Description
The Nísperos Callosa d'En Sarriá PDO are medlars from the Algar2 or Agerie and Nadal species which are the principal varieties, and Golden and Magda varieties which come from the Eriobotryae japonica Lindi species.
Production Area
The production area of Nísperos Callosa d'En Sarriá PDO is located in the north-eastern side of the Alicante district, in the Autonomous Community of Valencia.
Production Method
The preparation of the grounds for plantation must be made after a suitable treatment of the area concerned. The most suitable period for plantation is spring. Pruning is aimed at shaping the trees and at achieving the best production. Medlar harvesting must be handmade accurately, when the fruit has achieved the right maturation level, generally in April. The transport is also accurately made. The fruits must be stored in roofed and ventilated areas for the necessary period with the aim to further improve their colour tone. Finally the fruits are selected, and the damaged, broken or deteriorated ones are eliminated. The classification is made according to colour and size to achieve a homogeneous packaging made only with suitable material and to avoid compromising the quality of fruits.
Appearance and Flavour
Nísperos Callosa d'En Sarriá PDO has a yellow or orange colour, sweet or slightly acid taste, white or yellowish flesh, brilliant and compact. The fruits are ovoid with a minimum diameter of 32 mm.
History
The medlar tree was brought to Spain more than 2,000 years ago and, thanks to the seamenmerchants, expanded throughout the Iberian Peninsula finding the best habitat for its production and development in the region of Callosa d'En Sarriá and its surroundings.
Gastronomy
The Nísperos Callosa d'En Sarriá PDO must be stored in a fresh and dry room or in the refrigerator for some days. The medlar fruits can be eaten fresh or in syrup, but they can also be used to prepare desserts. Both fresh fruits and fruits in syrup are used to prepare desserts, cakes, jams, ice creams and shakes. The production of honey of medlar, liquor and spirit extracted from this fruit, is characteristic.
Marketing
The product is sold as Nísperos Callosa d'En Sarriá PDO of classes Extra and Primera. There are a lot of artisanal products made of medlar fruits: Nísperos en Almibar, Nectar de Nísperos, Miel de Nísperos, Mermelada de Nísperos, Aguardiente de Nísperos and Licor de Nísperos. The product is sold fresh in suitable containers. The packaging of artisanal products changes depending on the product type: jams and honeys are packed in glass pots, juices and nectars in Tetra Packs, while medlar fruits in syrup in tins with different weights and liquors in suitable bottles.
Distinctive Features
Some external elements help to create the peculiar characteristics of Nísperos Callosa d'En Sarriá PDO: the dry and Mediterranean climate with a year average temperature of 15-19°C, the altitude of the production area which must be located between 600 m and 1100 m, and also the soil, which must be clayey and poor in organic matter and phosphor.
