FOLLOWING the Skalický trdelník, Slovakia has another food product with protected status within the European Union (EU). On July 10, the European Commission moved to protect four more traditionally made European food products, including Slovenská parenica, from being copied by food manufacturers outside the regions where they have historically been made, the Official Journal of the EU reported.
Slovenská parenica, whose name is now on the register of protected geographical indications (PGI), is a soft, lightly smoked cheese made from sheep's milk.
The move of the European Commission followed an application for PGI status submitted by Slovakia.
The commission made it public in October last year, allowing six months for any objections to be raised.
“As no objection has been received by the commission, these names should be entered in the Register,” the Official Journal of the European Union announced.
In the application for registration, Slovenská parenica is described as a steamed, lightly smoked cheese wound into two rolls 6-8 cm in diameter and 5-8 cm high, connected in an ‘S’-shape. The rolls are bound with cheese string or a chain. Slovenská parenica has a delicate taste, the odour of sheep's milk and a smoky smell. It is known for the characteristically pronounced fibrous structure of the curd.
Until now, Slovakia had only one product with protected geographical indication – Skalický trdelník. But others, including bryndza and oštiepok (both kinds of cheese), are awaiting a final decision by the commission.
