Watermelon of Reggio Emilia PGI

The production area of Watermelon of Reggio Emilia PGI includes all or part of the territory of 20 municipalities in the province of Reggio Emilia, in the Emilia-Romagna region.

The Watermelon of Reggio Emilia PGI can be grown in open field and/ or protected environment with cover in completely removable protective material. Sowing for the production of seedlings for transplantation takes place between 10 January and 31 May. Organic and mineral fertilization is allowed during the preparation of the soil and irrigation can take place by sprinkling or with localized system with perforated hose and dripping wing. The transplantation of the seedlings takes place, depending on the different techniques of conduction, between 25 February and 30 June. The plant density varies according to the types of watermelon: round type up to 2,200 plants/hectare, oval type and elongated up to 2,000 plants/hectare. The harvest takes place manually at full maturity, when the pulp is red, the seminal integuments are hard and the gelatinous layer that wraps the seeds has disappeared. The maximum production per hectare allowed, in open field and in cold greenhouse, must not exceed 60 tons for round and 70 tons for oval and elongated; in small tunnel, 70 tons for round and 80 tons for oval and elongated.

The reputation for the high quality of Watermelon of Reggio Emilia PGI dates back to the sixteenth century. Correspondences between the ancient courts of the Padano Renaissance extol the goodness of the product cultivated in these lands. The fruit has long remained an elite product until the eighteenth century, when the Risorgimento opened the borders between the ancient and small states of the nation and also allowed a widening of the borders of marketing. But it is in the twentieth century that the cultivation and consumption of watermelon reach maximum popularity in the territory, as evidenced by the huts where they sold sliced watermelon. Going on for centuries, the plain area in the province of Reggio Emilia has been mentioned in the Gastronomic Guide of the Italian Touring Club, dated 1931, for "watermelons (watermelons) and sugary melons".

Characteristics

The Watermelon of Reggio Emilia PGI is kept in shaded spaces without undergoing any kind of forced storage for no more than two weeks. On consumption, the fruits must be whole, healthy and free from parasites, well formed in relation to the characteristics of the variety, without external cracks, dents and odors foreign to the fruit.

Pairings

Excellent to be eaten fresh just cut after lunch or for a healthy, refreshing and refreshing snack. Perfect for summer fruit salads, in combination with pineapple, melon and peach. Also suitable as ingredients for smoothies, extracts and smoothies. Try it with ice cream, cream cakes or as a base for cocktails or refreshing drinks.