Description
Pera de Lleida PDO refers to the fresh fruit of the Pyrus communis L. species, and to the varieties Limonera, Blanquilla and Conference.
Production Area
Pera de Lleida PDO is produced in the irrigable area known as the 'Lleida Plain' in the municipality of Lleida and many other municipalities in the Province of Lleida, in the region of Catalan.
Production Method
The ground of the orchards is covered with grass in order to increase the organic material in the soil. The shaping methods used are "pillar", "eje central" and "la palmeta". Pruning is done to allow light and disease control products to reach all parts of the foliage and, once the fruit is formed, the trees are thinned to remove defective fruit and leave the correct load on the tree. The pears are harvested before ripening in order to obtain a higher level of quality and a longer preservation. Harvesting of the Limonera variety begins at the beginning of July, the Blanquilla in the first week in August and the Conference from mid-August.
Appearance and Flavour
Pera de Lleida PDO pears are characterised by an intense sweetness, which is due to a higher ratio of soluble solids to acids. They are rounder than other pears of the same varieties in other growing areas and their skin is more yellowish or lighter. The Limonera and Conference varieties have a yellowish skin and the Limonera in particular has a rosier colouring on its sun-ripened side. The Blanquilla variety tends to be more whiteish in colour. The distinctive characteristic of the Conference variety is the irregular, very rustic russeting.
History
In Spain, the name Lleida is almost always associated with the pear. In his book El gran libro de la fruta dulce, the chef of Lleida Josep Lladonosa included various recipes of medieval origin where the pear is used as an ingredient. Arnau de Vilanova (1238-1311), an eminent Leridan physician, as well as theologist, astrologist and alchemist, cited the pear in a list of fruit. The pear also played an important role in city life. On the billboards of the annual Lleida fair in 1900 and 1941, there is the image of a pear. Exportation of the Lleida pear in Europe began to grow in around 1956 and from 1965-1986 the Limonera variety occupied 44% of the areas designated for orchards, while the Blanquilla variety occupied 19%. The production of the Conference variety on the other hand saw an increase between 1993 and 2006.
Gastronomy
Pera de Lleida PDO pears are best stored in a cool dry place. In a refrigerator they can be kept for several months. To enjoy the sweetness they are best eaten fresh, but they can be used in numerous traditional Catalan dishes, such as in first courses and naturally desserts.
Marketing
The product is marketed as Pera de Lleida PDO in the varieties Limonera, Blanquilla and Conference, and in the commercial categories Extra and Class I. They are sold in suitable containers with a clear identification label.
Distinctive Features
Due to the high thermal contrasts of the "Llano de la Lleida" plain the local cultivations have a greater capacity for synthesising sugar, which is why Pera de Lleida PDO pears are exceptionally sweet.
