The Mollar de Elche pomegranate is deeply rooted in Alicante, where its cultivation was introduced by the Carthaginians after the Punic Wars and spread throughout the Roman Empire.
The soil and climatic conditions of the area covered by the PDO give the native Mollar de Elche variety unique characteristics of balanced sweetness, soft seed and healthy properties, making it one of the best and most highly valued pomegranates in the world.
More than 20 Michelin-starred chefs have recognised the goodness of the land of pomegranates in Europe, with more than 3,000 hectares of production, reaching a volume of 50,000 tonnes per season.
The production area includes 40 municipalities in the Alicante regions of Baix Vinalopó, L'Alacantí and Vega Baja, an area distinguished for its semi-arid climate with mild temperatures in winter and low rainfall in the summer months. These conditions are directly related to the quality of the Mollar de Elche pomegranate and its external colour, which ranges from cream to deep red depending on exposure to sunlight, its sweetness, its concentration of anthocyanins and the texture of its seed.
The Regulatory Council of the PDO Granada Mollar de Elche has been certifying the origin and quality of pomegranates of the Mollar de Elche variety since 2016. Only pomegranates of the first and extra categories are marketed with the Protected Designation of Origin mark, a production that exceeded 7,400 tonnes per in 2022.
The Mollar de Elche pomegranate is a super fruit with great antioxidant power, rich in polyphenols, low in calories and a source of folic acid and vitamin C.
Bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, the south of Alicante stands out for the richness of its agricultural industry, the strength of its business fabric, its strategic location and its environmental surroundings. Elche pomegranates grow between the Natural Parks of Las Salinas de Santa Pola, El Hondo, Las Lagunas de la Mata -Torrevieja and the natural area of El Colt de Galvany.
Recent studies have shown that eating pomegranate helps to reduce cholesterol levels, can delay the start of Alzheimer's disease, helps prevent heart disease, prevents different types of cancer and is ideal for cleansing and slimming diets. Susi Díaz (1 Michelin star) is the great ambassador of the brand, which also has other exceptional sponsors such as Alberto Chicote, Albert Adrià (4*),Quique Dacosta (3*), Ricard Camarena (2*), Mario Sandoval (2*) and Paco Roncero (2*).
Further information and curiosities can be found at: https://granadaselche.com/padrinos