The name ‘Meso turopoljske svinje’ (The meat of the Turopolje pig) has been entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications, the Agriculture Ministry reported on Monday, quoting an announcement in the EU Official Journal.

This is the 45th Croatian product to be added to the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications.

The Turopolje pig originates from Turopolje, a micro-region south of Zagreb. In the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, its breeding spread from Turopolje to Sisak and Draganic, and later on to parts of Slavonia and Podravina and on to the border with Hungary, making it the most prevalent pig breed at the time.

“Meso turopoljske svinje” has a darker, redder colour, a more compact muscle texture and less surface secretion than
pork of standard production. It has an innately higher degree of fat accumulation, especially in the subcutaneous part
and between the muscles. When consumed, the cooked meat has an elastic, juicy consistency, full of flavour and a specific aroma from the
rendered fat of the meat.

The procedure to protect the name “Meso turopoljske svinje” was initiated by the Noble Municipality of Turopolje and Turopolje pig breeders.

Photo: Ministry of Agriculture of Croatia