The Valencian Community boasts a rich and distinctive gastronomy, characterized by high-quality products with international renown. Fruits, wines, crops… the Valencian Community excels in many areas of the agri-food sector, holding numerous Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) certifications. 

We're going to take this opportunity to review their most characteristic products, and we'll do so through several posts, because the variety and quality are such that they warrant a whole series of publications.

• Valencian Citrus Fruits. The Regulatory Council of the Protected Geographical Indication Valencian Citrus guarantees that oranges, mandarins and lemons grown in the Valencian Community with its seal meet specific quality requirements.
• Benicarló artichoke. This artichoke is grown in the north of the province of Castellón. It can be enjoyed between October and June and is recognizable by its flat, compact shape and its distinctive dimple. Since 2003, it has held the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) seal of the European Union.
• Rice from Valencia. Historically, Valencia is the first region in Spain where rice was cultivated. This crop has continued to be grown throughout the years to the present day. The 'Valencia Rice Designation of Origin' quality seal guarantees that this grain has been produced following traditional methods and strict environmentally friendly standards. This rice is grown in the Albufera Natural Park, and the three main varieties are: Senia-Bahía, Albufera, and Bomba.
• Kaki Ribera del Xúquer. Persimmon of the "Rojo Brillante" variety, marketed under the "Persimon" brand, is owned by the Kaki Ribera del Xúquer Regulatory Council. It is characterized by its large size, orange color, and naturally shiny skin. Furthermore, once harvested, the astringency is naturally eliminated, and the fruit receives no post-harvest treatment. 
• Cherries from the Alicante Mountains. Fruits with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) come from mountainous regions whose climatic conditions accelerate fruit ripening, located north of Alicante and south of the province of Valencia. This area has very few pests and diseases, resulting in fruit that requires minimal treatments. The predominant varieties protected by the Regulatory Council are Burlat and Stark Hardy Geant. 
• Loquats from Callosa d'en Sarrià. A sweet fruit with a touch of acidity, eaten in spring. It is produced in the Marina Baixa region and its harvesting, sorting, and packaging are done by hand.
• Vinalopó Bagged Table Grapes. It differs from other table grapes in that it grows and ripens inside a paper bag and remains so until it reaches the consumer, resulting in a thinner skin and a more uniform color. Only the Aledo, Ideal, Dominga, Doña María, Rosetti, Victoria, and Red Globe varieties are protected by the Protected Designation of Origin.
• Granada Mollar de Elche. The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for Mollar de Elche pomegranates covers the Bajo Vinalopó, Alacantí, and Vega Baja regions in the province of Alicante. It is a very sweet fruit with an exterior that ranges from cream to deep red and contains a white, edible seed.