Medronho Bread will be on sale to the public from July 10th

Starting on Friday, July 10, what will probably be the world’s first red fruit bread – Pão de Medronho – will be available for sale to the public in Leiria.

In this start-up phase, Pão de Medronho will be available in Coviran supermarkets in the following towns: Telheiro, Planalto, Monte Redondo, Amor, Arrabalde and Reguengo do Fetal.

In the coming weeks, it is also expected to be on sale in the municipalities of Proença-a-Nova, Sertã, Cernache do Bonjardim and in the city of Castelo Branco, at various locations.

This bread has a distinctive nutritional profile, including: low sodium content (‘10%); various minerals from the fruit; volatile organic acids; flavonoids; 14% antioxidant capacity; around 20% of the recommended VDR of fiber per 100 grams of bread. These compounds are of nutritional interest due to their anti-inflammatory action and protection of cardiovascular function, as well as their effect on reducing the risk of cancer and cell oxidation (reduction of free radicals).

It is a rustic-looking bread, made from uncorrected flours, with superior longevity, maintaining its freshness and internal softness until the sixth day of its shelf life. Aromatic and very pleasant, it becomes even more delicious when toasted.

It is a product developed over the last 10 years by Rui Lopes. A chef and nutritionist, he is a collaborating member of the Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare) and a Master’s student in Quality Management and Food Safety at ESTM, leading institutions in the Polytechnic of Leiria.

In recent years, collaboration with the Ritus do Pão bakery in Monte Redondo, Leiria, has made it possible to optimize this formula which, in July 2019, was awarded 3rd place in the 4th Agriempreende Ideas Competition, which distinguishes innovative ideas in the agri-food sector.