Description
The Maçã de Alcobaça PGI is an apple, the fruit of the Malus domestica Boekh tree in the Royal Gala, Red and Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Fuji, Casanova de Alcobaça, Granny Smith and Reineta Parda varieties. These apples are known for their flavour, sweetness and juiciness.
Production Area
Maçã de Alcobaça PGI apples are grown in the municipal areas of Alcobaça, Nazaré, Caldas da Rainha, Óbidos and Porto Mós, in the Leiria district.
Production Method
The many varieties are intensively cultivated, from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Serra dos Candeeiros in the east. The orchards are 50 to 100 m above sea level in a hilly landscape. The apples are picked between the second half of August and the end of October, depending on the variety.
Appearance and Flavour
Maçã de Alcobaça PGI apples vary in aspect and flavour depending on the variety. Royal Gala has a fine texture and is sweet and perfumed. Red Delicious has white, firm flesh and is juicy and full of flavour. The Jonagold, Golden and Reineta have very firm flesh and a sweet and sour flavour. The Fuji has a greeny white flesh, is tender and very sweet and delicately perfumed. The Casanova and Granny Smith have white, soft, floury flesh with a sweet and delicious taste.
History
The origins of Maçã de Alcobaça PGI apple growing in the Alcobaça region dates back to 1154 and the arrival of the Chiaravalle monks to this region. The quality of these apples soon gained a reputation for their sweetness, perfume and bright colours and became praised in songs, ballads, sonnets and proverbs. Maçã de Alcobaça PGI apples were eaten as desserts at the end of celebration meals and great feasts.
Gastronomy
Maçã de Alcobaça PGI apples are stored at a temperature, humidity and length of time depending on their variety. However the temperature should not exceed 5°C for a period of no longer than six to eight months. They are eaten fresh or used as ingredients for desserts and fruit juices.
Marketing
Maçã de Alcobaça PGI apples are sold as: Royal Gala, Red and Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Fuji, Casanova de Alcobaça, Granny Smith and Reineta Parda; these varieties are divided into three categories according to size: I, II and Extra. They are sold whole, sliced, with and without skin, fresh and dried. They are normally sold in wood or cardboard boxes containing only two layers of fruit and kept separate by special packing.
Distinctive Features
In the past the Casanova, Camoesa and the Espelho were the most widely grown varieties of Maçã de Alcobaça PGI. Today these varieties are in decline and have been replaced by those with much greater demand even though the Casanova still makes up one third of the orchards.