Protected products
The Association for the Promotion and Protection of Prekmurje Specialities was founded in 1999 and its first activities were focused on protecting the most recognisable traditional food products: »Prekmurska gibanica« and »Prekmurska šunka«. In order to ensure the standard quality of the two protected products, producer groups of »Prekmurska gibanica« and »Prekmurska šunka« were registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food in 2005. A quality assurance system has been put in place, defining the conditions for joining the group, internal quality control and monitoring by an external accredited institution. In addition, a sensory evaluation of certified producers' products is organised annually by expert panels and producers are given feedback on opportunities for improvement. This results in a continuous improvement in product quality.
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Prekmurska gibanica is a delicacy amongst desserts and a showpiece of Slovenian national cuisine. The name of this old festive and ceremonial dish from Prekmurje had been derived from the word güba (Slovene: fold); the dish itself had become a tradition in the region along the Mura river far back in history. However, the original Prekmurska gibanica differed from its present form indeed; through centuries new layers of fillings have been added, resulting in the dessert known today.
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In 2004, »Prekmurska šunka« was granted national protection, and in 2014 it was granted European protection under the 'Protected Geographical Indication' scheme.
The Prekmurje ham is gastronomically unique and occupies an important place in the food culture of Prekmurje. It is the highlight of the gastronomic offer, a certain added value, which best illustrates the proverbial hospitality and generosity of the people there. The Prekmurje plains and above all the hilly region of Goričko are the ham’s native land.
The Prekmurje ham is manufactured using only natural ingredients and additives. For preservation purposes of the meat only sea salt and spices are used. This traditional dried meat with a typical pear-like shape is a specially formed, deboned pork leg. The characteristic aroma and taste of the Prekmurje ham are the result of carefully selected and tested methods of salting, smoking, drying and ripening which take place under specific conditions and entirely within the area of Prekmurje.
