Yesterday, the European Union gave Platano de Canarias Protected Geographical Indication status.
This recognition, requested by the producers and processed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Water of the Canary Islands, means that only the island's production obtained under the required controls and certification may be marketed alluding to the Archipelago, thus preventing unfair competition.
This GPI seal covers the Cavendish banana varieties of the species Musa acuminata Colla grown in the Islands and intended for fresh consumption. It also establishes a delimited production area centred on the land for agricultural use in the archipelago located below 500 meters above sea level. The mild temperatures and moist winds that reach the Islands mark the slow development of the bananas and their increased ripening time, aspects that determine the different characteristics that differentiate the brand.
Bananas produced in the Archipelago under these conditions exhibit an individual flavour due to their high sugar levels composition and low amount of starch. This increases their sweetness as well as their potassium and phosphorus content while leaving them with a minor amount of sodium and calcium when compared to the bananas from other places.
Moreover, the individual aromatic richness gives the fruit an intense aroma and its high enzymatic activity provides it with its skin's characteristically known brown specks, which have become the sign of identity. All these different aspects give the Platano de Canarias distinguishable physical, chemical and organoleptic qualities that are highly appreciated by consumers. Their calibre, which is important, is established by the fruit's length and thickness, with minimum values of 14 cm and 27 mm respectively.