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# 57 • APRIL 5 , 2015
# 57 •APRIL 5
RIBERA ORANGE
By Consorzio di Tutela Arancia Ribera di Sicilia with MiPAAF
techniques. The establishment
of the Ribera Orange Consortium in 1994 consolidated the
cultivation of the orange in the
region. This association aimed
to protect the Ribera Orange
on the one hand, and preserve
its quality while respecting nature on the other hand.
Historical background
Citrus cultivation developed in
the Ribera valleys at the beginning of the nineteenth century,
but it was only in 1930 that it
reached truly high standards
of quality. This was when the
cultivation of the Brasiliano
and Washington navel varieties began, which gradually replaced the old acidic varieties
with lots of seeds.
This specialisation continued
to be further refined over the
following decades by focussing on innovative production
The last chapter in this complicated story came when
the Protected Designation
of Origin (DOP) recognition
was granted by the European
Community in February 2011.
This was the first time the status was given to a citrus fruit
in either Italy or Europe, and it
Since beginning its activities, covers three types of varieties:
the Consortium has underta- Brasiliano, Washington Navel
ken initiatives aimed at inno- and Navelina. With its specialivation, scientific research and sation and high quality, the Ritechnological evolution, al- bera citrus growing communilowing the
production
levels to be
i n c re a s e d
in a very
short time
while still
retaining
and
protecting the
quality and
naturalness
of the oranges produced.
2015
with more refined management methods introduced into
the area by regional technical
assistance services.
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These innovations have become widespread and have led
to significant savings in terms
of management, such as irrigation with a low pressure tubing
system, which saves water and
allows for more efficient scheduling, or the use of pneumatic pruning shears. The introduction of these and other
ty represents the greatest area and a healthy diet. When con- simple but effective innovadevoted to cultivating Navel sumed as it is or in juice form, tions related to manual dexteit constitutes a good source of rity and experience is what matype oranges.
vitamin C, a natural antioxidant kes agriculture in Ribera stand
that helps to strengthen the out, resulting in a unique and
inimitable product.
immune system.
The product
The Ribera Orange is blonde and belongs to the Navel
group. It has no seeds and is
easy to peel, and also has a delicious crisp tastes and a high
vitamin (C, A, B, PP), mineral
salt and sugar content. It is a natural source of a wealth of important substances for growth
Local traditions and cultures
and innovative techniques
Production
are combined to achieve a
The well-established cultiva- superior quality product in an
tion technique used by the environmental context that is
local workforce, developed fortunately still healthy, whethrough experience gained re the plants are looked after
over the course of a century, and cared for individually with
has recently been enhanced specific measures, as in the historical concept of the “Arab
garden.”
The Ribera Orange can be
sampled from November until
May.
Images:
1:
http://www.comune.ribera.ag.it/flex/images/6/3/2/D.89ff4d86dfd52b12c826/1.jpg
2: http://www.arancediriberadop.it/public/img/
ribera.jpg
3:
http://www.bornsicily.it/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/arance-2.jpg
4: http://www.freshplaza.it/images/2007/1102/
Copy_of_BIG_MAP2.jpg
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