La Orotava has begun to move to prevent the loss of a unique apple variety, whose cultivation is currently practically limited to the midlands of the Orotava Valley. Is about the bow tie applea traditional fruit that the Department of Agriculture of the Municipality of La Orotavadirected by the mayor Alexis Pacheco (CC), wants to save from disappearance by way of recognition. The area has commissioned a study on the pajarita apple tree in the municipality, which will allow for an accurate diagnosis of the current situation of this variety traditionally cultivated in the highest, coldest and most humid lands of the Valley.
This investigation It will also serve to gather “relevant information that serves to establish a strategy to value this local product and the culture associated with it,” according to Pacheco. For the mayor, “among the varieties of agricultural products that have adapted to the climate and soil of the municipalityis this ancient apple, unique in the Orotava Valleywhich is why we consider it very important to work for its protection, conservation and enhancement».
With the results of that research in hand, the Town Hall wants to set the necessary guidelines to achieve its protection and conservation for future generations. In addition, working on an informative audiovisual “that also serves to promote its consumption”; in some training sessions aimed at people who grow or want to grow this fruit, and in other event, gastronomic typein which the bow tie apple is the protagonist of different recipes.
The characteristics of the bow tie apple allow its use for the production of cider
Lhe apple arrived in the Canary Islands at the end of the 15th century and its different varieties adapted to the climate and soil conditions of the different islands and regions. The Villero Consistory assures that «genetic studies of the pajarita apple show that it is a unique variety of the Valley of La Orotava, having as the most representative areas for its conservation the mid-range neighborhoods of Path of Chasna, Cañeño, Benijos and Aguamansa, cold and humid climate zones». It is defined as “a juicy and somewhat acid fruit, green in color, which acquires some red and yellowish tones when ripe”. Its characteristics allow it to be used in cider making“due to its good balance between acidity and sweetness”.
