The case of the product which is a symbol of the Costa Vicentina has been blundering on for almost nine years and has been with the European Council since 2006, but on Monday it was classified as a product from a geographical area protected by the European Commission.

António Novais Henrique, president of the Aljezur Association of Sweet Potato Producers said he was “satisfied” with this outcome, which will add value to the crops of some 300 farmers in the municipality.

Talking to the radio station Antena1, he said it would now no longer be possible to sell one product guising as another, as the Aljezur product will be identified with a stamp of origin (see picture).

On the outside, it has a purple skin and on the inside it is white. As for the flavour, it is the result of the type of soil in the area. The soil is poor and under the sand there is clay mixed with bark, which retains the water and enables the tubers to develop.

In November, the Sweet Potato Festival is held, which offers dishes and recipes in which the special flavour of sweet potato is always present, in both savoury and sweet dishes.