Description
The Pemento da Arnoia PGI is the fruit from the pepper plant of Capsicum annun L. species, belonging to the local ecotype which is known with the same name.
Production Area
The production area of Pemento da Arnoia PGI covers the municipal area of A Arnoia and the parish area of Meréns in the municipality of Cortegada, in region O Ribeiro, west from the province of Ourense, in the Autonomous Community of Galicia.
Production Method
Thanks to their experience, the farmers select the plants and fruits with the best characteristics to obtain a future cultivation of very good quality. The seeds are extracted from the ripe fruit, once it has reached its typical red colour. The seedbeds are prepared in January to favour germination. A "hot bed" is prepared by covering a plastic tunnel. Field transplantation is made by means of spacing plantation layouts of 50x40 cm. Irrigation is made at the basis in order to not damage the fruit, whilst fertilisation consists of bovine dung or poultry droppings. Harvesting is handmade and takes place when the fruit is not yet ripe, but ready to be put on the market. Later and with the help of stiff containers the product is moved to well-ventilated rooms, with suitable characteristics to prevent the product from deterioration.
Appearance and Flavour
Pemento da Arnoia PGI has a conic and flared shape, with 3 or 4 lobes, 4 ribs and a variable number of longitudinal partitions. It measures 7.5-11 cm of length and 5-7 cm of width, whilst the thickness goes from 2.6 to 7.7 mm. The weight spans from 50 gr to 90 gr. The spike can be grooved or rounded and the insertion area of the stalk is lobed. The peel is smooth and brilliant, light green in colour. The aroma is rich and the flavour is sweet with light spicy hints.
History
This pepper was already cultivated in the past, but without having high production levels and a significant widespread, therefore it did not crossed often the borders of the limited area. Despite all that, its reputation was improved thanks to the Festa do Pemento, which since then takes place every year in August. There are also many mentions in gastronomic guides that regard its quality and the different recipes to prepare it.
Gastronomy
Pemento da Arnoia PGI must be stored in a cool and dry place. It can be eaten fried, roasted in oven or in unusual recipes such as, for example, ice cream. It is ideal with meat, fish and shellfish dishes, but this variety is perfect when stuffed. Indeed, it can be stuffed with fish, ground meat, aubergines or also used for the famous Spanish tortilla. The stuffed peppers are very good both hot and cold.
Marketing
The product is sold as Pemento da Arnoia PGI, when it is not completely ripe. It is sold in nets of 500 gr or 1000 gr. Other formats are also allowed, but only if they do not change the quality of the product.
Distinctive Features
Pemento da Arnoia PGI owes its reputation to the experience of the local farmers who have been able to adapt the production techniques to the land conditions and, above all, to select the best plants.
