Apple of the Limousin (AOC)

The Pomme of the Limousin is a fruit-bearing AOC.

History

The existence of orchards in the Limousin is very old. Formerly, one planted the quite exposed and too sloping slopes to be cultivated. They were cleaned by the pasture except season of sheep or cows. Many varieties existed but much disappeared because of the introduction of varieties adapted better to the market. The " golden" is introduced in the Limousin into the Fifties and it is on this variety that the soil effect is most visible. The recognition in AOC is required in December 1994 and is recognized the June 17th 2004.

Surface of production

It relates to the three departments of the the Limousin and an Eastern fringe of the the Dordogne. It includes/understands light and deep crystalline plates which keep enough moisture to avoid the massive irrigation. Ideal altitude ranges between 300 and 500 Mr.

Culture

The orchards must be made up of certified seedlings of the Golden variety. The density must be between 1000 and 3000 trees per hectare and the production is limited to 58 tons per hectare and per annum. The trees must be cut at least every two years. The irrigation is only authorized to correct a dry summer, without soluble manure.
La start date of harvest is published by order of the prefect and it must be manual. The apples are preserved cold without adhitifs. After December 15th, they must be preserved in a controlled atmosphere. (cold and carbonic gas)

Product

The apple of the Limousin is slightly lengthened and a minimum gauge of 65. Its flesh is white and firm, its crunching, juicy and nonfarinaceous texture.

They must be conditioned in a container which preserves the quality and the integrity of the fruit.

The current production is done on 2000 hectares. The annual production oscillates according to the years between 50 and 100.000 tons.

External bonds

Site on apple of the Limousin

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