The nuts they are one of the fundamental pillars of the Mediterranean diet. They are present in many elaborations that accompany us in our day to day. In addition, it is possible to consume them both in prepared recipes and raw, being very common on the terraces of bars as a companion to our drink. And, it is no different with the hazelnut from Reus, a food that has Protected Designation of Origin since 1998. Its growing area feeds all national and world supermarkets. In fact, his internationally recognized quality it is serving to impose itself on its competitors. Discover it!
Hazelnut cultivation area of Reus
This hazelnut obtains each and every one of its characteristics from the area where it is grown and harvested. The mime with which agricultores they harvest it throughout the year and exact time of collection give this fruit unmatched qualities due to its namesakes. The PDO zone is made up of the municipalities of the regions of the low camp, Tarragonese, Priorat, Conca de Barbera and Terra Alta. All of them in the province of Tarragona.
In addition, it should be noted that this PDO protects the varieties of bold, pauteta, gironella, morella and culplana. All the aforementioned areas have very rough terrain. You can even find certain outcrops granite and different types of deposits. Their lands are of light brown color, and this district is characterized by having mild temperatures. These values can be between 5 and 16 degrees. All these data contribute spectacular organoleptic qualities to the hazelnut from Reus.
Pick up time
When the fruit has reached its proper maturity, it is harvested. Normally, this point coincides with the first days of the month of September and it goes until the middle of October. The working method is essential to achieve a great product. Therefore, the managers are employed with the as much care and speed as possible. In this way, a better conservation and quality. And, once collected, they undergo different processes.
The first one that all hazelnuts pass through is that of the separation of leaves and impurities. Next, for those that are presented in grain, the shell removal. But, on the other hand, for the fruits that are going to be sold with the shell or in grain, the toasted characteristic. Without forgetting the classification according to calibers and categories, that is, according to the sizes and the packaging with the corresponding quality control label.
See this post on Instagram
Tradition and quality
The cultivation and exploitation of hazelnut from Reus has a tradition of more than 600 years. Already in the thirteenth century It was grown in this area and was known to all nut lovers. And, this product has some gastronomic and nutritional qualities exceptional. In fact, it is ideal to consume at any time of the day and in the way you prefer, either raw or roasted. In addition, it is an ingredient that you can use in many of your daily preparations, since it accommodates a great diversity of dishes or sauces.
But all its impeccable quality features don't stop there. Different health organizations have determined that including small amounts of hazelnut in your regular diet can reduce the rates of cholesterol in the blood. Therefore, adding this dried fruit as a complement in your daily preparations will be highly beneficial for the well-being of the body.
See this post on Instagram
Leading in production
As we have already mentioned, the origin of the cultivation of hazelnut from Reus it started many years ago. And, from that moment, the region becomes the marketing center of this product. In fact, currently the 95% of the production of the entire Iberian Peninsula pass through this area. Even though a strong competition, such as hazelnuts turkish They are also cheaper, the Catalan continues to be exported all over the world and is recognized for its high quality.
Have you ever tried the famous hazelnut from Reus? It is one of the most historic nuts in our country, in fact, it has DOP for many years. Besides, his spectacular taste and its good nutritional characteristics make it an amazing option. You can even choose the way you are going to enjoy it. Wait no more and ... open the shell!
