Description
The Pera de Jumilla PDO is a fruit from the Pyrus communis L. species coming from the Ercolini variety.
Production Area
The production area of the Pera de Jumilla PDO is located in the Jumilla district in the Autonomous Community of Murcia.
Production Method
The production of the pears is made in full respect of environment. Harvesting is made in two phases, when the fruit has achieved the right level of maturation. Thanks to its characteristic precocity, the Pera de Jumilla PDO maturates during the last 2 days of June, earlier than the other varieties. The fruit is accurately detached from the tree pulling it upwards to not damage the stalk. Later, it is transported to industries, where pears are identified. Some samples are subject to quality control, and they are stored into special refrigerators to cool them. Harvesting and packaging must be made within 8-10 hours.
Appearance and Flavour
Pera de Jumilla PDO is savoury, very sweet and sugary, while the pulp is white and very succulent. The peel is yellow on green background with reddish aloes on the fruit side exposed to the sun. The minimum size of the fruit goes from 52 to 58 mm.
History
The first news of the pear cultivation in the geographic production area is dated back to the 16th century during the Kingdom of Philippe II. Over time, the fruit cultivation has enabled the fruit growers to select the Ercolini variety which offers the best fruits in terms of size and organoleptic features.
Gastronomy
The Pera de Jumilla PDO can be stored in fresh and ventilated rooms or in the refrigerator. In addition to be eaten fresh, the Pera de Jumilla PDO is used to prepare a lot of local recipes. The Pera de Jumilla PDO is used in different ways to conserve and transform the fruit as, for example, to produce syrups, juices, preserves and jams. The sweet taste of this fruit is ideal with new red wines; in fact, in the region of Murcia the recipe of Peras de Jumilla PDO with wine is famous. The pears, after being peeled and sliced, are soaked into wine until they achieve a red colour.
Marketing
The product is sold as Pera de Jumilla PDO in the Extra and I classes, in line with regulations. The pears are sold l00se by kilograms or suitably packed.
Distinctive Features
The Pera de Jumilla PDO peculiarities are due to the hot and Mediterranean climate of the production area which helps to make unique the fruit taste and influences on the sugar content. In addition, the trees are located at a sufficient altitude to ensure the necessary winter-cold weather to cultivate pears.
