Pera Rocha do Oeste DOP

Description: Pera Rocha do Oeste PDO is the fruit of the pear tree of the ‘Rocha’ variety obtained in the west region. The Rocha variety belongs to the family Rosaceae, sub-family of pome fruits, genus Pyrus and species Pyrus communis L. It is a Portuguese variety, obtained as a chance seedling about 150 years ago in the commune of Sintra, its natural range being in the west region. The flesh of Pera Rocha do Oeste PDO is white in colour, soft to melting, granular, sweet, non-acid, very juicy and moderately yet distinctively aromatic.

Production method: Pera Rocha do Oeste PDO is obtained in accordance with local methods, starting with the choice of soils and the establishment and management of the orchards. Cultivation conditions are of great importance, given the region's specific weather conditions and the fact that Pera Rocha do Oeste PDO requires a period of winter cold in order to develop properly. Picking also has its own well-defined rules, both as regards procedure and timing (the second fortnight in August). Pera Rocha do Oeste PDO is distinguished by its good keeping qualities, which are further improved if harvesting and transport to storage centres are carried out with utmost care. Specific conditions are to be fulfilled for the standardisation, labelling and packaging of the pears.

Distinctive features: Regardless of the shape of the Pera Rocha do Oeste PDO, the fruit always has a distinctive russeted area around the base which becomes less marked and regular on the rest of the skin and then tends to concentrate around the stem cavity. This feature is very important and typical of this variety when grown in its natural range of production.

Production area: The geographical processing area is confined to the communes of Sintra, Mafra, Arruda dos Vinhos, Sobral de Monte Agraço, Alenquer, Vila Franca de Xira, Azambuja, Torres Vedras, Cartaxo, Lourinhã, Bombarral, Cadaval, Santarém, Rio Maior, Peniche, Óbidos, Caldas da Rainha, Torres Novas, Alcanena, Alcobaça, Nazaré, Porto de Mós, Batalha, Tomar, Ferreira do Zêzere, Vila Nova de Ourém, Leiria, Marinha Grande and Pombal.

History: Pera Rocha do Oeste PDO owes its origins to a naturally occurring tree in the farm of mister Rocha in Sintra, approximately 170 years ago (1836). 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 2nd National Congress on Pomology in 1932.

Product specification (pdf)

Geographical area

Producer group
ANP - Associação Nacional de Produtores de Pera Rocha

Control and certification body
CODIMACO - Certificação e Qualidade, Lda

Control plan
Control plan (pdf)

Publication in EU official journal
Regulamento (CE) n.º 492/2003 da Comissão de 18.03.2003 – L 73/3
Regulamento(CEE) n.º 2081/92 de 27.4.2002 - C 102/16