Massanet de Cabrenys, Maçanet de la Selva, Maçaneda, Massanes and La Maçana are place names highlighting the ancient nature of this crop. Maçana, the word for an apple in Terres de l’Ebre, and manzana in Spanish, both come from mattiana, the name of a variety of apple popular during the Roman Empire.
In 2001, the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) of the Girona Apple was created. This was the successor to the Girona Apple Quality Designation, created by the Catalan Regional Government in 1983. All PGI fruit growers are committed to integrated production, which involves sustainable and environmentally-friendly pest control methods.
Apple trees dominate the landscape in Alt and Baix Empordà, Gironès, La Selva and Pla de l’Estany. Although the main commercial varieties are Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Royal Gala and Granny Smith, apple growers have recorded and planted over a hundred ancient, local varieties. These were used to prepare stews and roasts, to accompany sweet “botifarra” sausage and, in particular, to makestuffed apples, filled with roast lamb, veal and pork, plus biscuits, spices and wine. A true relic of mediaeval cuisine.
The Poma de Girona permanent Girona Excellent seal
Protected Geographical Indication Poma de Girona.
Royal Gala is the roundest of the four varieties of apples protected by the PGI, together with Golden Delicious, Granny Smith and Red Delicious. It is a two-coloured apple (red and cream) with a mottled skin and firm whitish pulp. It is sweet, juicy and very crisp.
