All about the small Portuguese apple - Bravo de Esmolfe (PDO) protect

Tudo sobre a Maçã Bravo de Esmolfe DOP, variedade de maçã portuguesa

Autumn has arrived, with it the harvest of many seasonal fruits. The Bravo de Esmolfe apple is a seasonal fruit that is harvested from the second half of September or early October.

The origin and name of the Portuguese apple Variety - Bravo de Esmolfe

The Bravo de Esmolfe PDO apple is a small autumnal apple with an intense aroma and soft pulp, autochthonous produced in the delimited region, Esmolfe region, Penalva do Castelo, in Beira Alta, Central Portugal region - Viseu.

Map of where Bravo de Esmolfe PDO apple, a Portuguese apple variety, is produced

Known since the century. In the 18th century, this Portuguese variety originates from the village of Esmolfe - Penalva do Castelo and was obtained from a seed tree, whose fruits were much appreciated, giving rise to an intense demand for material and the dissemination of the variety.

Since 1994, "Bravo de Esmolfe" has a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) defined in European Union legislation.

Apple Bravo de Esmolfe with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)

Harvest of Bravo de Esmolfe Apple

The use of the Protected Designation of Origin apple Bravo de Esmolfe PDO is reserved for products that comply with the established characteristics and with all the provisions contained in the respective Specifications, in which the product must comply with the respective rules of installation and management of the orchards. , as well as the prohibited substances and the conditions to be observed in the production, harvesting, transport, calibration and packaging. Only producers who are expressly authorized by the Group – FELBA – Center for the Valorization of Fruits and Vegetables of Beira Alta, made up of a Complementary Group of Companies in the Beira Alta Region, can benefit from the use of the Protected Designation of Origin apple Bravo de Esmolfe - DOP. , Manager and Promoter of Qualified Products such as the Bravo de Esmolfe apple - Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO) or the Beira Alta apple - Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

The health benefits of Bravo de Esmolfe apple

The apple is a nutritious fruit, with many vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, B-complex, C and E, which act as antioxidants and help neutralize the effects of free radicals that are formed by aging, pollution and poor diet. Rich in minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, potassium and iron. Pectin, a fiber found in the bark, provides a feeling of satiety, so the moderate consumption of this fruit is recommended for those looking to lose weight.

A study has determined that apples of the Bravo Esmolfe variety have phytochemical properties that help the human body to prevent various cancers. Bravo de Esmolfe apple is a variety with many health benefits that has an incredible concentration of bioactive compounds (polyphenols and fibers) and a high antioxidant power. Antioxidants have a neutralizing action against the effects caused by free radicals, which are responsible for the onset of certain diseases and premature aging. A study has determined that apples of the Bravo Esmolfe variety have phytochemical properties that help the human body to prevent various cancers.

Where to buy Bravo de Esmolfe Apple?

Bravo de Esmolfe Apple already has an online store, the “largest online apple orchard of Bravo de Esmolfe”. The purpose of the new website - drbravo.pt - is, exactly, to “reduce the product marketing chain and to value the producers”, points out to Lusa Cristóvão Monteiro, responsible for the Strategic Center for Territorial Innovation, the entity that created the project.

Visit the drbravo.pt platform to buy Bravo de Esmolfe Apple

Discover the best apple jams made with Portuguese apples - Bravo de Esmolfe PDO

The Portuguese company meia.dúzia® Flavors of Portugal, uses in the production of the apple jams the Bravo de Esmolfe DOP apple, supplied by FELBA - Viseu - Cooperativa Agrícola de Mangualde, CRL, local suppliers in the Beira Alta Region.

meia.dúzia® jams in tubes are number 1 in the world and were awarded for their flavor and innovation in 2014 and 2016 in Madrid at the Salon Gourmet de Madrid, ITQI Superior Taste Awards 2015 and 2016 in Brussels, and GREAT TASTE in the United Kingdom in 2015 and 2017.

Discover more than 25 flavors of these gourmet jams in tubes, between traditional flavors and exclusive and daring flavors, flavors for vegans, gluten-free and lactose-free.
The Production Method: The fruit jams are prepared by hand, in batches of a maximum of 40 kg and in pans, with fruits from various regions of Portugal, each with more than 55% of fruit, without adding additives and preservatives and with a reduced amount of sugar, keeping and preserving the traditional methods.
Packaging Advantages: The packaging is practical, easy to use and to spread, without the need to use a spoon. They are more hygienic, easy to transport, and can be taken to work, school and help you taking a break with lots of flavor. They are opaque, with no contact between the product and light, reduced contact with air after opening, which reduces oxidation and increases the validity of the product.

Apple Jam with Mint and Port Wine | meia.dúzia®

This jam is extremely aromatic due to the characteristics of the Bravo de Esmolfe apple, an apple with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), from Beira Alta Portugal, juicy, sweet and at the same time acidic, which, combined with the freshness of mint and the warm and sweet aroma of White Port Wine, give this jam a unique and sophisticated flavor.

It can be used as an accompaniment to meat dishes, salads and salad vinaigrettes, as an accompaniment in recipes such as crab cakes or veal scallops with mushrooms, topping for ice cream or cakes or even in cocktails with Martini and ginger and desserts, crepes and pancakes, apple jam recipes, apple crumble, Christmas recipes like dreams with Bravo apple jam topping.

BUY APPLE JAM WITH MINT AND PORT WINE 75G

Recipes | Chef

Apple Jam with Cinnamon | meia.dúzia® - Vegan & Gluten Free

Bravo de Esmolfe apple, an apple with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), from Beira Alta, Portugal, juicy, sweet and at the same time acidic, which combined with cinnamon, a spice widely used in jams, creates a delicate jam with a unique flavor, one of the most appreciated for spreading bread, croissants, toasts and accompanying with a tea, apple crumble, Christmas recipes.

Easy to spread, ideal with oatmeal cookies, coconut cookies, cashew cookies, chocolate chip cookies, grain bread, wholegrain toast, vegan cookies, pancakes, crepes, waffles, desserts.

It goes well with cured cheeses, Queijo de Serpa (PDO), “Tetilla” cheese (PDO), “Comté” cheese (PDO) and “Grana Padano” cheese (PDO).

BUY APPLE JAM WITH CINNAMON 75G