Description: The Pêra Rocha do Oeste PDO is a pear of the Pyrus communis L species, also called Rocha.
Production method: There are 3.100 hectares with trees of the Pêra Rocha do Oeste PDO in this area. The pears vary in size from 50mm to 75mm. They harvest from August to the end of September and therefore are available for ten months of the year, from August to May. They are harvested manually and also mechanically and gathered in custom made boxes. They are refrigerated within 24 hours of being picked.
Distinctive features: Pêra Rocha do Oeste PDO today is the most important Portuguese pear. From this pear hundreds of small and medium sized businesses make a living and use local labour, therefore creating important job opportunities. At the same time almost all the regional economy benefits from this fruit and the demand for it from national and international markets
Production area: Pêra Rocha do Oeste PDO grows in areas from 30 to 80Km North of Lisbon by the Atlantic Ocean
History: According to legend the Rocha pear, owes its origins to a naturally occurring tree in the Farm of mister Rocha in Sintra, approximately 160 years ago. Starting with this tree the fruit became well-known throughout the region and its cultivation expanded over the years. The first official recognition of this fruit dates back to the national congress on pomology in 1932.
Producer group
ANP - Associação Nacional de Produtores de Pêra Rocha
Control and certification body
CODIMACO - Certificação e Qualidade, Lda
Publication in EU official journal
Regulamento (CE) nº 492/2003 da Comissão de 18.03.2003 – L 73/3
Regulamento(CEE) nº 2081/92 de 27.4.2002 - C 102/16
Publication in the Portuguese official journal
Aviso (extrato) n.º 2665/2016, de 01.03.2016