Description
The Maçã da Beira Alta PGI is an apple derived from the Golden, Gala, Red Delicious, Starking, Jonagold, Granny Smith, Jonared and Reineta varieties. It has its own distinctive flavour and can be stored for a considerable amount of time.
Production Area
Maçã Bravo de Esmolfe PDO apples are grown in the Coimbra, Viseu and Guarda districts in the Beira Litoral and Beira Interior regions.
Production Method
The hot dry summers in the area where this apple grows give it its bright colour and sweetness. The orchards cover an area of 5,700 hectares with a density of 1,100 to 1,200 trees and the best fruit comes from an altitude of 700 m above sea level.
Appearance and Flavour
The Maçã da Beira Alta PGI is a sweet, juicy and fleshy apple. It is dark red in colour, measures between 50 mm and 55 mm and has an average weight of 160 gr to 170 gr.
History
The people of the Beira Alta region were soon to realise that they had the ideal conditions for growing excellent apples in their area, which soon enjoyed a very high reputation throughout the country. The origin of the Maçã da Beira Alta PGI is linked closely with the history of the region. Particularly the fact that, in the middle of the 20th century, the growing of this variety went into decline to be replaced by more exotic varieties which were cheaper to cultivate and produced more fruit.
Gastronomy
Maçã da Beira Alta PGI apples must be kept in the fridge at between approximately 2°C -4°C. They are normally eaten at the end of a meal or as a dessert, baked in the oven with sugar and port wine. These apples are also used for puddings and cake making.
Marketing
Maçã da Beira Alta PGI apples are sold in three different categories, depending on size: I, II and Extra. They are sold in wood or cardboard boxes containing only two layers of fruit and kept separate by special packing.
Distinctive Features
Maçã da Beira Alta PGI apples are grown in the so-called Terras do Demo (the land of the demon) because of the harsh climate with its very cold winters and hot, dry summers. These conditions however produce excellent apples which are appreciated throughout the country.
