Description
The Coliflor de Calahorra PGI is a vegetable (cauliflower) from the species of Brassica oleracea L. Convar. Botrytis (L) Alef, Botrytis variety, obtained from hybrids of Nautilus, Castelgrand, Arbond, Pierrot, Armetta, Fargo, Belot, Scaler, Mayfair, Daydrean, Arthur, RS-91 013, Dunkl, Fortrose, Jerome, Matra, Tucson, Aviso, Cafano, Admirable, Imola, Serrano, Nomad, Midar, 5090, Kerjo, Eclipse, Kimball, Astral, Regata, RS-84299, Arven and Astoria, in the classes Extra and I.
Production Area
The production area of Coliflor de Calahorra PGI is located in numerous municipal areas of the region of Rioja Baja and Alcanadre situated in the Rioja Media, in the Autonomous Community of La Rioja.
Production Method
The plant is planted when it has already some leaves. Harvesting, which is the most delicate phase, is handmade, when the inflorescences are mature and covered with internal leaves. The storage must take place within 12 hours after harvesting. Later the plant is washed and its leaves are stripped away, then it is classified and packed. To eliminate the warmth accumulated in the field, the cauliflowers are stored in the freezing room.
Appearance and Flavour
The Coliflor de Calahorra PGI is white with a diameter of about 11 cm, very compact and free from granularities. It is a vegetable rich in calcium, phosphor and iron at a nutritional level.
History
The origins of Coliflor de Calahorra PGI are very ancient; documents certifying its importance are dated back to the 18th century. The Rioja region is at the first place at a national level due to the extension of the cultivation and production area. The cauliflower is a product with a certain economic importance.
Gastronomy
The Coliflor de Calahorra PGI is stored in refrigerated rooms with a low temperature and a high level of relative humidity. For home consumption, it is advised to store it in the refrigerator. It can be eaten vapour cooked or boiled with a bit of salt and lemon juice. It is suggested to cook it au point. The recipes of cauliflower are in general simple: it can be eaten seasoned with salad dishes or as an ingredient for more or less elaborated dishes or as a condiment for pasta.
Marketing
The product is sold as Coliflor de Calahorra PGI. It is sold fresh, except for the cauliflowers for industrial transformation. The product is packed in one-layer cases to not affect its integrity.
Distinctive Features
The mild climate, the work force and the grounds of alluvial origin give the Coliflor de Calahorra PGI its unique organoleptic characteristics.
