Description
The Mel dos Açores PDO is a honey from the nectar of the many wild flowers and tree blossom that grow in this area including plum, chestnut, orange, eucalyptus and rosemary as well as subtropical species such as banana, passion fruit, pineapple, avocado and guava. Mel dos Açores PDO honey also includes another variety, Mel de Incenso honey from the nectar of a species of Pittosporum ondulattum Hort, a naturally occurring plant that grows all over the Azores.
Production Area
Mel dos Açores PDO honey is made throughout the islands of the Azores.
Production Method
The Mel de Incenso variety of honey is made from January to April and is extracted at the end of May. The millefleures variety is produced all the year round and is extracted from the beginning of May. The honey is extracted by centrifuge and is left to mature at a controlled temperature and, lastly, any surface impurities are removed.
Appearance and Flavour
Mel dos Açores PDO honey in the millefleures variety is dark chestnut brown in colour, has a fluid consistency and a pleasing taste. The Mel de Incenso variety is a very light yellow colour, almost colourless and has very sweet with hints of essential incense oils on the palate.
History
Mel dos Açores PDO comes from a long tradition of bee keeping on the islands of the Azores dating back to the 16th century. In 1554 Gaspar do Rego Baldayal sent a letter to the king regarding the production of honey on the islands. Mel de Incenso is almost a symbol of the Azores, especially the island of Pico, even though it is the island of S. Miguel that produces the largest quantity of honey. The most important aspect of bee keeping in the area is linked to its ecological function, since it guarantees a large percentage of the pollination of the natural flora; it also has a social role as it is practised by almost the entire population; lastly it is an important part of the local economy because of the high quality of the honey. Apiculture is going through a particularly positive period now thanks to the enormous efforts of the public authorities over the last few years to give this product the importance it is owed.
Gastronomy
Mel dos Açores PDO honey must be kept away from sources of light and heat. Apart from being eaten just as it is, as a sweetener or spread on bread, Mel dos Açores PDO is an ingredient in a variety of local cakes and pastries and traditional dishes, such as lombinho de Pata Negra com Mel dos Açores and Puré de Feijão, a dish of honey covered duck eaten with a bean purée.
Marketing
Mel dos Açores PDO honey is sold in two varieties - Millefleures Honey and Mel de Incenso. It is sold in glass jars weighing 250 gr or 500 gr. They are packed in boxes containing 24 or 48 jars.
Distinctive Features
The extremely high quality of Mel dos Açores PDO is owed to the natural conditions and climate of the islands of the Azores with its rich and varied flora which is so ideal for apiculture.
