Poland’s motion to register “obwarzanek krakowski” or "bajgiel", a ring-shaped baked good, as a regional product has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
If no member state contests it, the popular bagel-like food will receive a certificate of Protected Geographical Indication from the EU.
The 40-page justification of Krakow’s claim to the “obwarzanek krakowski” describes in detail how it is baked and looks like as well as presents its history.
There is historical evidence that the pastry was first document in the late 14th century. A document has survived to this day in which “obwarzanek” pastries, then called by their Latin name circulis or circinellos, were ordered for the royal court.
Today, a dozen bakers from Krakow and its environs make “obwarzanek krakowski” rings, which are 12-17 cm in diameter and are famed for their delicious crust, sprinkled with salt, poppy or sesame seeds. Originally, the pastry was baked only during the Lenten season.
Poland has so far registered two types of sheep-milk cheese – oscypek and bryndza – as regional products with the EU. (kk/mmj)