Istrian ox (Boškarin) meat is protected by a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) at European Union level, guaranteeing its origin, traceability, and production within the native area of Istria. It is obtained exclusively from the indigenous Istrian cattle breed, which has been present for centuries on the Istrian peninsula, the Kvarner islands, the Karst (Kras), Ćićarija, and the Podgraje valley, including the southern slopes of the Brkini hills.
The quality of this meat is inseparably linked to its territory and traditional rearing practices. Istrian cattle have developed in rugged yet diverse landscapes of karst terrain and Mediterranean vegetation, where pastures, meadows, and forest browsing have shaped their diet and physical strength over generations. This natural rearing system leaves a distinctive imprint on the texture and aroma of the meat.
Boškarin meat is characterised by a light pink to deep red colour, moderate marbling, a rich and pronounced flavour, and distinctive juiciness. Its sensory properties are further enhanced through a controlled ageing process lasting at least 15 days, during which natural enzymatic processes tenderise the meat and deepen its flavour.
All stages of production—from calving and rearing to slaughter, cutting, and ageing—take place within the defined geographical area, with full traceability of each cut ensured through the animal’s unique identification number. This guarantees the authenticity of the product and its genuine connection to the Istrian landscape.
Today, Boškarin meat is more than a gastronomic product. It represents a story of land, tradition, and the centuries-old coexistence between people and animals, expressed through the distinctive taste of Istria.
"Istra" is an extra virgin olive oil obtained directly from the fruit of the olive (Olea europaea L.) exclusively by mechanical processes, whose physico-chemical and sensory characteristics meet the specifications set out herein.
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For centuries, Istrian prosciutto has been a source of pride for the people of Istria. It is not merely a food product, but a reflection of a rich cultural heritage, traditionally shared with guests even in the most modest of times. It represents a bond that brings families together, passing on tradition, values and a sense of belonging to future generations.
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