Description
The Mel do Alentejo PDO is a honey made by the Apis mellifera Iberica species of bee with the naturally occurring pollens in the Alentejo region. Depending on the predominant percentages of pollen, rosemary, eucalyptus, orange blossom and wild flower honeys are all produced here.
Production Area
Mel do Alentejo PDO honey is made in the municipal areas of Alandroal, Alvito, Arraiolos, Barrancos, Beja, Borba, Cuba, Estremoz, Elvas, Évora, Ferreira do Alentejo, Fronteira, Montemoro-Novo, Mora, Mourão, Portel, Redondo, Reguengos de Monsaraz and Serpa, in the districts of Évora, Beja and Portalegre.
Production Method
Mobile hives are used in this region which have to be less than five years old. No artificial feeding is permitted or other phytosanitary processes. The honey is only produced in the traditional way, such as with the use of steam, air pressure or boiling water. The honey is only extracted by the centrifuge method. Crystallised honey can be brought to a maximum temperature of 45°C to facilitate filtering and centrifuging.
Appearance and Flavour
Mel do Alentejo PDO honey varies in colour and aroma depending on the variety. The colour varies from a transparent yellow to amber. The aroma may be mild and delicate as in the orange blossom and rosemary varieties of honey or stronger and more pronounced as in the eucalyptus variety or even richer and even more perfumed as in the wild flower honey. All the honeys have a fine and compact texture.
History
The high quality of Mel do Alentejo PDO honey is the result of an ancient tradition. Already at the time of the first kings of Portugal there are testimonies to the privileges conceded to the beekeepers of the time, abelheiros, who were allowed to use honey in payment of their taxes and use it as a currency in their trading activities. Alandroal, Portel, Redondo and Vila Viçosa were villages whose economy was traditionally based on the production of honey. At the present time the Alentejo region holds the second position in Portugal for its number of hives and beekeepers. Alentejo honey was also the first Portuguese honey to gain international recognition and win awards.
Gastronomy
Mel do Alentejo PDO honey should be stored at room temperature, away from sources of heat and light. It is usually eaten just as it is or as an ingredient in cakes and pastries. Among the most famous local recipes for desserts using this honey is nógado alentejano, a pastry which is placed on leaves from the orange tree and covered in honey.
Marketing
This honey is sold as Mel do Alentejo PDO in the following varieties: Rosemary Honey, Eucalyptus Honey, Orange Honey and Millefleures Honey. It is a clear, centrifuged honey and is sold in glass jars of various sizes up to 1 kg.
Distinctive Features
Mel do Alentejo PDO honey is still produced today in the traditional way on wooden frames, from which it is removed and separated from the beeswax by air pressure. In the distant past cork bark was used which used to be easily found in the Alentejo region.
