Description
The Suska Sechlonska PGI is a plum from the Prunus domestica L. ssp domestica species, the most common domestic plum, dried and smoked, with or without stone.
Production Area
The production area of Suska Sechlonska PGI covers exclusively the municipal areas of Laskowa, Iwkowa, Lososina Dolna and Zegocina, in the Voivodeship of Malopolskie.
Production Method
The plums are put in 30-50 cm thick layers in specialised driers, which consist of chambers of about 2×3.5 m, separated in the centre from a wood grid which ensures the right circulation of smoke and hot air coming from the oven below the chamber. The internal temperature of the drier is generally variable from 45 to 60°C. The drying process last about 4-6 days, during which the plums are daily turned by means of a suitable shovel.
Appearance and Flavour
Suska Sechlonska PGI has a variable shape and size depending on the varieties used (1.5-4.5cm). The peel is dark blue up to black in colour and is wrinkled and sticky, whilst the pulp is elastic. The flavour is sweet, with a smoked aftertaste.
History
A work from 1905 explains well the long tradition of Suska Sechlonska PGI: the Ujanowice - wies powiatu limanowskiego by the Polish Academy of Art and Science. This confirms the importance that the cultivation and processing of this fruit has had over centuries for the Malopolskie area. The first specialised and functional drier goes back to more than a century ago, but over time this practice was faithfully passed on and the most recent structures confirm that. These famous plumes were awarded many times with important prizes, the most important in 2000, 2004 and 2006. The Swieto Suszonej Sliwki is the great festival dedicated to this product that, since 2001, has taken place in the city of Dobrociesz. In addition, the local authorities created also the "touristic plum tour" to better know and promote the product.
Gastronomy
Suska Sechlonska PGI has to be stored in a fresh and dry place, paying attention to seal carefully the packaging after opening. It can be eaten alone for a snack or replace fresh fruit at the end of a meal, but it is also a very good ingredient for palatable haute cuisine recipes. For example the Krakow pork fillet, a dish prepared with Suska Sechlonska PGI plums, chicken, spinaches, aubergines, almonds and Oscypek PDO.
Marketing
The product is sold as Suska Sechlonska PGI. It is sold in plastic bags and glass pots with a variable weight.
Distinctive Features
The practice to turn Suska Sechlonska PGI during the smoking phase enables the juice produced during drying to penetrate the dry fruits and to soften them, making them even sweeter.
