NEXT TO THE OLD POTATOES OF THE CANARY ISLANDS, IT IS THE SECOND PRODUCT FROM THE CANARY ISLANDS TO OBTAIN THE QUALITY DISTINCTIVE.

The European Union has published in the Official Journal, registration in the community register of the Protected Geographical Indication “Canarian banana”, whose differentiation is due to the geographical environment and traditional farming practices. This recognition, requested by the producers and processed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and waters of the Canary Islands, means that only island production obtained under the required controls and certification may be marketed with reference to the Archipelago, thus avoiding unfair competition.

This is the second product from Las Islas to achieve this quality label, since the Old Potatoes of the Canary Islands already enjoy the Protected Designation of Origin.

For the promoters, this is a very important step for the sector in which they have been working for several years..

The initial request was submitted by the Association of Organizations of Producers of Bananas of the Canary Islands (ASPROCAN) in january 2010 before the Canarian Institute of Agri-food Quality (ICCA), who contributed to the preparation of the documentation that was presented to the then Ministry of the Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs, for the granting of transitory national protection, which he has enjoyed since May 2010.

Bananas of the Cavendish variety of the Musa acuminata Colla species grown in the Canary Islands and intended for fresh consumption are covered under this PGI. Also, a defined geographical area of ​​production is established, centered on the land for agricultural use of the Archipelago located below the 500 meters above sea level.

The mild temperatures and the humid winds that reach the Islands mark the slow development of the banana trees and the longer ripening time of the fruit, aspects that determine the differential characteristics that guarantee the notoriety of the brand.

The bananas produced in the Archipelago under these conditions have a characteristic taste due to their composition with a high level of sugar and a low amount of starch.. This increases its sweetness and makes it present a higher content of potassium and phosphorus and a lower amount of sodium and calcium in relation to bananas from other origins..

In addition, the richness in characteristic aromatic compounds gives it an intense aroma and the great enzymatic activity gives it the characteristic brown specks on the skin, that have become their hallmark.

All these differential aspects give the Plátano de Canarias physical qualities, chemical and organoleptic qualities distinguished and appreciated by the consumer.

Regarding the calibration, which is obligatory, is established by the length of the fruit and the thickness, being the minimum values ​​of 14 cm y 27 mm respectively.

The request for recognition of the "Plátano de Canarias" is based on the reputation of the product. However, the notoriety of this product is the result of a combination of historical factors, natural and human.

This seal of quality will constitute support for the Canarian banana, favoring differentiation, guaranteeing the characteristics of the product, traceability for the consumer and reinforcing the identity of the banana in the Canary Islands.

Since the beginning of the current legislature, the Canary Islands Government, Through the Canarian Institute of Agri-Food Quality, it has worked so that the greatest number of agricultural productions on the Islands obtain European protection seals, and has focused its efforts on products such as bananas, potatoes- which were the first product from the Islands to obtain the European Protected Designation of Origin seal-, Canarian Gofio and Tenerife Honey, for which such distinctions have already been requested, currently in process.