Description
The Pesca e Nettarina di Romagna PGI refers to fresh peaches and nectarines deriving from different varieties of the Prunus persica L. species, distinguishable by their colour and flesh.
Production Area
The production area of Pesca e Nettarina di Romagna PGI is within numerous municipalities in the provinces of Bologna, Forlì-Cesena, Ferrara and Ravenna, in the Emilia-Romagna region.
Production Method
The plantation systems used are those which are traditionally used in the area. The consented training methods are the “emiliano vase” and its modifications; “palmetta”, “transverse Y”, “fusetto” and their modifications for wall training. The cultivation practices involve at least one winter pruning and two green prunings, depending on the needs of the plant. Where possible, integrated or organic pest control is preferred. Harvesting is generally carried out by hand between late spring and the end of summer. If conserved, the fruit must be refrigerated: the humidity and temperature within the cells must ensure that the fruit maintain their distinctive qualitative characteristics.
Appearance and Flavour
Nettarina di Romagna PGI is different from the peach because the skin is entirely hairless and very smooth and luminous. Both fruit can have white or yellow flesh. Pesca e Nettarina di Romagna PGI have a round shape (more or less flattened), with a minimum diameter of 67 mm. They are red in colour with yellow and orange hues. The flesh is succulent and sweet and the fragrance is intense and characteristic.
History
The origins of Pesca e Nettarina di Romagna PGI date back to the XIX century, when several peach trees were planted in the Province of Ravenna. Since then, fruit orchards have become widely spread throughout various areas in the provinces of Bologna, Ferrara and Forlì, and over the years the product has become increasingly well-known, appreciated and sold, including abroad. The vocation of the Emilia Romagna region for this type of production is confirmed by its role during the establishment of specialized Italian fruit-growing and in having been a leader in terms of quantities produced since the end of the Second World War.
Gastronomy
Pesca e Nettarina di Romagna PGI are generally eaten when the fruit is fully ripe and have an intense and characteristic fragrance. The nectarine can also be eaten less ripe, when the flesh is still solid and crunchy. Both the peach and the nectarine can be bought before they are fully ripe as in this way they can be conserved for longer. The best way to keep the fruit is in a paper bag, at room temperature, for two or three days. In this way they will have reached the perfect level of sweetness when eaten. Only mature fruit should be kept in the fridge. The peaches can be eaten fresh or used as an ingredient in cakes, ice-creams, cakes or fruit salads.
Marketing
The product is marketed as either Pesca di Romagna PGI or Nettarina di Romagna PGI and both are available from June to September. Both the peach and the nectarine are available with white or yellow flesh. They are sold in trays, baskets and plateaux boxes of cardboard or wood.
Distinctive Features
Thanks to their low calorie content, Pesca e Nettarina di Romagna PGI are ideal for low-calorie diets. In addition, thanks to the high presence of water in the flesh, they are particularly refreshing and thirst-quenching.
