Description
The Mel das Terras Altas do Minho PDO is a honey made from wild flowers by the black bees of the Apis mellifera Iberica species. The highest percentage of nectar comes from heathers (the Ericacee plant family).
Production Area
Mel das Terras Altas do Minho PDO is made in a wide area of northern Portugal, in the districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga, Vila Real, Porto and Aveiro.
Production Method
The hives can be no further than 1.000 m from eucalyptus woods. The bees cannot be fed artificially and neither are repellents permitted. The honey must be extracted between July and September either by pressing or the traditional, combing method. Extraction and filtering must be carried out within the production area at a maximum temperature of 45°C.
Appearance and Flavour
Mel das Terras Altas do Minho PDO can appear liquid or solid since it crystallises very easily. It is dark, chestnut brown in colour and the flavour is predominantly of heather.
History
Many documents exist attesting to the fact that in the past in the area where Mel das Terras Altas do Minho PDO honey is produced it was also used as a form of currency, not only for commercial trading or for the payment of debts but also in payment of taxes to the king. For example, in the 12th century the inhabitants of the village of Freitas (in the Braga district), by request of the king, had to pay 200 kg of bees wax, while, in the reign of king Alphonse III, the subjects who made honey paid their taxes in bowls of this nectar.
Gastronomy
Mel das Terras Altas do Minho PDO must be kept in a dark cool place. It is normally eaten just as it is. It is ideal spread on bread or used as an ingredient for desserts and cakes.
Marketing
This honey is sold as Mel das Terras Altas do Minho PDO. It can be either clear or set. When it contains more than 35% of total pollen from heather it can be called Mel de Urze or Mel de Queiró. It is sold in glass jars containing 250 gr, 500 gr or 1.000 gr.
Distinctive Features
The high quality of Mel das Terras Altas do Minho PDO honey is owed to this mountainous area in the north west of Portugal where it is produced. Apart from also having a considerable amount of rainfall, this region has very few towns and no industry at all therefore making it a perfect, natural unspoilt environment for the production of this high quality honey.
