Description
The Castanha da Terra Fria PDO chestnuts are the fruit of the Castanea sativa Mill, of which the following varieties, Longal (70% of the total), Côta, Amarelal, Aveleira, Boa Ventura, Trigueira and Martaínhae Negral grow in this region.
Production Area
The area where Castanha da Terra Fria PDO chestnuts are produced is in the municipal areas of Alfândega da Fé, Baragança, Chaves, Macedo de Cavaleiros, Mirandela, Valpaços, Vimioso and Vinhais, in the districts of Vila Real and Bragança.
Production Method
The chestnuts are gathered by hand from the ground once they have fallen from the tree. The different varieties are kept separate. They are packed in a dry and ventilated environment.
Appearance and Flavour
The Castanha da Terra Fria PDO chestnut has an elongated elliptical shape; it has a reddish brown shiny colour and has long dark lines across it. There are between 70 to 95 nuts per kg. It has a distinctive and intense flavour.
History
The history of the Castanha da Terra Fria PDO is inextricably linked to the area where it grows. The chestnut tree is one of the main trees growing in this area and has been important for the survival of the local rural population, now no longer as a direct source of food but as the principal local economy. The chestnut tree was already an important source of nourishment in Roman times since the potato was not introduced into Portugal until 1789.
Gastronomy
Castanha da Terra Fria PDO chestnuts can be stored just as they are or they can be frozen. They are also made into conserves or bottled in syrup. They can be eaten as they are, with traditional fried dishes or with pork. They are also made into flour which is used in soups, breads and desserts such as Castanhada.
Marketing
These chestnuts are sold as Castanha da Terra Fria PDO, in the following varieties: castanha fresca or castanha transformada, which can be either peeled chestnuts, frozen chestnuts, in syrup or chestnut conserve. They are sold in transparent plastic containers in the following weights: 250 gr, 500 gr, 1 kg and 2 kg.
Distinctive Features
Castanha da Terra Fria PDO is part of the so-called magustos which all families celebrate on All Saints day. The Magusto is a popular festival in the open air during which fresh chestnuts are roasted and eaten. Tradition has it that families who had not had a good cereal harvest could not participate in the Magusto.
