Description
The Pimiento Asado del Bierzo PGI is the fruit of the pepper plant from the Capsicum annuum L. species belonging to the Bierzo ecotype. It can be sold roasted, peeled and packed.
Production Area
The production area of Pimiento Asado del Bierzo PGI is located in different municipal areas of the Bierzo region in the León district, in the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León.
Production Method
The cultivation of pepper plants takes place only in compact grounds with a pH between 5 and 7. The irrigation is made either through the flowing irrigation method or by water spray to not damage the vegetables. Harvesting, which is made between the end of August and the first days of November, is handmade in different phases. Cooking must take place within 5 days from harvesting, but also within 10 days if the peppers are stored in suitable rooms. They are put into containers where a liquid coming from the cooked pepper deposits, to which salt, olive or seed oil, citric acid or lemon juice can be added.
Appearance and Flavour
Pimiento Asado del Bierzo PGI has a triangular and oblong shape with rounded tip, free from splits in the stalk, while inside it is smooth with 3 or 4 lobes. The colour spans from light red to deep red when harvested, while it has some green areas when not yet mature. Its weight is over 160 gr. Roasted peppers in conserve are whole or sliced. Their flavour is a little piquant, slightly bitterish, with a smoke scent, typical of roasted peppers.
History
The Pimiento Asado del Bierzo PGI boasts ancient origins. The first documents confirming the cultivation of this vegetable can be found in the collection of acts of the Municipality of Ponferrada and go back to the middle of the 17th century. The tradition of roasted pepper is due to the women, called Pimenteras, who used this recipe to conserve these vegetables for a long time. In fact, still today a monument in the main square of Ponferrada is dedicated to Pimenteras reproduced while peeling peppers. In 1900, the peppers were sent to Paris for the Universal Show by the Ledo company which, already at that time, roasted and sold peppers. The fame of these vegetables grew in the 20th century, indeed, from 1974 up to today, the conserve industries have multiplied.
Gastronomy
The Pimiento Asado del Bierzo PGI must be stored covered by the liquid with which it was packed. It can be used in different ways: as antipasto, side dish or meat-based dishes or to enrich salads. Very innovative recipes can be made combining it with lamb, codfish and pluck, but it can be also used to prepare desserts. In addition, it is suitable for a lot of local recipes of the Bierzo area.
Marketing
The product is sold as Pimiento Asado del Bierzo PGI. It is packed whole or sliced in glass or metal pots, whose maximum capacity is of 780 gr.
Distinctive Features
Cleaning, peeling and slicing of Pimiento Asado del Bierzo PGI are still made manually and with artisanal methods in line with ancient traditions. Therefore, the conserve can contain some seeds or burnt residuals which give the product a further positive note, distinguishing it from all the others.
