Limburgse vlaai wants European recognition — and rightly so
Anyone who has ever tasted a real Limburgse vlaai is spoiled for life. Because once you’ve tried one, you really don’t need those stodgy supermarket vlaais costing a few euros each anymore! The people of Limburg are incredibly proud of their vlaais — and rightly so — which is why an application has been submitted for protected European status for Limburgse vlaai.
Specifically, the application is for recognition as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). If the European Commission approves the application for this recognition, real Limburgse vlaai will have to meet strict requirements from then on. For example, the vlaai may only be baked in (Belgian) Limburg. So if you fancy a fresh slice of real Limburgse vlaai, you can make a pleasant trip down south.
Thin crust, generous filling
Those trips aren’t so bad: there’s so much delicious food from Limburg that you can spend entire days sampling it. But if you’re looking for real Limburgse vlaai, how do you know you have the genuine article in front of you? According to the Belgian website VRT, the saying ‘thin crust, generous filling’ comes into play. The fresh, round, golden-brown baked vlaai (with a diameter of at least 10 and no more than 30 centimetres) must be generously filled with fruit (preferably cherries or apricots), rice pudding, semolina pudding, custard, fresh cheese and/or a sugar-and-egg filling. Combining fillings is also allowed. The filling is covered with a solid lid, a ‘lattice pattern’ or a bed of crumbs and sugar. Very important: the vlaai must be firm enough to eat out of your hand. And once it comes out of the oven, it may not be finished with sugar or whipped cream. Save those for your coffee or something.
Know what you’re eating
As you can see, not every vlaai is automatically a real Limburgse vlaai. It takes time, effort and love. And let’s be honest, you don’t find those in the mass-produced vlaais at the supermarket. Our tip: leave supermarket vlaai on the shelf from now on (the apple pie from this supermarket is a better choice!) and enjoy a real Limburgse vlaai all the more during your trip to Limburg.
Have you ever tasted a real Limburgse vlaai?
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