Vegetables: Asparago Verde di Altedo IGP
|
Introduction
Here, we continue our introduction of Italy's 155 Protected Designations of Origin (PDO, or, in Italian, DOP, Denominazione di Origine Protetta) and Protected Geographical Indications (PGI, or IGP in Italian, Indicazione Geografica Protetta) products.
This month we present two vegetable products which have received the European IGP recognition: the Asparago Verde di Altedo IGP (Asparagus from Altedo), produced in the Emilia Romagna region, and the Carciofo di Paestum IGP (artichoke from Paestum), produced in Campania.
Asparago Verde di Altedo IGP (Emilia Romagna)
Protected Geographical Indication: Reg. CE n. 492 del 18.03.2003 (GUCE L. 73 del 19.03.2003)
Characteristics of the Product
The asparagus is a vegetable extremely rich in fiber, which contains limited quantities of fat, proteins and sugar, and is abundant in minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, magnesium an d potassium, which are healthful for the human body. In addition to vitamins A, B6 and C, asparagus contains a substantial quantity of antioxidants and is an excellent source of folic acid.
Conservation and Packaging
The asparagus is delivered to the processing plant as soon as it is harvested, either in bunches or loose. In fact, it is essential that the metabolism of the product be slowed down by cooling it quickly, either through immersion in water or by other suitable means, in order for it to last longer.
The asparagus is then packaged in bunches and evened at the base, either by hand or mechanically. Each bunch weighs between 250 grams (around 8.8 oz.) minimum, to 3 kilograms (around 6.6 pounds) maximum. Each bunch can be wrapped at the bottom in food-approved material, printed with all mandatory information, as per European rule CEE 2081/92. As an alternative, the bunches are packaged with a band, either vertically or horizontally, with all the mandatory information printed on them.
Finally the bunches are packaged in special boxes for transportation.
- Production Zone:
- Province of Bologna: The municipalities of Anzola dell'Emilia, Argelato, Bologna, Budrio, Baricella, Bentivoglio, Calderara di Reno, Crevalcore, Castello d'Argile, Castelmaggiore, Castel San Pietro Terme, Castenaso, Castelguelfo, Dozza, Galliera, Granarolo dell'Emilia, Imola, Malalbergo, Medicina, Minerbio, Molinella, Mordano, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Pieve di Cento, Sala Bolognese, Sant'Agata Bolognese, San Giovanni Persiceto, San Giorgio di Piano, San Lazzaro di Savena, and San Pietro in Casale.
- Province of Ferrara: The municipalities of Argenta, Berra, Bondeno, Cento, Codigoro, Comacchio, Copparo, Ferrara, Formignana, Goro, Iolanda di Savoia, Lagosanto, Masi Torello, Mesola, Mirabello, Migliaro, Migliarino, Massafiscaglia, Ostellato, Portomaggiore, Poggio Renatico, Ro, Sant'Agostino, Tresigallo, Vigarano Mainarda, and Voghiera.
- Producers' Organization:
Consorzio di Tutela dell'Asparago Verde di Altedo (Consortium for the Protection of the Green Asparagus from Altedo)
Piazza Unità d'Italia 2
40058 Malalbergo, Bologna, Italy
Carciofo di Paestum IGP (Campania)
Protected Geographical Indications: Reg. CE n. 465/2004 del 12.03.2004, pubblicato sulla GUCE L 77/24 del 13.03.2004
Characteristics of the Product
Statistical documents from the Kingdom of Naples, dating back to the 19th century, mention that artichokes were grown in the area around Evoli, which included the current municipalities of Eboli and Capaccio. It is believed that originally artichokes were first cultivated in the province of Naples, around the famous Temples of Paestum, for their own use. Commercial cultivation started only in the 1930s, following the land reclamation and agricultural transformation done in the area.
The artichoke from Paestum is known also as 'Round from Paestum', because of its characteristic round head which, in addition, have two more typical features: the compactness of the head and the lack of thorns atop the leaves. This variety belongs to the Romanesco type of artichoke, however, it differs from other Romanesco artichokes for its high quality, large, round heads, and the pleasant flavor, a result of the production techniques refined over the years of cultivation in the Piana del Sele (Sele's Plain).
Each plant produces 5 or 6 heads between February and May, or quite ahead of time compared to other varieties, thus the Paestum's artichokes are the first Romanesco type to arrive in stores each year.
Currently the cultivation of the Carciofo di Paestum IGP is the most important agricultural activity in the Piana del Sele, occupying around 2,000 hectares (over 4,940 acres), with a yearly production of around 200,000 quintals (about 22,046.23 short tons [US], or 19,684.13 long tons [UK]).
This vegetable has therapeutic effects thanks to the content of calcium, phosphorous, iron, sodium, potassium, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, and PP, nolic acid, citric acid, cinarine, and sugar. The Carciofo di Paestum is thus a natural tonic, able to stimulate the liver, soothe coughs, contribute to blood purification, strengthen the heart, and, generally speaking, detoxify the body. The organoleptic and morphological characteristics of this type of artichoke are highly appreciated in cuisine, where it is used in a variety of typical recipes, such as the pizza with baby artichokes, or artichoke cream and artichoke pasticcio (patty).
It is advisable to keep the product in the refrigerator and use it as fresh as possible.
- Production Zone:
The municipalities of Agropoli, Albanella, Altavilla Silentina, Battipaglia, Bellizzi, Campagna, Capaccio, Cicerale, Eboli, Giungano, Montecorvino Pugliano, Ogliastro Cilento, Pontecagnano Faiano and Serre, in the province of Salerno. - Producers' Organization:
Is.Me.Cert. (Istituto Mediterraneo di Certificazione dei Prodotti e dei Processi del Settore Agroalimentare, or Mediterranean Institute for the Certification of Products and Agricultural Production Processes)
|
Home • General Index • Contact Us • Search • News • About Us • Site Map |
