Mela Val di Non DOP and
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Introduction
Here we continue our presentation of Italy's 155 products of 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).
This month we present two diverse types of fruits: the Mela Val di Non DOP (Apple from the Non Valley, in Trentino Alto Adige, and the Limone di Sorrento IGP (Lemon from Sorrento IGP, from the region of Campania.
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Mela Val di Non DOP
(Apples from the Non Valley - Trentino-Alto Adige)
Protected Designations of Origin: Reg. CE n. 1665/03 (GUCE L. 235 del 23.09.03)
A Little History
The cultivation of apples in Val di Non has been documented for over 2000 years. In addition than by the names of towns such as Malè and Malosco, two municipalities located in the typical production area which derives from the Latin word Maletum, which means 'place of the apples', the strong link of this product with the territory is evidenced also by historic documents such as the 1641 Carta di Regola di Cles (Paper of the Rules from Cles), as well as in art work dating back to pre-Renaissence times and a variety of local dialect poetry inspired to to this fruit and its cultivation.
DOP Apples from Val di Non
From the mid 19th century on, the local fruit farmers started to collect numerous prizes and recognition in international competition for the high quality of their products. The characteristics of the soil, consisting in rocky Dolomitic masses rich in magnesium, and the climate, which ranges from temperate-oceanic to continental-alpine, mitigated by the particular tectonic formation of the valley, contribute to producing apple with superior organoleptic quality. The continued commitment to improve the quality of the production, granted the apples from the Val di Non the European DOP recognition. It is the first Italian grown apple to receive such an honor.
Val di Non DOP apple of the Renetta variety
Characteristics
The many therapeutic characteristics of apples have been known from time immemorial.
In addition to have a beneficial effect on teeth and gums, this fruit is widely used in products for the care of the skin of face and neck. The cosmetic potential of apples are linked to its firming, clearing, moisturizing, tonic, and anti-wrinkle power.
In the kitchen, it is a versatile, irreplaceable ingredient in a variety of traditional recipes as well as in imaginative pairings. From the classic apple pie, to apple fritters, to strudel, for which the favorite variety is the Renetta, generously dusted with cinnamon. The Golden variety is the best choice for titillating salads with Trentingrana cheese and walnuts, or cooked as a side dish for pork meat and game based recipes.
- Production Zone:
A limited area northwest of Trento, at 450 to 900 meters (1,476 - 2,952 feet) of elevation, characterized by a microclimate and soil composition particularly suitable to apple cultivation. - Producers' Organization:
Consorzio Melinda e Consorzio di Tutela DOP Mela Val di Non
Via Trento 200/9 - 38023 Cles - Trento - Certification Entity:
CSQA, an Italian certifying entity working internationally in several sectors, including food, public administration, public nd health services, tourism, sport and well-being, school and education, culture.
Limone di Sorrento IGP (Lemon from Sorrento - Campania)
Protected Designations of Origin: Reg. CE n. 2446/00
A Little History
The presence of lemons in the Sorrento area is attested in historic documents dating back to the 16th century, though the Limone di Sorrento IGP genetic ancestor go far back to Roman times. In fact, numerous paintings and mosaics uncovered at Pompei and Ercolano archeological sites, show lemons similar to today's massese and ovale sorrentino varieties.
Many sales contracts, paintings, literature and botanic treatises from the Renaissance times document the widespread use of locally grown lemons. Only in the 17th century though, we find the historic confirmation of its commercial cultivation thanks to Jesuits documents. An ancient lemon orchard known as 'The Jesus', is producing lemons to this day in Conca di Guarazzanno, between Sorrento and Massa Lubrense.
Limone di Sorrento IGP
Limone di Sorrento IGP
Mentioned in writings by Torquato Tasso, a native of Sorrento, Iovianus Pontanus, and Giambattista della Porta, in the 19th century Italian historian, Bonaventura da Sorrento, writes that the Limone di Sorrento IGP is exported worldwide, with particular emphasis in America.
Characteristics
The shape of the Limone di Sorrento IGP is elliptical and symmetrical, the size is medium-large, and the weight cannot be less than 85 grams (3 ounces). The skin is citrus yellow in color and has medium thickness. The flesh is straw yellow in color, with abundant juice and high acidity.
- Production Zone:
Part of the Vico Equense, Meta, Piano di Sorrento, Sant'Agnello, Sorrento, Massa Lubrense, Capri, and Anacapri municipalities. - Producers' Organization:
Consorzio per la tutela del Limone di Sorrento IGP
Via Montariello 6
80600 Sorrento (NA)
Tel. +39 081 8075551
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