Rocha pear

About 170 years ago (1836), a different pear tree with fruit of unusual quality was identified in the municipality of Sintra, on Mr. Rocha's property. It was from this tree that the variety spread: Rocha pear variety.

It is a Portuguese pear variety, obtained by chance from seed about 150 years ago in the municipality of Sintra. The pulp of the Pêra Rocha do Oeste Protected Designation of Origin is white in colour, soft, melting, granular, sweet, non-acidic, very juicy and slightly perfumed.

The Rocha do Oeste PDO pear - region of Óbidos, Peniche and Caldas da Rainha - is obtained in accordance with local methods which start with the choice of soils and the establishment and management of the orchards. The cultural conditions are very important, taking into account the special climate of the region and the cold that the Rocha do Oeste PDO pear needs to develop in the adequate conditions. The harvest also obeys its own rules, both in shape and in time (second fortnight of August).