Issue date: 25 Sep, 2015
GASTRONOMY. PROTECTED DENOMINATIONS OF ORIGIN
A new thematic area dedicated to Protected Denominations of Origin (DOP) is launched which disseminates those products that have this status. The issue will continue through the coming years and, on this occasion, is dedicated to Galicia and to Pemento de Herbón (Herbón peppers) and Mexillón de Galicia/Mejillón de Galicia (Galician mussels). Both products are printed on the miniature sheet and on the two stamps that comprise it.
“Some are spicy and some are not”, is the saying typically associated with Pimientos de Padrón. It all depends on the amount of capsaicin in the pepper, which is the component that provides the most heat. This small green vegetable was recognised with the Protected Denomination of Origin on 1 July 2009: Pemento de Herbón. The pepper's production is limited to an area in the Atlantic watershed that comprises a group of valleys with low altitude, delimited by the Ulla and Sar rivers, and protected by several mountain ranges that isolate the area and provide the appropriate climate for their cultivation. This variety of pepper was introduced by Franciscan monks from the Convent of San Antonio de Herbón, in the town of Padrón, in the 17th century. They brought the seeds from the Mexican state of Tabasco and began to grow them in Spain.
The Galician mussel, rich in minerals (iron, phosphate and zinc) and in vitamins is a mollusc that is appreciated in gastronomy for its flavour, and which can be used in many different recipes. The Regulatory Council of the Galician Mussel began its activity in 1994 with the aim of promoting the quality of this product, which is widely recognised today. Due to their geographic location, the Galician rías (tidal rivers) are a special environment for cultivating the mussels, as they have a high concentration of important nutrients that is provided by the convergence of ocean and river currents. The mollusc is cultivated on floating rafts, and practically all of the producers and companies that sell the mussel, both fresh and processed, are part of the Denomination of Origin.
In 1945 the first floating raft was established in the Arousa river. Several years later, it became a highly developed cultivation operation in the world of aquaculture, and one of the most important economic resources for the towns in the area.
Rate A - €0.75. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, up to 20 g.
Rate A2 - €0.85. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, between 20 g and 50 g.
Rate B - €1.65. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to Europe (including Greenland), up to 20 g.
Rate C - €1.75. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the rest of the world (except USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand), up to 20 g.
Rate D - €2.10. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, up to 20 g.