Description
The Stramberské Usi PGI are special bakery products prepared following a historic recipe with fine-ground flour, granulated sugar, whole eggs, water, baking powder, honey or caramel and various spices (cinnamon, aniseed, cloves, and star anise).
Production Area
The production area of the Stramberské Usi PGI is located in the city of Stramberk and its immediate surroundings, that is, the district of Nový Jicín in the Moravian-Silesian region.
Production Method
The eggs are beaten with the sugar and then flour and baking powder are gradually added. Afterwards water, spices, honey or caramel are added. The completed dough is rolled out and cut into the desired shape or poured onto a baking tray with circular shape before being baked. While the dough is still hot, it is twisted into a cornet shape and then left to cool down. To conclude the production process, the product is packed.
Appearance and Flavour
The Stramberské Usi PGI have the approximate appearance of a human ear. Taste and flavour depends on the specific spices used.
History
Legends about the origin of Stramberské Usi PGI also called Stramberk Ears are linked to the Secret stories of the Mongolians, which were written 13 years after the death of the great conqueror, Genghis Khan. These sweets are traditionally prepared for the annual pilgrimage of Ascension, in memory of the withdrawal of the Tatar troops which surrounded the Stramberk people in 1241 and forced them to seek refuge in the city castle. This product is created to remember the sacks of human ears that the Tatars had cut off their Christian prisoners, after a great storm destroyed their camp and forced them to leave. These sacks were found by the surviving population. The particular shape of Stramberské Usi PGI is related to this incident; the product is prepared mainly for the commemorative celebrations.
Gastronomy
The Stramberské Usi PGI must be kept in a fresh and dry place. They can be consumed as a tasty dessert or a delicious mid-afternoon snack.
Marketing
The product is sold as Stramberské Usi PGI. It is marketed in a polypropylene transparent bag.
Distinctive Features
The recipe of Stramberské Usi PGI is the result of an ancient tradition which has been passed from generation to generation and has become a legacy of the whole Stramberk population.
