10 products people should keep their paws off
Pizza, olives, tequila or champagne: much of our favorite food and drink is sacred in the countries of origin. So sacred, in fact, that producing these products is only allowed according to strict rules. And no way is there any possibility of making them differently, because that is absolutely forbidden.
Champagne
There are few drinks that are as protected as champagne. Champagne may only be called that if it is produced in the region of the same name and using the méthode champenoise, with the second fermentation taking place in the bottle. Yes, you can also use that method outside Champagne, but don’t you dare call it champagne, because that’s simply not what it is. In fact, anything containing the word ‘champagne’ is a faux pas. Champagne-colored tights? Also forbidden!
Orange juice
Orange juice in Florida is always made from oranges grown in Florida. Cultivated by local farmers. Florida even has its own Department of Citrus.
Kalamata olives
Since 2018, Greek Kalamata olives have been allowed to grow anywhere in Greece instead of only around the village of Kalamata. Either way, the genuinely original Kalamata olives from Kalamata always carry a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) label.
Tequila
Throughout Mexico, alcohol is distilled from the juice of the special agave tequilana. That drink is called mezcal. But (and only then), if the drink comes from the area around Santiago de Tequila, it may be called tequila. To legally be called tequila, the drink must therefore consist of at least 51% agave. This is then topped up with a sugarcane distillate. Quality tequilas, however, are always made from 100% agave.
Buffalo mozzarella
Authentic Italian buffalo mozzarella bearing the PDO label may only be made in certain areas of Italy, such as Campania. Does the Italian cheese come from somewhere else? Then it is not a truly original ball.
French cheese
Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Reblochon and Comté are just a few of the French cheeses protected under the watchful eye of those who enforce the strict French rules. The French do this to ensure that quality and authenticity are maintained.
Port
Just like champagne, Portuguese port must also be produced in a specific area—and that is the Douro. In the Netherlands, we call the drink port, but the Portuguese call it Vinho do Porto or Porto.
Darjeeling tea
The only country where the Darjeeling tea variety may be grown and harvested is India, in the Himalayan foothills, in one of 87 tea gardens. Some of these gardens even contain bushes that are more than 150 years old. So it’s no wonder that the very best Darjeeling tea comes from here.
Jámon Iberico de Bellota
The Spanish ham, made from Ibérico pigs, is protected by a whole host of rules. For example, Ibérico pigs are only found on the Iberian Peninsula. Not only is the name protected, but the entire chain from birth to slaughter is regulated, with the aim of keeping the breed as pure as possible and safeguarding the quality of life and the meat. Because of their characteristic black hooves, Ibérico pigs are also known as Pata Negra. Jamón Iberico de Bellota is one of the most expensive types of ham in the world.
Neapolitan pizza
Did you know that, according to the rules, a genuine Neapolitan pizza must be round, have a light, risen crust and no black, burnt spots? The dough must also be made by hand using type 00 or 0 flour. Toppings such as buffalo mozzarella and olive oil may also come only from the surrounding Campania region.
Read also:
- 10 sandwiches that should be banned
- WTF? This food is banned in America
- These 5 delicacies are completely overrated
