Description
The Pomme de Terre de l'Île de Ré PDO is a vegetable belonging to the variety of consumption potatoes deriving from Alcmaria, Goulvena, Pénélope, Starletta and to those deriving from firm-fleshed ware potatoes such as Amandine, BF15, Charlotte, Roseval.
Production Area
The production area of the Pomme de Terre de l'Île de Ré PDO includes the following municipal areas of l'Île de Ré: Canton d'Ars-en-Ré (Ars-en-Ré, La Couarde-sur-Mer, Loix, Les Portes-en-Ré, Saint-Clément-des-Baleines); Canton de Saint-Martinde-Ré (Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, La Flotte, Rivedoux-Plage, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, Saint-Martin-de-Ré). L'Île de Ré is located in the Charente-Maritime department, of the Poitou-Charentes region.
Production Method
The preparation of seed tubers is carried out in a germinator for a period of at least four weeks before planting, which is performed afterwards between the 20th January and 31st March. Seed tubers are planted at a small soil depth. One of the characteristic is the use of organic fertilizer consisting of seaweed, harvested on the coast of the isle. The micro-elements given to the soil by means of that traditional fertilization contribute to generate the fruity aroma of the tubers cultivated in the island. It is forbidden to cultivate them in the mountains. The potatoes are reaped before complete ripening and can be sold until the 31st July including the harvest year.
Appearance and Flavour
The Pomme de Terre de l'Île de Ré PDO is an early potato, with a size smaller than 70 mm, with consistent flesh and having a characteristic aroma with vegetable connotations and a type of skin which can be removed without difficulty when it is grated.
History
The Pomme de Terre de l'Île de Ré PDO is the result of a local tradition of ancient origins. The production of potatoes has developed increasingly in the last years and currently it is the main horticultural activity of the isle.
Gastronomy
The Pomme de Terre de l'Île de Ré PDO must be preserved in the dark to avoid that it germinates, in places which are fresh and not humid. The potatoes are consumed always cooked. Different types of preparation: boiled, fried, roasted, braised. They are frequently spiced with herbs, garlic and onion or combined with meat, fish and other vegetables. They are optimal to be served as smashed potatoes, tossed and mixed with milk and butter. A consistent cream soup of potatoes is also the base for the savoury gateaux, with ham and melted cheese. They are optimal to be served in soups and cream soups typical of the French gastronomy.
Marketing
The product is sold as Pomme de Terre de l'Île de Ré PDO, and the reference of Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée or AOC (CDO) must appear immediately after the name of the denomination.
Distinctive Features
The peculiar characteristics of the Pomme de Terre de l'Île de Ré PDO derive from the environment and from the production techniques. The Isle of Ré is an extremely appropriate place from the climatic point of view. It is very sunny, and it is exposed to hot and strong wind. It has scarce precipitations which are compensated by hydrogeological reserves. The areas kept for potato production are located on calcareous coastal lands with sandy ground on a calcareous base. The use of organic fertilizer consisting of seaweed, harvested on the coast of the isle, contributes to provide an absolutely particular aroma to the tuber.
