Clementinas de las Tierras del Ebro

Clementinas de las Tierras del Ebro

Clementinas de las Tierras del Ebro are Spanish IGP clementines.

Description:

Fruits of the species Citrus reticulata of the following varieties: Clementina fina, Clementina Hernandina and Clemenules (Clementina de Nules). The varieties of clementine grown in this IGP area have the following distinguishing features:

— a very long maturity period

— excellent flavour

— deep orange rind colour

The selection criteria applied to products with these features are the following:

— Juice content (% by weight) > 40 %

— Maturity index: Soluble solids ratio (E)/acidity(A) > 10

— Colour: The reading is taken in the equatorial section of the fruit and the minimum a/b values for the three protected varieties are as follows:

Variety Minimum a/b value

Clemenules a/b = 0,16

C. fina a/b = 0,19

C. Hernandina a/b = 0,14

Geographical area:

The geographical area comprises sites in subdistricts of the Catalan Baix Ebre and Montsià areas in the Province of Tarragona, which the Regulatory Body considers suitable for the production of clementines under the criteria stated in the quality manual.

The municipalities included in this geographical area are the following:

Baix Ebre Montsià, L'Aldea, Aldover, Alfara de Carles, L'Ametlla de Mar, L'Ampolla, Benifallet, Camarles, Deltebre, Pauls, El Perelló, Roquetes, Tivenys, Tortosa, Xerta Alcanar, Amposta, Freginals, La Galera, Godall, Mas de Barberans, Masdenverge, Sant Carles de la Rapita, Sant Jaume d'Enveja, Santa Barbara, La Senia, Ulldecona

Proof of origin: Clementines are grown on orchards situated in the production area and entered in the appropriate register of the Regulatory Body. They are selected, prepared and packaged in packing warehouses entered in the appropriate register of the Regulatory Body, also in the production area. Clementines of commercial categories 'Extra' and '1' that pass checks made throughout the production and packaging process and physical, chemical and organoleptic examinations are placed on the market with a protected geographical indication and a numbered label issued by the Regulatory Body.

Method of production:

Planting guidelines:

— For existing plantations: Citrus Aurantinum stock: 5 - 4 of 5 - 5 m

— For new plantations, depending on stock used:

— Citrange Carrizo: 6 - 4 of 5,5 - 3,5 m

— Mandarino Cleopatra: 5 - 4 of 5 - 3,5 m.

Pruning: Shape or growth pruning is carried out during the first years of life, to promote a strong, vigorous structure and regular pruning thereafter to increase the yield of the plantation.

Harvesting: The fruit is cropped when the minimum values for the maturity index and juice content are reached for each variety. Harvesting should be carried out in dew and mist-free conditions, using secateurs and avoiding any rough handling which might break the skin of the fruit.

Preparation and packaging: At the authorised packing warehouses, the clementines undergo the following processes: washing, waxing, sizing, packing, cold storage, external quality assurance and labelling.

The entire process, from production to labelling is carried out in the production area.

Link:

Historical. The mandarin is one of the fruit trees traditionally grown in the Baix Ebre and Montsià areas, often on family-run holdings. In the mid-19th century, approximately 160 ha was dedicated to growing citrus fruit in the Province of Tarragona. This area grew steadily until the 1960s, when there was a major expansion, which has continued until the present day. Of all the citrus fruits grown in the Ebro area, clementines, and in particular these three varieties, have been of outstanding quality. Growers have striven for quality, with clementine-growing taking up an increasingly large portion of agricultural land and gradually ousting other citrus fruits.

Geographical. The area is characterised by three orographical units with the following different features: mountainous terrain, quaternary plain and recent alluvial deposits. There are two types of soil in the area: one excellent for non-irrigated farming and the other requiring irrigation. The phosphate and potassium content is average to high, the fact that high potassium concentrations are not present giving the clementines a thin rind.

The climate is warm and coastal and enjoys a long completely frost-free period. Winters are temperate with a sharp contrast between daytime and night-time temperatures. This climate produces a fruit whose skin develops slowly and is rich in colour. Also, the fruit matures later than in other regions, so it can be sold later in the season without losing its commercial grade.

Social. The total area growing citrus fruit in the Baix Ebre and Montsià areas in 1997 was 6 095 ha, 3 260 ha of which was dedicated to clementine-growing and produced 48 300 tonnes of fruit in 1997. 90 % of all clementines grown in the Baix Ebre and Montsià areas are IGP products.

Reference: The European Commission

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