Description
The Judías de El Barco de Ávila PGI is a dried bean, separated from the pod, of the Phaselous vulgaris L. species of the Blanca Redonda, Blanca Riñón, Morada Larga, Morada Redonda, Arrocina, Planchada and Judión de Barco varieties.
Production Area
The production area of the Judías de El Barco de Ávila PGI bean is located in the southwest side of the district of Avila and extends partly into the district of Salamanca in the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León.
Production Method
In preparation for planting the ground must be treated with organic fertilizer at a ratio of 30,000 kg/ha. Sowing takes place half way through May, all different varieties are sown at the same time, approximately 800-100 kg of seeds per hectare, planted in such a way so there are 12 plants per square metre. Manual harvesting is more common than mechanical; it is made pod per pod, after the Regulating Board has determined the correct level of maturity. There is then the shelling, both manual and mechanical, which separates the grain from the pods. This is followed by quality control. The beans are then cleaned via air and vibration to remove any foreign bodies. The defective grain is eliminated and classified by size. Packaging is performed automatically, and is followed by labelling.
Appearance and Flavour
The appearance of Judías de El Barco de Ávila PGI depends on the variety. Blanca Ridonda is of a white colour, oval shape and weighs 100 gr per 160 grains; Blanca Riñón is white, oblong and weighs 100 gr per 169 grains; Morada Larga is purple, it has a oblong, stretched shape and weighs 100 gr per 150 grains; Morada Redonda is purple, spherical and weighs 100 gr per 270 grains; Arrocina is white, spherical and weighs 100 gr per 400 grains; Planchada is white, kidney shaped and weighs 100 gr per 170 grains; Judión de Barco is white, oblong and weighs 100 gr per 100 grains.
History
The cultivation of Judías de El Barco de Ávila PGI beans is a part of the traditional plantations of the area. The knowledge and the distribution of the product can be attributed to the farmers who travelled great distances to sell the product.
Gastronomy
Judías de El Barco de Ávila PGI beans should be kept in fresh, dry, dark places and not at high temperatures. The beans can be eaten all year round, especially in the winter months. They are best eaten cooked and can be used to prepare a wide range of dishes. Before cooking, the beans are left to soften over night, any which remain floating should not be eaten. It is advisable to cook the beans very slowly, in an earthenware pot. They go very well with meat, sausage products and mushrooms. No matter how they are cooked, they go excellently with a good, full-bodied red wine.
Marketing
The product is sold dried as Judías de El Barco de Ávila PGI, in various types: Blanca Redonda, Blanca Riñón, Morada Larga, Morada Redonda, Arrocina, Planchada and Judión de Barco, in the classes Extra and I. They are vacuum-sealed in cartons of 1 kg or in bags of the same weight.
Distinctive Features
The production area is at an average height of 600 to 1,200 m, the ground is sandy and acid with a low calcium and phosphorus content, the climate is continental with gentle winters due to protection from the mountains, the average temperature is 11°C. All these elements influence the quality and the particularity which distinguish these beans.
