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Description: 'Melão de Almeirim' / 'Melão D'Almeirim' refers to the fruit of the species Cucumis melo L. of the Inodorus group (melon, late melon of the tendral type).
This fruit, obtained from regional seeds that have been improved over the last few years by producers in the geographical area of produc-tion, is characterized by having an oval shape, an intensely basted skin of a greenish color even when ripe, an average weight of between 2 and 6 kg and a fleshy, juicy and sweet pulp.
This fruit, obtained from regional seeds that have been improved over the last few years by producers in the geographical area of produc-tion, is characterized by having an oval shape, an intensely basted skin of a greenish color even when ripe, an average weight of between 2 and 6 kg and a fleshy, juicy and sweet pulp.
Production method: The method of obtaining 'Melão de Almeirim' / 'Melão D'Almeirim' requires the know-how of local producers, because the fruit is sensitive to heat, the high temperatures that are felt in the region can, if preventive measures are not taken, damage the outside of the fruit and the melon becomes flat, without any commercial interest. In order to prevent the fruit from being damaged, it is necessary to cover the melon with straw.
This stage of the production process, the appropriate time to place the straw, avoiding both external damage due to excess heat and the delay in the development of the fruit and reduction of its sweetness due to lack of heat and also the way and quantity of placing the straw involves the know-how of many years.
Delimitation of the geographical area: The geographical area of production of «Melão de Almeirim» / «Melão D'Almeirim» is limited to the Municipality of Almeirim, the Parish of Muge (Municipality of Salvaterra de Magos) and Santa Iria da Ribeira de Santarém, the former parish of the municipality of Santarém currently belonging to the Union of Parishes of the City of Santarém.
Link with the geographical area: The production area of 'Melão de Almeirim' / 'Melão D'Almeirim' is located in the Lezíria do Tejo, which encompasses the entire area of low alluvial of the Tagus River, whose soils have great fertility (Tagus alluvium). The climate is of the Mediterranean type, with a hot and dry summer with temperatures that can reach values above 40 ºC, which conditions the existence of a very specific climate characteristic of the delimited geographical area. Associated with soils with good aptitude for this purpose, the conditions are met for the production of Almeirim melon with specific characteristics such as the fact that the melon has fleshy, juicy and sweet pulp.
History: The relationship of «Melão de Almeirim» / «Melão D'Almeirim» with its geographical area is also based on its reputation and the age of its production, being one of the strengths for gastro-nomic tourism in the region, where it is present in several gastro-nomic events and promotion of the region. It also represents an added value for the diversity of the production system, with the recovery of the genetic heritage and wealth generated for producers and for the region.
Product specifications (pdf)
Control and certification body
Kiwa Sativa – Unipessoal, Lda.
Kiwa Sativa – Unipessoal, Lda.
