Description
The Salate von der Insel Reichenau PGI are lettuces from the island of Reichenau and come in the following varieties: Lactuca sativa L. variety capitata (cabbage lettuce, Batavian, iceberg-type, Novita) and the variety Crispa (Lollo rosso, Lollo bionda, oakleaf).
Production Area
The production area of the Salate von der Insel Reichenau PGI is within the island of Reichenau, which is on the Lake Constance and is part of the Reichenau municipal area, belonging to the city of Konstanz, in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg.
Production Method
The lettuces are cultivated following exclusively the traditional methods of the island. The injection of fertilizers and of phytosanitary products is kept at a minimum, the soil is cared for with maximum attention to keep it healthy, and it is analysed yearly. Weeds are fought essentially with mechanical means, while antagonistic organisms are used to fight against parasites in the greenhouses. The lettuces are harvested from February to May in protected cultivations, and a second harvest stage takes place in October, November and December, always in protected cultivation. The season finishes in autumn with the first night frosts. For the most part, the harvest takes place during the first morning hours and all operations are done by hand.
Appearance and Flavour
The Salate von der Insel Reichenau PGI have an appearance and flavour that changes according to the variety. They can thus have an oblong shape with a sharp taste or have reddish leaves, or a more compact shape with crunchy leaves, as in the Iceberg case, or light leaves with a very delicate flavour.
History
From time immemorial, the island of Reichenau, with its particular insular climate, distinguishes itself from other regions for the quality of its vegetable produce. In fact, this area is characterised by specific geographic and climatic conditions, such as the humidity level, the heat and the luminosity, which specifically satisfy the natural cultivation requirements of lettuces requiring relatively high temperatures. Due exactly to these characteristics, the Salate von der Insel Reichenau PGI have a long tradition passed on throughout the centuries and strongly rooted in the production territory.
Gastronomy
Once harvested, the Salate von der Insel Reichenau PGI should be kept in a cool place or in the less cool part of the refrigerator. This lettuce is consumed both raw and cooked. The best way to fully enjoy its fresh flavour is to simply season it with good quality oil.
Marketing
The product is sold as Salate von der Insel Reichenau PGI in the variety capitata (cabbage lettuce, Batavian, iceberg, Novita) and the variety Crispa (Lollo rosso, Lollo bionda, oakleaf). It is marketed loose or in sealed packages.
Distinctive Features
The singularity of the Salate von der Insel Reichenau PGI is mainly linked to the favourable climatic conditions of the production area, and the contribution of knowledge and tradition to the cultivation practices.
