Description
The Obwarzanek Krakowski PGI is a baker's product obtained by processing flour, fat, yeast, sugar, salt and water and decorated with salt, sesame or poppy seeds or black wheat or a mix of herbs or cheese and onion.
Production Area
The production area of Obwarzanek Krakowski PGI includes the cities of Krakow and Wieliczka, in Lesser Poland Voivodeship.
Production Method
All the ingredients are mixed together in only a phase and the dough has to rest for rising which can last a few minutes in summer and until an hour in winter. Then small pieces are obtained from the dough and are shaped in streaks with a variable size. Two or three of them are twisted together as a spiral and then as a ring, giving them the characteristic shape. The rings have to rise again and then they are precooked, in other words they are immersed in very hot water (at least 90°C) until they surface. Then they are decorated and baked for 10-17 minutes. Packaging must take place only when the products are completely cooled.
Appearance and Flavour
Obwarzanek Krakowski PGI is shaped as an oval or round ring and formed by spiral-twisted dough cords. The diameter is of 12-17 cm, the weight of 80-120 gr. The crust is gold or light brown in colour, very brilliant, consistent and crunchy, whilst the crumb is very soft. The taste is sweet.
History
The production of Obwarzanek Krakowski PGI boasts a 600 years old tradition. Many documents going back to 1300 can be found together with some reports of the royal court. At the beginning, it was prepared only during the Lent periods and only by bakers selected by the baker association, but since the second half of 1800 it has started to be daily available in all the city's bakeries. Since then the product reputation has remained unchanged and it has become one of the most famous and appreciated Krakow breads.
Gastronomy
Obwarzanek Krakowski PGI has to be stored in a cool and dry place, better if in a bread bag or in its original packaging, if packed. It can be consumed as a snack and it is generally not used to prepare sandwiches, but it is tasted alone to appreciate better the flavour of dough and garnishing.
Marketing
The product is sold as Obwarzanek Krakowski PGI. It is sold loose or packed in suitable packaging.
Distinctive Features
Obwarzanek Krakowski PGI is an actual symbol of the city of Krakow and can be found not only in stores and bakeries, but also and above all in the many and by now characteristic carts of itinerant vendors.
