World’s 50 best meat products list includes 6 from Croatia
- by croatiaweek
- in Food & Wine
Meat is an integral part of many cultures and cuisines, and some countries have mastered the art of producing the best meat products in the world.
Taste Atlas has selected the 50 best-rated meat products in the world and the list features six from Croatia.
“Iberian ham” or Jamón ibérico, which is crafted using the meat of 100% purebred black Iberian pigs that freely wander across oak pastures and feast on an acorn-based diet, was ranked the number meat product in the world on the list.
Jamón ibérico
Slavonian and Baranja kulen was the highest-ranked Croatian meat product on the list, ranked 9th and 10th respectively.
Made from high-quality pork mixed with tasty spices like red paprika and garlic. Kulen has a strong, smoky flavor with hints of paprika and pepper.
Kulen (Photo: Frka/CC BY-SA 3.0
To make Slavonian kulen, only the best parts of the pig are used. The pigs must come from Slavonia, and the production process is kept separate from other types of sausages.
Dalmatinski pršut was next, ranking 19th on the list.
“It is produced with fresh pork legs, with the bone, skin and subcutaneous fat. After preparation, which includes dry-salting, pressing, and seasoning, it is smoked and left to dry and mature in the air. The final period is strongly influenced by the cold and dry Bora wind, which creates favorable conditions for maturation,” Taste Atlas writes.
Pršut
Istarski pršut came in at no. 31 on the list, whilst Kulenova seka was 36th.
Kulenova seka, kulen’s sister, is made with the same ingredients but is dried in a thinner casing. This means it matures quicker than regular kulen.
Pršut from Drinš was the final Croatian product on the list which came in at no. 37.
You can see the full list of the 50 best-rated meat products in the world here.
