Another Croatian product receives geographical indication certificate
After a 4 year long procedure (it started in July 2011), Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Croatia announced today that potatoes from Lika were officially added to the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications. Decision was published in the Official Gazette of the European Union of 30 September 2015.
This means Croatia now has another protected product on the joint EU market along with prosciutto from Krk, extra virgin olive oil from Cres, Baranja kulen, tangerines from Neretva and sauerkraut and cabbage from Ogulin.
Protection of potatoes from Lika is based on its quality which is a result of its specific area of growth and its long tradition. Lika potatoes are grown from three different varieties Desire, Bintje and Victoria, or any other variety with a dry matter of at least 19%. It is characterised by its smooth to mildly coarse skin, outer layer is brown to reddish in colour while the inside of the potato is white or very light yellow. Minimum size of the potato is 35 mm and it is oval in shape. The taste of Lika potatoes is very specific it is very floury because of the high percentage of dry matter and this characteristic makes it so unique. Lika potatoes have been planted in this area for centuries and it was the main ingredient in the diet in this area since it was used to replace bread.
