Description
The Fraise du Périgord PGI refers to strawberries of the variety Gariguette and Cigaline early and with long shape; Cirafine, late, tender and quite big; Darselect and Elsanta compact, round and with a regular shape; Mara des bois, small and deeply fragrant and the Seascape, rustic and quite big.
Production Area
The production area of the Fraise du Périgord PGI, placed at the heart of the Périgord region, known as Périgord Central, includes 32 cantons of the Dordogne department, in the Aquitaine region and few cantons of the Lot department, in the Midi-Pyrenees region.
Production Method
The land, in a sunny area, must be prepared and fertilised for cultivation, must have reasonable irrigation and phytosanitary protection. Harvest is made when strawberries are ripe. In the Périgord, harvest of the first species begins in mid-April and it finishes at the end of October with the different species. Fruit is selected and carefully transported to the packaging plant. The fruit is stored at a maximum temperature of 12ºC. Strawberries must be shipped to markets 48 hours after harvest, in refrigerated lorries (6-12ºC).
Appearance and Flavour
The Fraise du Périgord PGI is characterised by the balance of acidity and sweetness, though each variety has its own specific characteristics, of shape, colour, flesh consistency and taste.
History
The production origins of Fraise du Périgord PGI dates back to 1895, when strawberries were cultivated between rows of vines and sold at the local market. This practice developed significantly after the Second World War, slowly moving from production for retail to wholesale distribution, thanks to the development of transport.
Gastronomy
The Fraise du Périgord PGI is an extremely fragile fruit that preserves its characteristics for a few days after harvesting. Natural, with sugar or cooked, the Fraise du Périgord PGI has a unique flavour. Optimum as desserts, served natural, it may be seasoned with lemon or sweet wine, together with cream and vanilla ice-cream. It is used for jams and jelly, on tarts and as flavour enhancer and natural colouring of jams and mousse. Some recipes suggest strawberries as an ingredient in sweet-and-sour sauces which accompany game meat and roast pork meat.
Marketing
The product is sold as Fraise du Périgord PGI in the categories Extra or I. It is marketed packed in trays with a air bubble polyethylene bed or similar device of 500 gr and 250 gr.
Distinctive Features
The specificity of the Fraise du Périgord PGI is related to the presence of chestnut trees and vineyards in the area of production. Its historical fame and current reputation give them a place in the Inventory of French Culinary heritage, increases their demand and their value on all French markets.
