Lika potato

Lički krumpir

Lički krumpir is registered and protected in the common EU market, where it has been awarded the label of origin and geographic origin in September 2015. The flavor of Lika potatoes is specific - floury, or rather straightforward for a higher percentage of dry matter which, due to the specific climate of the Lika region, is even more pronounced and makes Lički krumpir more special than potatoes produced in other areas.

Protection process started in July 2011 when the Lički krumpir Producers' Association submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture a request for the registration of a geographical indication called Lički krumpir. In November 2011, the Ministry of Agriculture issued a Decision on the Registration of Geographical Indications, making the name Lički krumpir protected in the Republic of Croatia. In June 2014, the Ministry of Agriculture sent the European Commission a request for registration of the protected geographical indications of Lički krumpir at the European Union level. Following the procedure at European level, by publication of the Commission Implementing Regulation, the name Lički krumpir is entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications.

Product protection is based on its quality resulting from the specificity of the breeding area and its reputation in a relation to the long tradition of breeding. Lički krumpir production covers the Lika area. Lika is a continental region in southwest Croatia, and it is located in two administrative regions, mostly in Lika-Senj County and a small part in Zadar County. Seeds of Desire, Bintje or Victoria and other varieties of similar characteristics are used for the production of Lički krumpir, with a dry matter content of at least 19%. It has a smooth to rough rim, the epidermis is yellow to brown or reddish, and the color of the tub is light white to yellow. The size of the tubers is at least 35 mm, and is of oblong oval shape. The flavor of Lički krumpir is specific - floury or primitive precisely because of the higher percentage of dry matter which, because of the specific climate of the Lika region, is even more pronounced and makes Lički krumpir more special than potatoes produced in other areas. The favorable natural conditions for the cultivation of Lički krumpir were used by the inhabitants of the Lika region, which has a long tradition of growing in the area, and became the main food substitute for bread. 

Lički krumpir are tubers used for human consumption, and for most consumers the most important exterior appearance and culinary properties. The rolls have a diameter of 35 to 90 mm (calculated as the length of one side of the square mesh of the net through which the tuber passes without the use of force), the shape of the tuber is oblong oval and the weight varies from 25 to 200 grams. The appearance of the tubers: rough scales, the epidermis is yellow to brownish or reddish color. The color of flesh (dressings) of tubers: bright white to yellow color of flesh. Texture of fungus: fine-grained. Taste of tubers: a floury taste, ie soft or dry, because of the higher percentage of dry matter (high starch content) because it shows the tendency to lose weight, that is, when it comes to eating fullness in the mouth.

Geographical area

Licorice is primarily determined by the geographical production area because eco-physiological determinants are present, which make it specific and different from potatoes produced in other areas. These are the ground and climate (eg very favorable day-to-night temperatures, warm and sunny days, and fresh nights).

Moderate temperature during the day and sufficient brightness allow for intense photosynthesis resulting in the synthesis of sugar (while in the flat part of the country, high temperature is slowing down and stopping the photosynthesis process). Fresh nights favor lowering sugar in the tuber and increasing the dry matter of tubers. During the day the assimilates (sugar) collected in the photosynthesis process are to a lesser extent consumed in the breathing process whose intensity is reduced by lowering the temperature and stored in a bullet in the form of insoluble starch. Potato in Climatic Conditions Like gather more dry matter, which can also be recognized organoleptically. That is why the varieties cultivated in Lika always give more dry matter than the same grapes produced in the other continental part of Croatia. Therefore, the area of ​​Lika potato growing is precisely the geographical area of ​​Lika, which is clearly bordered by mountains - Velebit in the west and south, and Pljesivica in the east. The northern border is bordered by the Mala Kapela.