Description
The Amêndoa Douro PDO is the fruit of the plant belonging to the Prunus amygdalus L. variety.
Production Area
Amêndoa Douro PDO almonds grow in the Alto Douro region, particularly in the municipal areas of Alfandega da Fé, Moncorvo, Mogadouro, Freixo, Vila Flor and Vila Nova Foz Côa, along the river Douro, in Bragança, Guarda and Viseu districts.
Production Method
the area where these almonds grow has a very particular micro-climate. The soil is stony, acidic, and low in organic material and water content, especially in the summer time. For the most part these almond trees occur naturally and are not subject to any kind of industrial cultivation. The use of herbicides or any kind of spraying is banned. The nut is still extracted from the shell by hand, in the traditional way. The principle phases of production are the crushing of the shell, the extraction of the nut, grading, selection, skinning and roasting. Lastly they are packed in nets or raffia etc
Appearance and Flavour
Amêndoa Douro PDO is a large almond, between 11.25 mm and 21.3 mm wide, 21 mm to 26.7 mm long and between 21 mm and 45.5 mm high. It is very sweet tasting and uniform in colour.
History
Amêndoa Douro PDO has very ancient origins dating back to the original almond trees to be found in the Douro region. In the book called Memories of the news from the Municipality of Vila da Torre de Memcorvo (1721) it is said that «this pleasant village has 500 inhabitants (...) and many orchards and good fruit; much olive oil is made (...) almonds and vegetables».
Gastronomy
Amêndoa Douro PDO almonds must be stored in a dry, airy and cool place. They are ideal with an aperitif and are used as an ingredient in the local, traditional cakes and pastries, such as Amêndoas cobertas de Moncorvo.
Marketing
These almonds are sold as Amêndoa Douro PDO in the following variations: shelled or shelled and toasted or as they are in their shells. Almonds in their shells are sold in packs of 250 gr, 500 gr, 1 kg and 5 kg. The shelled and/or toasted almonds are sold in packs of 100 gr, 250 gr, 500 gr, 1 kg, 1.5 kg, 10 kg, 15 kg and 25 kg.
Distinctive Features
Amêndoa Douro PDO almonds are large and very sweet and grow on naturally occurring almond trees.
