Nerpio nuts they need the Designation of Origin to save yourself. They come from a small town in Albacete and are the only Spanish with quality badge. This is due to their healthy properties and flavor. In addition, it is an industry centennial that requires new labor, but has not yet achieved the seal that links it to the La Mancha territory. That is why farmers promote the cultivation of this dried fruit to get the desired DO. But what is special about these nuts and why are they so famous in our country? We'll tell you then.
Nerpio nuts need the Denomination of Origin
The case of nuts de nerve is the living example of Spain emptied. The decline of rural it is perfectly palpable in this small town. Which was its main economic activity during 200 years went into decline in the 80. The rural exodus also caused the abandonment of the walnut trees by local workers.
Al Rural exodus another is added threat . This is the commercial war between U.S. and China, which caused the entry of the California walnut At low price. The first country entered the Spanish market taking advantage of large-scale production. It is a price with which the nut of nerve cannot compete. Thus, the Californian walnut costs 1'20 € per kilo when disembarking in Valencia, while the nerpio nuts are currently at more than € 6 / kg.
That is why the Association for the Protection of Walnut He fights tirelessly for his immediate future. The trade war between the US and China has led to a fall in the price of 40% in two or three years. They are looking for a fair price, since the walnut is not easy to gather. Its Big trees y old (Up to four centuries!). This is why pruning one costs a lot of money. However, they want to give it added value.
The president of the association and the mayor de nerve he has already met with regional authorities. The provincial delegate of Agriculture, Water and Rural Development, Ramón Sáez, has moved the government support from García-Page at nerpio nuts. He argues that the best option for the product is to move from Protected Geographical Indication to the Denomination of Origin.
Appetizing and healthy
Saez values «the great recognition that the nerpio nuts in many areas of Spain, due to its excellence and its heart-healthy benefits ”. But what are the benefits that contribute to the health?
- High content in polyphenols. These Antioxidants they are presented in a quantity ten times greater than in other nuts. These give it its characteristic flavor bitter. They are also responsible for the delay three years to spoil. Others only take one.
- Maintenance of concentrations of cholesterol LDL blood.
- El daily consumption of walnuts is beneficial for Cardiovascular health due to the relationship between their unsaturated acids.
- Its consumption reduces the appearance of gallstones thanks to the increase in bile secretion. This is due to the high content of phytosterols (beta-sitosterol, the majority sterol in walnuts).
- Walnut extracts inhibit the growth of various types of cancer among them that of prostate, mamma y colon.
Other nuts of the Spain emptied are also beneficial for health and local economy. An example of this is found in the pistachio from Castilla-La Mancha.
Crop opportunities
The town does not want to miss this opportunity. Therefore, it organizes every year the Fair of the Nut. In it more than 6.000 visitors They value the unique properties of this unparalleled food. It is worth mentioning the important economic injection What does it mean in a town of little more than 1.000 inhabitants
The regional government promoted the initiative "Sponsor a walnut tree". This consists of an aid from 6.000 euros. The owners of walnut trees who do not work for the association and this is responsible for pruning trees. He also collects the nuts in due time.
In the town there are more than 30.000 walnut trees Distributed in 104 hectares. Of these, the 90% consist of Autochthonous selected from seventeenth century. The tree of the nut came in those years to the peninsula from Türkiye. Your work process is completely craft. This includes your harvest, air drying and matches of walnuts.
If farmers fail they will be forced to cut old trees. Therefore, they hope that the step to Designation of Origin of him momentum to get ahead. They do not want to lose a craft business in the town that has seen them born and grown. Thus, nerpio nuts are the hope of the Sierra del Segura.
