Description
The Pohorelický Kapr PDO is a carp created by using interspecies hybrids.
Production Area
The production area of Pohorelický Kapr PDO is found in the districts of Breclav and Znojmo in the South Moravian region and particularly, in the city of Pohorelický which is located in the micro region called Cistá Jihlava.
Production Method
Fish reproduction is done by artificial spawning under controlled conditions. The Pohorelický Kapr PDO are bred using a semiintensive production system, where fish feed on the natural sources generated by the pond and are only given additional food at certain times of year, consisting mainly of cereals and, to a very limited extent, compound feeding stuffs. The production cycle lasts three to four years. During the first year of rearing only, if additional feed is required, the fish are given compound feeding stuffs from certified producers or cereals in powder form. In the second year the fish are given a supplement of locally produced cereals. The fish are sold fresh or after being frozen, marinated or smoked.
Appearance and Flavour
The Pohorelický Kapr PDO alive has a very fleshy conformation and small head; it is also distinguished by its excellent growth capacity and minimum slaughter yield of 58%. The processed carp is of a firm consistency due to the muscle meat and has a fresh appearance, ranging from pink to red in colour; a fresh fish smell and particularly delicate fish taste.
History
The production of Pohorelický Kapr PDO falls into the ancient fish farming tradition of the region and dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Fish farming underwent a great expansion between the end of the 15th century and the first half of the 16th century following the construction of a canal that fed existing and newly established ponds with water from the River Jihlava. The following period saw the slump and gradual decline of fish farming. A marked turning point occurred only after the Second World War in 1945.
Gastronomy
The fresh Pohorelický Kapr PDO can be refrigerated for a few hours. It can be consumed smoked, marinated or cooked. It can be particularly appealing when it is steamed and seasoned with a plum sauce. The fish can also be combined with dry wines and beer.
Marketing
The product is sold as Pohorelický Kapr PDO and it is classified according to weight: carps in Class I, weighing 1,50-2,50 kg and high quality selected carps, varying form 2,50 to 4,00 kg; however, carps may be classified in other categories as well. It is marketed either live or processed. Processed products are sold fresh, chilled, frozen, marinated or smoked.
Distinctive Features
Pohorelický Kapr PDO is produced in the areas of Breclav and Znojmo. This region offers unmatched natural climatic conditions for fish production: alkaline, calcareous substratum, and ponds consisting of fertile chernozems with a high degree of water mineralization. Those elements combined with the climatic factors (high average annual air temperature, water temperature, and long growing season), create excellent conditions for the development of an optimum quality product.
