The Comunitat Valenciana has a great native gastronomic wealth, characterized by high quality products and international fame. Fruits, wines, crops… it stands out in many areas of the agri-food sector, having numerous certifications of Denomination of Origin (D.O.) and Protected Geographical Indication (I.G.P.).
We are going to take the opportunity to review their most characteristic products and we will do so through several posts, since the variety and quality is such that they can be used for a whole series of publications.
- Valencian citrus. The Regulatory Council of the Valencian Citrus Protected Geographical Indication guarantees specific quality requirements with its signature in oranges, tangerins and lemons grown in Comunitat Valenciana.
- Artichoke from Benicarlo. This artichoke is produced in the north of Castellon Region. It can be tasted between the months of October and June and is recognizable by its flat and compact shape and its peculiar dimple. Since 2003, it has held the Protected Designation of Origin (D.O.P.) signature of the European Union.
- Rice from Valencia. Historically, Valencia is the first area in Spain where rice was grown, a crop that has continued to grow over the years. The quality signature ‘Valencia Rice Denomination of Origin’ guarantees that this cereal has been made following traditional and strict environmentally-friendly standards. This rice is grown in the Albufera Natural Park and the three main varieties are: Senia-Bahía, Albufera and Bomba.
- Kaki Ribera del Xúquer. Persimmon of the “Rojo Brillante” variety sold under the trademark “Persimon”, owned by the Ribera del Xúquer Kaki Regulatory Council. It is characterized by a large caliber, orange color and a natural shiny skin. Furthermore, once harvested, the astringency is naturally eliminated and the fruits do not receive any post-harvest treatment.
- Cherries from the Mountain of Alicante. Fruits with Protected Geographical Indication (I.G.P), mountainous regions whose climatic conditions advance the ripening of the fruit, located in north of Alicante and south of the Valencia Region. It is an area where there are very few pests and diseases, resulting in a fruit with few treatments. The predominant varieties protected by the Regulatory Council are Burlat and Stark Hardy Geant.
- Medlar from Callosa d’en Sarria. It is a sweet fruit with an acid touch consumed in spring. It is produced in the Marina Baixa and its collection, classification and packaging is done by hand.
- Vinalopó Bagged Table Grapes. It differs from the rest of table grapes in that it grows and ripens in a paper bag and remains that way until it reaches the consumer, resulting in a finer skin and a uniform color. Only Aledo, Ideal, Dominga, Doña María, Rosetti, Victoria and Red Globe varieties are covered by the Protected Designation of Origin.
- Mollar Pomegranate from Elche. The Elche’s Mollar pomegranate’s Protected Designation of Origin covers the Bajo Vinalopó, Alacantí and Vega Baja regions, in Alicante Region. It is a very sweet fruit, with an exterior that varies from cream to deep red and with a white and edible kernel.