El paprika from Mallorca comes back stronger than ever. It has gone from bordering on extinction to becoming one of the most sought-after foods in Balearics. After years and years of bureaucracy, this week has achieved the recognition it deserved from the European Union. Let's see how by paying attention to a problem we can turn the tables.
Already with PDO
La European Commission he has finally taken it into account. After a long process, the paprika from Mallorca has gotten his own Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). The bureaucracy to grant this status to the pebre border, name of the Mallorcan pepper, it began nine years ago. Thanks to it, the protection of the food is guaranteed, which cannot be sold to the Wholesale. Nor can it be marketed in packages of more than five kilos. Finally, the pepper that does not adhere to the established parameters will not be able to use the name of Mallorca.
What does it mean pebre bord?
This is a variety of the tap de corti. We are talking about a very typical Mallorcan native pepper. It was widely cultivated throughout the island until the end of the nineteenth century in a traditional way. The paprika from Mallorca is known to be a fundamental ingredient of the sobrassada. If it was so popular why did it need to be protected? The explanation is simple. At the end of the seventies Peninsular peppers began to arrive. The ships unloaded much more competitive varieties that were incorporated into the Mallorcan diet.
The rise of the new peppers caused the gradual decline of local crops. The authorities perceived a real risk of extinction and declared it autochthonous variety with risk of genetic erosion. Its disappearance would be a very sad fact due to its peculiar properties. Although it has a flavor sweet, the feeling it leaves in the mouth is hot spicy. In addition, it is unctuous on the palate. He has nothing to envy paprika, For example.
It is not a fruit that stands out for its great size and weight. The pepper usually weighs between 17 y 20 grams. As for the shape, this is pyramidal and the base is triangular. They are not very large, since they usually measure between four and six centimeters. These are dehydrated, the seeds are removed and ground. This is how the fundamental ingredient of sobrasada, which we know as peppers. It is also essential in typical dishes from other regions, such as the lacon Galician.
The current importance of paprika from Mallorca
Its cultivation extends far and wide for more or less 13 hectares. In these a fairly traditional harvest takes place that leaves little space for the machines. Is done by hand. That is why the economic value of its plantations today is considerable: 375 thousand euros every year. Thus, it moves a lot of money despite being a protected endemic variety. Its relevance is such that it takes four factories to turn the fruit into the acclaimed paprika from Mallorca.
Responsible for the new status of the pepper is the Association of the Foment del Pebre de Mallorca. Its members represent the 71% for the surface cultivated. Besides of 78% of the economic value of the almost 29 tons harvested per year. Your new categorization can help boost the local economy. The cultivation fixes the population and generates employment in rural areas of the island, in addition to acting as a claim for restoration. Your consumption is likely to increase in the restaurants Mallorcans and that more and more tourists choose it.
In short, we are facing an example of how can we keep what is ours. In a very short time it went from being a staple food to almost disappearing. Thanks to the attention that the authorities were able to give him, the situation was reversed. Now i know value as it deserves, as a food indigenous that must last in time. The paprika from Mallorca It is part of the local idiosyncrasy and Mallorcan people know it. The next time you eat one sobrassada make sure where their paprika comes from. So you can also support the agricultores from the island while enjoying a typical Balearic delicacy.
