Ameixa d’Elvas PDO

Description: The Ameixa d'Elvas PDO is a plum belonging to the Regina Claudia variety of the Prunus domestica species.

Production method: The climate and soil of this region are very suited to the growing of this type of plum tree. The high temperatures recorded particularly at ripening time result in very sweet fruit. These plums are either sold fresh (Ameixa Fresca), dried (Ameixa em Passa) in syrup.

Special features: Ameixa d'Elvas PDO is an oval shaped green plum. The flesh is extremely succulent and it has an intense perfume. It has a small stone which comes away easily from the flesh of the fruit.

Production area: Ameixa d'Elvas PDO is grown in the municipal areas of Alandroal, Borba, Estremoz and Vila Viçosa in the district of Évora andin  the municipal areas of Campo Maior, Elvas, Monforte and Sousel in the district of Portalegre.

History: Ameixa d'Elvas PDO is known locally as Abrunho. It is presumed that it came from France as it was initially imported as an ornamental tree for the garden. This fruit has been famous since the time of Prince Alphonse Henry, the first king of Portugal. Its fame spread as far as Great Britain where it was greatly relished. Lord Wellington himself always asked to be served this fruit during the time he spent in Portugal. José Guerra had already begun large scale growing of this plum as far back as 1834. Ameixa plums received a bronze medal at the Paris Exhibition of 1855 and in 1875 they began being exported, even as far as America. In just a little more than one hundred years this fruit has received 203 international and national prizes.

Product specification (pdf)

Geographical area

Producer group
FRUTECO – Fruticultura Integrada, Lda.

Control and certification body
AGRICERT - Certificação de Produtos Alimentares, Lda.

Control plan
Control plan (pdf)

Publication in EU official journal
Regulamento (CE) n.º 1107/96 da Comissão, de 12 de junho – L148 21.06.1996

Publication in the Portuguese official journal
Aviso n.º 4314/2005 - 30.03.2005