Description
The name Pollo y Capón del Prat PGI identifies chickens and capons from the Prat breed. The capons are obtained exclusively through the surgical castration of chickens. The features of this breed are the following: big, large and long head; long and strong beak; big, round and reddish eyes; fleshy, large and red cockscomb with 5 or 6 points; long neck; wide breast; long and fleshy legs; claws and fingers coloured in more or less deep blue.
Production Area
The production area of Pollo y Capón del Prat PGI covers the district lands of Castelidefels, Cornellá de Llobregat, El Prat de Llobregat, Gavá, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Sant Climent de Llobregat, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Viladecans and Santa Coloma de Cervellá in the Province of Barcelona, in the Autonomous Community of Catalonia.
Production Method
The production of Pollo y Capón del Prat PGI starts from the incubation of eggs which must be rose-coloured, well-shaped and with a minimum weight of 55 gr. The justborn chicks are gold beige with a minimum weight of 32 gr. Their diet is free from fats, based on authorized food like cereals, soya and sunflowers, flour of lucernes or trefoil, milk by-products and beetroot molasses. The use of products which could influence on the normal rhythm of growth of the animals is forbidden. Chickens and capons will be slaughtered when achieved a minimum age of 77-182 days.
Appearance and Flavour
The meats of the Pollo y Capón del Prat PGI are almost uniformly yellow and red, the skin colour is white-yellowish, the fat is bright yellow.
History
Some documents confirm the existence of aviculture in the production area of Pollo y Capón del Prat PGI between 1752 and 1772. These documents describe the difference between del Prat and standard capons. The Prat chicken (blue claw) originated about in the middle of the 19th century, but only in the 20th century the actual research and empowering of farming aimed at the improvement of the breed has started.
Gastronomy
The meats of the Pollo y Capón del Prat PGI can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, wrapped in a protective film and placed in the coldest compartment. The great versatility of chicken makes it very good when roasted, grilled or split roasted, oven roasted or pan seared. It can be combined with infinite types of vegetables, mushrooms, spices, apples and cider.
Marketing
The Pollo y Capón del Prat PGI meats are sold in A class, fresh, in the following types: traditional, whole without giblets, prepared and ready to be cooked and cut into halves or fourths. Chickens are packed, whole or in portions, in sealed containers.
Distinctive Features
The Prat breed, autochthon from Baiz Llobregat region, is one of the most typical and appreciated among the others of this species, due to its intrinsic qualities, for very good production of large sized eggs (over 55 gr) with rose colour and, in particular, refined and genuine meat free from fats. The Pollo y Capón del Prat PGI is a dish highly appreciated for Christmas.
