Description
The Mel do Parque de Montezinho PDO is a wild flower honey made by the Apis mellifera Iberica species of bee. The nectar comes from the natural vegetation which is predominantly heather, chestnut and rosemary.
Production Area
Mel do Parque de Montezinho PDO is made in the municipal areas of Bragança and Vinhais, in the Bragança district.
Production Method
No artificial feeding, movement of hives, use of chemicals or the introduction of other species of bee from other regions are permitted. Very often it is the bee keepers themselves who select their bees and make their own equipment and tools for producing the honey. The honey is extracted in an authorised, central and local cooperative.
Appearance and Flavour
Mel do Parque de Montezinho PDO is clear, viscose and smooth, amber coloured honey. It has a strong and natural aroma. It is smooth on the palate with hints of crystals.
History
The history of Mel do Parque de Montezinho PDO honey, which today is the principle Portuguese honey as far as quantity, distribution and export is concerned, has a long tradition. In fact documentation exists that relate how, in the past, it was traditional for the beekeepers of the Trás-os-Montes region never to sell their swarms and only ever, when necessary, exchange them between themselves. Testament to this tradition can be seen in this proverb: "Colmeias e ovelhas: nem comprá-las nem vendê-las" (bees and sheep: don't buy them or sell them).
Gastronomy
Mel do Parque de Montezinho PDO honey must be stored away from sources of heat and light. Apart from being enjoyed just as it is, as a sweetener or spread on bread, it is used in local cooking for sweets such as nógados and bombons, in the production of liqueurs and a sweet called chouriços doces, sweet salami.
Marketing
This honey is sold as Mel do Parque de Montezinho PDO either clear or set. It is sold in glass jars weighing 250 gr, 500 gr and 1.000 gr.
Distinctive Features
The distinctive taste and aroma of Mel do Parque de Montezinho PDO is owed to the particularity of the conditions in the Montezinho Natural park, where no agriculture is permitted that interferes with the natural, native flora. This area is one of the biggest Portuguese natural, protected parks (75,000 hectares). Situated in the region of Trás-os-Montes (north east Transmontano) and the northern part of the municipal areas of Bragança and Vinhais, part of the so-called Terra Fria Transmontana, it is characterised by temperatures that vary from minus 12°C in winter to 40°C in summer. The park includes two mountains, Serra da Coroa in the west and Serra de Montezinho in the east which also influence the abundant natural vegetation.
