The melon in question was classified in accordance with its sweet and succulent flavour and its higher levels of vitamin C than the average for other melons in addition to meeting other criteria such as bearing clear connections with its place of growth and having an already local and regional reputation deriving from its particular characteristics.
The protected status represents the classification necessary to carry the EU regional product certification with Santa Maria melons thus joining the European Union’s list of 1,200 regionally produced fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products and other such foodstuffs.