Description
The Melon du Quercy PGI is produced from a selected variety of melon.
Production Area
The production area of the Melon du Quercy PGI includes several municipal areas of the Tarnet-Garonne department and municipal areas of Castelnau-Montratier, Montcuq, Lalbenque in the Lot department, in the Midi-Pyrenees region, and municipal areas of Tournon, Penne, Beauville, Puymirol in the Lot-et-Garonne department, in the Aquitaine region.
Production Method
This method contemplates that plantation in the field and sowing are carefully planned. Once melons are fully ripe, they are harvested. Harvest takes place every day before 1 p.m. They are placed in a single layer in wooden fruit boxes or plastic crates. After that, they are placed under cover to protect them from the sun and bad weather and then transported to the storage centre where they are checked, selected, measured and packed in fruit boxes to be sold.
Appearance and Flavour
The Melon du Quercy PGI can have smooth or netted grey-green to yellow skin. The flesh is orange. It weighs from 450 gr to 1.3 kg. Several sensory analyses have been carried out on the Melon du Quercy PGI since 1995. It is the first product to be regularly tested; this method allows keeping only the variety that better adapts to the soil.
History
The origins of the Melon du Quercy PGI date back to the 16th century. In 1930, production was developed when the area planted was increased and the melon appeared in local markets. Production increased again between 1940 and 1945. Since 1960, the product has been sold out of the original region, which permitted further production growth.
Gastronomy
The Melon du Quercy PGI can be preserved for five to six days in the compartment with greater temperature of refrigerators. It is protected with a bag in order to avoid that its strong scent is transmitted to other food in the fridge. Melon is a very tasty fruit that combines easily with other dishes, sweet or savoury. Wash it and remove its skin and internal seeds, then cut it in segments or small balls with suitable tools. It can be served cold with ham or cheese and French bread; the ideal recipe is together with Roquefort PDO. The salmon melon and the melon gaspacho with basil, mint and carrots are two additional melon recipes. Melon is also ideal with nut-oil cream and duck meat. Perfect for dessert, melon is combined with sweet wines; ice-cream or a fresh fondue with Madeleine biscuits can be prepared.
Marketing
The product is sold as Melon du Quercy PGI. It is marketed packed in fruit boxes and wrapped in tissues according to weight and colour. Each melon has an adhesive label indicating its denomination.
Distinctive Features
The typical climate, characterized by the alternation of the ocean flows, with fresh and wet currents, and Mediterranean Sea flows, with hot and dry currents, generate the most favourable conditions for the development of melon plants. The limyclayey soil provides potassium to the plant and gives a unique perfume and flavour to the product. Quercy soil and climate are fundamental factors of the quality of the Melon du Quercy PGI.
