• The European Commission recently approved the registration of "Batog de sturgeon" in the register of protected geographical indications (PGI), making it the 16th food product from Romania officially recognized at European level.
The announcement was made public on Wednesday, through publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, marking a new success for the tradition and quality of local products.
The product is a food obtained exclusively from dorsal fillets of sturgeon raised in aquaculture. The raw material comes from fish farms located in the delimited geographical area of Tulcea County, including the Danube Delta region and the area of the mouths of the Danube to the Black Sea. This close connection with the territory contributes to the distinctive characteristics of the final product.
The sturgeons used are raised under controlled conditions, in a clean, contaminant-free environment, fed a tailored diet that allows for superior meat quality. The preparation process involves manual filleting, skinning and careful portioning, followed by smoking (usually using hardwood). The result is a sturgeon with a compact, well-bound texture that allows for easy and uniform slicing, with a specific aroma and a balanced taste, influenced by local fish processing traditions.
PGI protection highlights not only the unique organoleptic qualities, but also the commitment to sustainability: the use of aquaculture sturgeons helps protect natural resources and wild species, while providing a high-quality product with clear traceability.
This European recognition brings important benefits to producers in the area, strengthening the reputation of sturgeon batog on domestic and international markets and offering consumers the guarantee of authenticity and controlled origin.
With this addition, Romania reaches 16 products protected by EU quality schemes (PGI, PDO or traditional specialties guaranteed), highlighting the country's gastronomic wealth and agricultural potential.
Article and photo source: "Sturgeon Batog" – becomes the 16th Romanian product recognized and registered at European level
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
Read on White Art and: Romanian products protected at European level – a recognized gastronomic heritage
