Description
The Batata de Trás-os-Montes PGI are potatoes resulting from hybrids of the following varieties: Desirée, Kennebec, Jaerla, Cardinali and Atlantic. They are mostly white potatoes but a small percentage of red potatoes are also grown here.
Production Area
Batata de Trás-os-Montes PGI potatoes are grown in the northern part of the Trás-os-Montes region in the districts of Bragança and Vila Real, in the municipal areas of Boticas, Chaves, Montalegre, Valpaços, Vinhais, Murça, Mirandela, Alfândega da Fé and Vimioso.
Production Method
These potatoes are extensively cultivated in this region when they are rotated with cereal crops and intensively cultivated when they are planted in rotation with vegetables or maize. During the winter the soil is fertilised with natural, organic compost. Before the potatoes are planted the ground is cleared and turned and then ploughed for planting, which is carried out when the temperature is about 10°C, in the spring time. Right up to the moment of harvest the terrain is always carefully weeded and maintained, with special care taken not to damage the plants, with the traditional care of the local farmers.
Appearance and Flavour
Batata de Trás-os-Montes PGI potatoes are fairly uniform in shape, smooth skinned with a yellowy white to pink colour. They do present some "eyes" and reddish or chestnut coloured scales. They have a distinctive and pleasant taste, are slightly sweet and have 78% starch content.
History
This potato was originally known as a "ground chestnut" and introduced into Portugal in about the 18th century. Batata de Trás-os-Montes PGI potatoes have played an important role in the history of the region and become part of life for the local people. Even at that time the potato was being grown in Chaves and Barros where the cultivation of maize and pulses were already well established. The cultivation of the potato quickly became the most important cultivation on this mountain plateau and it soon became the second most important food, after bread, for the local population and the principle feed for the animals.
Gastronomy
Batata de Trás-os-Montes PGI should be stored in a dark and dry place. This potato is an ideal accompaniment to typical, traditional Trás-os-Montes dishes. It is used in elaborate dishes such as cozido barrosão, cozido transmontano and assado de carne de porco bísaro transmontano, but also to accompany a simple, grilled Alheira or a Posta Mirandesa, Maronesa or Barrosã.
Marketing
These potatoes are sold as Batata de Trás-os-Montes PGI. They are packed in weights of 3 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg and 25 kg in a variety of types of transparent packaging of suitable materials which are guaranteed to maintain the high quality of this product.
Distinctive Features
Batata de Trás-os-Montes PGI potatoes are ideally suited to accompany the many famous, traditional local stews especially those made with pork.
