Description
The Mariánskolázenské Oplatky PGI are wafers which consist of two thin sheets held together by a layer of filling, and are produced with the following raw materials: wheat flour, sugar, hardened fat, hazelnut kernels, almond flour, milk fat, vegetable fat, cocoa, milk powder, dried egg yolk, wheat starch, salt, lecithin emulsifier, lemon flavouring, cinnamon, hazelnut flavouring, ethyl vanillin, almond flavouring.
Production Area
The production area of the Mariánskolázenské Oplatky PGI is located in the municipality of Marienbad and the municipality of Velká Hledsebe, which forms part of the administrative district called Marienbad of the Karlovy Vary region.
Production Method
The raw materials are mixed to obtain a wafer batter which is then poured in the rotary baking machine. The cooked sheets are removed by hand and are transported to humidifying chambers, where they are left for five days. A mixture of sugar, fat, hazelnuts and other raw materials according to the wafer variety is prepared, and the bottom sheet is sprinkled with this mixture covering it with the second sheet. Then the baking takes place, the measuring of the appropriate weight, and the packaging, which takes place in the production site to guarantee the product's quality.
Appearance and Flavour
The Mariánskolázenské Oplatky PGI are round and regular in shape with a slightly crumbled edge. They bear a characteristic relief in the form of a stylised garland of leaves around the circumference. The wafers are crisp, sweet, fragrant and cream-coloured or light brown, depending on the type of batter used. The filling has a granular texture and its taste reflects the raw materials used.
History
The first historic references to theMariánskolázenské Oplatky PGI date from the 18th century. The original production of wafers by the inhabitants was for their own consumption, but with the development of the water cures, it transformed into large-scale production for commercial purposes. In the following years and centuries real industries for the production of this product started, but in spite of this development, the composition and preparation technique have been transmitted from generation to generation. Many documents which contain historic references are found in the city archives and in the main offices of local newspapers.
Gastronomy
The Mariánskolázenské Oplatky PGI must be kept at a maximum temperature of 25°C for a time period of 180 days.
Marketing
The product is sold as Mariánskolázenské Oplatky PGI. They are sold distinguished depending on the type of filling as hazelnut and cocoa varieties; they are packaged in aluminium foil inside carton boxes or plastic film; the packages weigh 175 gr.
Distinctive Features
The Mariánskolázenské Oplatky PGI are a traditional product, originally destined for family consumption and afterwards they became of commercial use, which allowed also the development of production industries.
