Description
The Carne dos Açores PGI is beef from cows reared on the islands of the Azores, which do not belong to any particular breed but give high quality beef thanks to Atlantic climate of these islands.
Production Area
Carne dos Açores PGI is produced on all the islands of the Azores: Santa Maria, São Miguel, Terceira, São Jorge, Graziosa, Pico, Faial, Flores and Corvo.
Production Method
the calves are only fed on their mothers' milk for the first three months of life. From the fourth month onwards they graze on the natural pasture land, which varies throughout the islands. On the lowlands the vegetation is principally Lolium perene, Bromus spp., Sporobus indicus, Holcus lanatus and Trifolium repens. At higher levels it changes and consists prevalently of Poa annua, Agrostis castellana, Ranunculus repens, and Anthoxanthum odoratum, etc.
Appearance and Flavour
Carne dos Açores PGI is a tender beef, pink in colour with small amounts of fat which give added extra flavour and make it even more succulent.
History
The islands of the Azores have a natural micro-climate which is particularly suited to sustainable cattle rearing due to the abundant vegetation. The cattle are left to graze freely on the natural and abundant vegetation which grows in this fertile soil. Already in the 16th century historians noted the high quality of the beef produced in the Azores, such as Carne dos Açores PGI, which was not dependant on a particular breed but only on the feeding and the production method.
Gastronomy
Carne dos Açores PGI is stored in refrigerators where the temperature must not exceed 2°C. It cannot ever be sold frozen. It may be frozen once bought, for domestic purposes. Carne dos Açores PGI has always been one of the main ingredients in many local dishes in the Azores, such as cozidos (stews) and grilled dishes. Some of the local specialities are carne de alcatra, beef cooked in the oven with wine, onions, bacon cubes, chilli pepper and salt. Another speciality is caçoula, casseroled beef offal.
Marketing
This meat is sold as Carne dos Açores PGI in three categories: Vitela from cows weighing less than 180 kg and between five and nine months old; Novilho, from cows weighing up to 180 kg and up to two years old; Vaca, from cows weighing more than 200 kg. It is sold either whole, in sections or in prepacked cuts and joints clearly identified and labelled.
Distinctive Features
Apart from being enjoyed throughout the year Carne dos Açores PGI plays an important role at times of important religious festivals when it is prepared and cooked in large quantities for all the community and the visitors.
