Description
The Volailles du Velay PGI include open-air, farmyard winged animals coming from slowraising rustic breeds.
Production Area
The production area of Volailles du Velay PGI covers the department of Haute-Loire and the neighbouring areas of Viverols and Arlanc in the Auvergne region.
Production Method
The poultry receives a natural nurture consisting of vegetables, minerals, vitamins and rich in cereals (75% at least). The animals are raised in the open air. The poultry is butchered when achieves an age close to sexual maturity, which is different for every breed.
Appearance and Flavour
Volailles du Velay PGI are of higher quality with tender but compact flesh, without excess of fat.
History
Volailles du Velay PGI have a historic reputation linked to the existence of poultry farms in the region. The raising of poultry was managed above all by women and its products were sold in famous local markets like Plot au Puy-en-Velay.
Gastronomy
The Volailles du Velay PGI can be conserved in the refrigerator for a few days, in their original package. Poultry fowl can be cooked in different ways depending on the cut chosen. They are used to prepare a lot of dishes, from the simplest to the most elaborated. It can be prepared whole or in slices, stuffed or not, boiled, roasted in oven or fried with sesame seeds. It can be seasoned with aromatic herbs or spices, in white or tomato sauce, with olive oil or cream. It is served with rice or potato purée, but also with boiled or roasted vegetables.
Marketing
The Volailles du Velay PGI include different types of products, depending on the specific varieties of poultry of the denomination which are individually written on the package. Amongst these, there are poulet fermier, pintade fermière, dinde fermière, chapon fermier (farm chicken; farm guinea hen; farm turkey; farm capon). It is marketed fresh or frozen, whole with or without head or in slices packed in trays with protected atmosphere which guarantee a longer conservation and keep its organoleptic features.
Distinctive Features
The high quality of Volailles du Velay PGI is due both to the geo-climatic features of the historic region of Velay and to the long tradition of breeding.
