Published: Less than 10 min ago
The European Commission has granted protection of origin for smoked whitefish, the Swedish Agricultural Agency writes in a press release.
The protection means that whitefish that are caught and prepared – in a special way – within ten kilometers of the shore of the lake can be marked with a red-yellow designation of origin.
“Smoked lake whitefish has a long tradition in the area around Lake Vättern and is even today an important product for commercial fishing and the smokehouses around the lake. Labeling the product helps highlight the proud tradition that exists here,” says Elin Gunve, professional fishing coordinator at the Swedish Agency for Agriculture, in the press release.
The label of origin comes after the Vättern Fishermen’s Association applied to protect the product.
“A label can be important for tourism as many Europeans have a good knowledge of EU designations. An origin label on smoked whitefish can hopefully contribute to a vibrant countryside, business development and long-term sustainable fishing,” says Malena Bathurst, business developer at the Swedish Agency for Agriculture, in the press release.
Facts
Smoked whitefish
Vättersik is a salmon fish that gets a special character from the nutrient-poor Vättern, which is a cold water lake. The fish is then smoked in a smoking oven fired with alder wood. In this way, the fish gets a deep saltiness, a distinct smoky flavor and a sweet-sour note of tar.
Source: Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
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Swedish foods with protected designation of origin
Swedish products and foodstuffs that have a protected designation of origin (PDO):
Male lamb, meat from sheep
Kalix Lojrom
Smoked whitefish
Upland kubb
Vänernöjrom
Wrångebäck cheese
Source: Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
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