Description
The Mela di Valtellina PGI refers to the fresh apple deriving from the Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Gala varieties.
Production Area
The production area of Mela di Valtellina PGI is within about 60 municipalities in the Province of Sondrio, which are situated in the Valtellina valley, in the Lombardy region.
Production Method
The apple orchards are cultivated with integrated and organic production techniques. The terrain is situated between 200 and 900 m above sea level. There is a space of at least 2.5 m between each row and a distance of at least 0.5 m between the trees in each row. Green pruning is carried out in spring-summer and dry pruning in winter; the fruit may also be thinned. Fertilisation is localised and eco-compatible, and is carried out twice a year at the most. Irrigation depends on the correct water balance of the soil. To ensure the high quality and long shelf-life of the different varieties, the apples are harvested by carefully hand-picking them off the trees. The apples can then be stored for 8-11 months, depending on the variety.
Appearance and Flavour
The Red Delicious Mela di Valtellina PGI is an oblong truncated-conic shape and deep, bright red peel. The pulp is white, crunchy, juicy, sweet and fragrant. The Golden Delicious variety is a spheroid or oblong truncated-conic shape and has bright yellow peel, at times with pinkish hues; the pulp is creamy white, with a floury texture and sweet flavour. The Gala variety is a short truncated-conic shape and has bright red peel, while the pulp is creamy white, firm, sweet and juicy.
History
The apple tree has been present in Valtellina for many centuries. It was initially grown in gardens for ornamental purposes, and was also often found among rows of vines, but only a small percentage of the fruit was sold: most of the production was in fact destined for domestic consumption. Apple growing only started playing an important role in the valley’s economic fabric in the 1920s, and went on to become a crop of primary interest. The presence of apple trees, which had been natural and sporadic, only became methodical for the purpose of selling the fruit after the Second World War, when the so-called “apple-system” was put in place: this was a specialised cultivation programme perfected by farmers’ cooperatives and academics. Thanks to its high-quality and goodness, the Valtellina apple quickly became one of the highest-selling products on the market.
Gastronomy
Mela di Valtellina PGI should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources and direct light. It is ideal for eating at the end of a meal or as a snack, but can also be the main ingredient in many delicious recipes. A traditional pasta dish that is well worth trying is Pennette alla milady, the sauce of which is made with Golden Delicious apples, sultanas, cream, Worcestershire sauce and brandy. Then there is Washington apple pie, an alternative to the traditional apple strudel, made of pâte brisée filled with Golden Delicious apples, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Marketing
The product is marketed as Mela di Valtellina PGI, in the following varieties: Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Gala. It is sold in vented crates, plateau cardboard boxes, trays, wooden or reusable plastic crates, or sealed trays, cartons or bags containing a number of fruit. It is available from the beginning of harvesting up until the summer of the following year, and is available in the Extra and First categories.
Distinctive Features
The Valtellina area extends in an east-westerly direction, unique for the mountain areas dedicated to fruit growing. Its mild climate is conditioned by the Föhen, a warm, dry wind that causes an increase in temperature and slows down the humidity. Here the Mela di Valtellina PGI found ideal growing conditions.
