Description
The Pardubický Perník PGI is spiced bread (gingerbread) made of wheat flour, sugar, eggs, honey, fruit jam, vegetable fat, cocoa, a spice mixture for bread and raising agents.
Production Area
The production area of Pardubický Perník PGI is limited to the city of Pardubice and the municipality of Spojil in the Pardubice district located in the region of Pardubice.
Production Method
It is produced in two stages. The first stage consists of making the basic dough, which is then left to rest for a few days before being processed. The second stage begins by mixing eggs, jam, spices and yeast into the dough until a stretchy mass is produced. The dough is then rolled out and kneaded before being cut into pieces. At this point, the pieces of dough are oven-baked, filled and coated with a glaze or with chocolate and then packaged. The dough can also be kneaded into a three-dimensional structure. Afterwards, they are baked, left to cool down and then coated with a glaze or chocolate. The resulting products are then decorated by hand using sugar, fat or chocolate before being packaged.
Appearance and Flavour
Pardubický Perník PGI is made in two varieties: as a filled bakery product made of one or two identical slices of gingerbread coated with a sugar glaze and/or in chocolate, or as various two or three-dimensional shapes (carts and carriages, different animals, chalets, boxes, cradles, sledges, books, slippers, baskets, Christmas trees, and cribs) cut by hand or mechanically from gingerbread dough and baked. Finally, they are coated with a sugar or fat-based glaze.
History
The Pardubický Perník PGI is the result of the ancient tradition of gingerbread production with documentation that can be traced back to the 16th century. The right to produce this product was upheld by Maria-Theresa, Empress of Austria in 1759. Production took off in the 20th century when industrial production was introduced, alongside the traditional artisan methods.
Gastronomy
The Pardubický Perník PGI must be kept in a fresh and dry place. It is generally consumed as a tasty snack or as a dessert.
Marketing
The product is sold as Pardubický Perník PGI. It is marketed in cellophane wrap.
Distinctive Features
Pardubický Perník PGI is the result of artisans who are masters of the art of making gingerbread and have passed down their wisdom to their successors for centuries. In addition, the typical designs used to enhance this product derive from traditional style and decoration methods.
