Description
The Pommes des Alpes de Haute Durance PGI are raw fruits belonging to the Golden delicious and Gala apple varieties and their by-products.
Production Area
The production area of Pommes des Alpes de Haute Durance PGI covers the areas located at heights of 450 to 900 metres above sea level in 6 cantons of the department of Alpes de Haute Provence, and in 13 cantons in the department of Hautes Alpes, in region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
Production Method
The cultivation techniques used include pruning, which is made to obtain the utmost in exposition to the light and the selection of the suitable branches to bear fruits. Plus, the chemical a/o manual thinning out allows obtaining a load which is compatible with the tree's balance. The quantity of fertiliser depends on the vigour of the fruit orchard linked to the root stock, whilst the nitrogen amounts to maximum 50 units for every application. Plus, the intensive and regular use of parasticide is forbidden. Harvesting takes place when the apples have reached a maturation which enables to put them on the market when completely ripe. Within two hours after harvesting, Pommes des Alpes de Haute Durance PGI have to be put in refrigerator.
Appearance and Flavour
Pommes des Alpes de Haute Durance PGI flaunt the characteristic colour and taste of every variety and stand out due to their crunchy pulp. Plus, they can be stored for a long time.
History
The production of apples in the Haute Durance region flaunts century-old origins, as confirmed by E. Vernet in a document from 1933 where he tells that the apples where used for negotiations already in 1358. At the beginning of the 19th century, the apples were appreciated as specialities in the mountain areas of Provence, but the production was developed at the beginning of the Thirties. The book Les Vergers des Hautes-Alpes of 1962 by the Ministry of Agriculture states that the fruit quality is due just to the pedoclimatic features of the production area. Since 1996 up to today, the designation of Pommes des Alpes de Haute Durance has been used on packaging, logos and promotional and advertising materials by both the association for the promotion of fruits and all the processing industries.
Gastronomy
Pommes des Alpes de Haute Durance PGI have to be stored in a fresh and dry place, protected from heat sources. They are ideal after a meal or as a snack. However, the apples may be used as ingredients for palatable confectionery recipes and also for tasty and refined first courses.
Marketing
The product is sold as Pommes des Alpes de Haute Durance PGI, Golden Delicious and Gala. It is sold in trays or in sales units with a logo approved by the certification body.
Distinctive Features
The Pommes des Alpes de Haute Durance PGI owe their crunchy and exquisite flavour to the climate of the production area, which is characterised by more than three-hundred sunny days a year and by a very good range of temperature that brings down the malic acid of apples.
