 25,000 plants per hectare. Harvesting begins in July with intervals of three-four days and continues until November, when the production stops due to the lowering of temperature. The aubergines harvested are selected and treated. After 5-10 minutes of cooking, the aubergines are stored in large containers where they ferment for a period from 4 to 15 days in a solution consisting of vinegar, vegetable oil, salt, cumin, garlic, pepper and water. At the end of the working process, the aubergines are packed in tins or glass pots.
Appearance and Flavour
The Berenjena de Almagro PGI is a fleshy fruit with variable shape, round, long or pear-shaped with a maximum diameter of 45 mm. The colour spans from green to pale violet. Its flavour is peculiarly acid and aromatic, enhanced by the fermentation process and by the substances used to prepare it.
History
The tradition of Berenjena de Almagro PGI goes back to many centuries ago. It is mentioned in different literary books, from an Arabian poem of the 15th century to the Don Quixote de la Mancha by Cervantes which mentions it in the second part of his famous book. The operation to season the aubergines and to put them into pots is an old artisanal practise due to the know-how of expert hands in finding the right seasoning to prolong the conservation and enhance the flavour of this vegetable.
Gastronomy
The Berenjena de Almagro PGI, as already cooked and seasoned, can be conserved for a long time. Once opened, the pot must be stored in the refrigerator to avoid the deterioration of the product. The aubergines are traditionally tasted as they are; as they are already seasoned, and ready to eat. However, they can also be used as an ingredient for the preparation of a range of dishes, from antipasto to aperitifs and peculiar recipes from modern cuisine.
Marketing
The product is sold in the varieties Berenjena de Almagro PGI Aliñadas (entire aubergine into its seasoning); Embushadas (filled with red peppers or with a red pepper sauce); Troceadas (in differently -sized slices depending on the production farm). It is packed in tins or glass pots with different weights.
Distinctive Features
The grounds rich in organic matter and the continental climate of the production area are ideal to cultivate the ecotypes of Berenjena de Almagro PGI as they favour the growth of uniform highquality aubergines.
