Description
The Castanha dos Soutos da Lapa PDO chestnuts come from the Castanea sativa Mill tree, in the Martaínha and Longal varieties.
Production Area
Castanha dos Soutos da Lapa PDO chestnuts grow in the municipal areas of Lamego, Aguiar da Beira and Trancoso, in the districts of Viseu and Guarda.
Production Method
This variety of chestnut thrives on the cold climate of this area and it also requires the typically wet summers and the acidic, light, well drained, organic and granite soil. The trees need little attention and the chestnuts are gathered from September to January but mostly in November.
Appearance and Flavour
The Castanha dos Soutos da Lapa PDO chestnut of the Martaínha variety is light brown in colour and is lightly lined; it is bulbous in shape and there are 60-70 nuts per kg. The Longal variety is elliptical and elongated in shape and there are 70-95 nuts per kg. They have a distinctive and sweet taste.
History
The history of the chestnut is linked to the history, traditions and the proverbs of this region. Some of the local proverbs are: "No dia de S. Julião quem não assar um ma gusto não è cristão" (On Saint Julian's day those not roasting chestnuts are no Christians), "Pelo S. Martinho castanhas e vinho"(For San Martino chestnuts and wine), "Sete castana são um palmo de mão" (Seven chestnuts make a palm of the hand). In the 18th century the nut from the chestnut tree also began to be used as a form of currency.
Gastronomy
Castanha dos Soutos da Lapa PDO chestnuts can be stored just as they are or they may be frozen, made into conserve or bottled in syrup, this is known as caldas. Castanha Martaínha is usually eaten fresh while the Longal are processed. Apart from being eaten just as they are they can also be cooked in several ways, boiled, fried or roast and can be used in a variety of recipes such as: chestnut purée, chicken and chestnuts, chestnut mousse and chestnut flour of course is an ingredient for many desserts.
Marketing
These chestnuts are sold as Castanha dos Soutos da Lapa PDO in the following varieties: castanha Fresca (fresh), Seca (dry) or Pilada (peeled). They are sold in transparent plastic containers in the following weights: 250 gr, 500 gr, 1 kg and 2 kg.
Distinctive Features
Castanha dos Soutos da Lapa PDO chestnuts have particularly distinctive features including an exceptional flavour conferred by the region's specific climate and geography.
