Description
The Maçã Bravo de Esmolfe PDO is a small apple from the Malus domestica Boekh species. This apple has a very distinctive perfume and can be stored for a considerable period of time.
Production Area
Maçã Bravo de Esmolfe PDO apples are grown in the districts of Coimbra, Viseu, Guarda and Castelo Branco.
Production Method
These apple trees traditionally grow at an altitude of 350 to 550 m above sea level. The orchards cover 140 hectares and there are 800 to 1,599 trees in the old orchards and 400 in the newly planted ones. This tree produces fruit very slowly, usually once every two years. Late blossoming aids the ripening of the fruit in this particular climate. The apples are usually gathered in the middle of September.
Appearance and Flavour
Maçã Bravo de Esmolfe PDO apples are about 5 cm in diameter and are elliptical and conical in shape. They have a whitish skin, sometimes with some pink areas. The flesh is soft and white, sweet and very juicy.
History
The Maçã Bravo de Esmolfe PDO apple has been known of since the 18th century and originated in the village of Esmolfe in Penava do Castelo. It is said that this apple originally grew here naturally and spontaneously and was called Bravo for this very reason. It was soon used for grafting and thrived throughout the area.
Gastronomy
Maçã Bravo de Esmolfe PDO apples can be kept for several months if stored at a temperature of 2°C-4°C. These apples are usually eaten as dessert at the end of meals but locally they are also used to perfume wardrobes, drawers and chests.
Marketing
These apples are sold as Maçã Bravo de Esmolfe PDO in three categories depending on size: I, II and Extra. They are sold in wood or cardboard boxes containing only two layers of fruit, kept separate by special packing and with a maximum weight of 15 kg.
Distinctive Features
The Maçã Bravo de Esmolfe PDO apple tree produces fruit after three or four years and has an average life of approximately thirty years. It is a slow fruit producing tree. The wait is certainly worth while, this is an excellent apple and unique of its kind.
