Description
The Mel da Serra da Lousã PDO is an excellent honey made by bees of the Apis mellifera Iberica species.
Production Area
Mel da Serra da Lousã PDO is made in the municipal areas of Lousã, Miranda do Corvo, Penela, Figueiró dos Vinhos, Pedrogão Grande, Castanheira de Pena, Pampilhosa da Serra, Arganil, Góis and Vila Nova de Poiares, in the districts of Coimbra and Leiria.
Production Method
The bees feed on the nectar from the surrounding natural flora, particularly the wild heather and to some extent chestnut. They are kept in mobile hives in the mountains and valleys of the Serra da Lousã. The honey is harvested from March to August. It is only extracted by means of centrifuge and is matured at the natural temperature for approximately 30 days. For obvious reasons extraction and filtering take place in the area of production.
Appearance and Flavour
Mel da Serra da Lousã PDO is amber coloured, often very dark and very viscous. It has an excellent flavour, with hints of woodland, humus and heather; it has a very distinctive taste.
History
The making of Mel da Serra da Lousã PDO honey descends from an ancient tradition in bee keeping, practised since time immemorial in the mountains and valleys of the Serra da Lousã. Testament to the ancient and indissoluble link between honey and this region is apparent in the names of the local towns and villages which often derive from beekeeping and the production of honey, such as Colmeal (swarm of bees), Cortiços and Vale de Cortiços (beehives), Vale de Abelhas (bees) and Vale de Colmeias.
Gastronomy
Mel da Serra da Lousã PDO honey should be stored in a cool, dark place. Honey crystallises at low temperatures and changes colour. It can be eaten just as it is, as a sweetener or as an ingredient in the local traditional desserts and cake recipes. It is very nourishing and also has therapeutic properties.
Marketing
This honey is sold as Mel da Serra da Lousã PDO in two varieties, either clear honey or set honey. It is sold in glass jars in the following sizes: 30 gr, 250 gr, 500 gr and 1.000 gr.
Distinctive Features
The high quality of Mel da Serra da Lousã PDO honey is owed to the geography and climate of the Serra da Lousã, with its peaks, slopes and valleys together with the passion of the local people for beekeeping which has made this an ideal area for the production of an exceptional quality honey.
