Delicious European meat products make for a great choice for your next meal! Discover their variety and characteristics, while learning more about the world of European meat. Explore their delicious flavours and find out what makes them so safe.
Cooking, smoking, drying – there are many ways of preparing food and each of them results in different properties and distinctive flavours. The European range of food products encompasses numerous delicious and safe meats.
The range of EU meat products includes:
– cooked beef ham, characterised by its exquisite delicate flavour, which goes great with sandwiches, as well as makes it a great appetiser.
– gammon – smoked pork neck meat, characterised by its distinct flavour.
– smoked and cooked pork ham with white fatty layers that bolsters its strong flavour.
– Sopot sirloin, which is characterised by exceptional juiciness and delicate flavour, a perfect choice for sandwiches and as a quick snack or appetiser.
– smoked bacon – a meat product with characteristic thick layer of fat, with unique flavour thanks to the smoking process.
– smoked beef tenderloin, characterised by incredible tenderness, perfect for an appetizer or an exquisite treat.
– Pâtés – heavily ground and seasoned, then baked in trays. A perfect choice for any occasion.
– sausages and cabanossi, characterised by their exceptional tenderness and flavour, which you can eat cold, roasted, fried or even cooked.
Meat products made in the EU are distinguished by their exceptional quality thanks to the strict European production standards. In line with the farm-to-table strategy, food production is audited, checked and controlled at every stage, while farmers are required to follow stringent production guidelines and undergo inspections and audits making sure that this is the case. [1]
Choose the most delicious products from the vast range of safe meats and sausages from the EU. Keep in mind that by choosing European food you are ensuring safety and high quality, reflected in the wonderful flavours!
[1] Council of the European Union https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/from-farm-to-fork/ (7.03.2023).
Check why European poultry is such a great choice! Discover its types and characteristics. Learn why it stands out among other meats. See how you can cook it and enjoy its delicious taste.
WHY IS POULTRY FROM THE EU A GOOD CHOICE?
The EU has adopted strict marketing standards for poultry. They are aimed at ensuring the high quality of the product and at the coherence of standards on the EU market. In addition, the EU monitors the situation on the poultry market[1] so that you could be sure that the selected product is safe, fresh and delicious.
CHICKEN
Delicious and delicate meat. It contains B vitamins and new mineral ingredients (zinc, phosphorus, potassium)[2]. A good choice for those who prefer high-quality food.
The most frequently used part of the chicken is its breast. Its firm meat with a sweetish taste will delight your palate. You can grill or fry it, or use it as part of salads. Its advantage lies in universality – you can prepare it in hundreds of ways.
Tenderloin is a meat from a part of the breast – it is particularly quick to prepare. Chicken tenderloins are ideal for frying, grilling or cooking.
TURKEY
A kind of meat abounding in B vitamins, niacins, folic acid, magnesium, potassium and iron. A great option for persons who watch their calories[3].
Turkey breast is a delicious, delicate and juicy meat that you will like from the first bite. An ideal choice for dinner or for salads.
Turkey tenderloin with delicate consistency and subtle taste will surely appeal to you. It requires short thermal processing and will be ideal for grilling or frying.
GOOSE MEAT
A high protein content, an abundance of mineral ingredients and vitamins, and the presence of high-quality fat are the biggest advantages of goose meat[4].
Goose breast has a fat layer with a delightful aroma; if you cook it on a barbecue, you will enjoy an excellent feast. It is available also in a smoked form.
Goose thighs are a type of bone-in meat that has a more intense flavour and aroma than breast has. You will appreciate it for its exceptional juiciness and universal use. This delicious meat can be used for cooking a tasty aromatic bouillon or soup.
If you choose goose carcass from the EU for lunch, its taste will delight you and your guests. It is an ideal choice for special occasions. This appreciated meat with a sweetish flavour tastes particularly good when roasted. Stuffing it with fruit is an ideal option.
Do you already know why European poultry is worth choosing? Pay attention to the products you buy and enjoy a safe and exceptionally tasty high-quality product.
[1] European Commission: https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/farming/animal-products/poultry_pl, (06.02.2023).
[2] E. Aszkiewicz, R. Chojnacka, J. Przytuła, A. Swulińska-Katulska, Kuchnia polska ENCYKLOPEDIA SZTUKI KULINARNEJ, Poznań, p. 194.
[3] Agrofakt: https://www.agrofakt.pl/polskie-indyki-stoly-europy/, (06.02.2023).
[4] Raport Rolny [Agricultural Report] https://raportrolny.pl/z-perspektywy-dietetyka-czyli-co-warto-wiedziec-o-gesinie/ (06.02.2023).
The European Commission ensures the high quality of EU food in various ways. One of them is the farm advisory system (FAS). Read how this unique scheme affects the quality of crops and livestock and discover tasty food from Europe!
It is a uniform way of giving advice on land and farm management, environmental protection and proper animal husbandry.[i] Every farmer in the EU can benefit from it.[ii]
These are not just dry facts. The advisory system organises interesting training courses, conferences, demonstrations, competitions, Olympiads, fairs and many more. As advisors are independent, they are highly trusted among the farming community and in rural areas.[iii]
The farm advisory system covers a wide range of topics. EU farmers can request assistance for:
As you can see, people running farms in the EU are well prepared to produce tasty and safe food. Their products are destined for national and international markets.
Skilful advice is an invaluable aid to the agricultural sector. With specialist knowledge, growers and breeders make well-thought-out decisions and bring quality products that are safe for you and your family to market.
Although, as a consumer, you don't join the farm advisory system, you can also take advantage of its benefits. The next time you go shopping, look for products from European producers who care about food quality and safety.
[i] Official website of the European Commission, "Farm advisory system," https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/farming/fas_pl (accessed 09/01/2023).
[ii] Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013, Title I, Article 14.
[iii] Official website of the Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development, ibidem.
[iv] Ibidem.
You certainly appreciate the taste of pork and dishes prepared from it, but do you know why meat from the EU is so exceptional? Below we explain why European pork tastes excellent, retains great nutritional value and is so juicily fresh. Read our article to learn about all advantages of this meat!
Pork is a very universal meat. You can cook, fry, braise or roast it to prepare many delicious dishes, but taste is not its only advantage.
Pork is a valuable source of vitamins and minerals. It contains a strong antioxidant – vitamin E, as well as Group B vitamins, heme iron and many bioactive compounds, such as taurine, carnosine and coenzyme Q10.[i] In addition, pork is richer in amino acids than meats of other species of slaughter animals. Proteins account for 15–21% of its constitution.[ii]
Pork-based dishes are an important element of a balanced diet. But if you want to make full use of its potential, you should choose meat from an appropriate source. Read why food from the EU is a great choice.
EU food is of high quality because farmers comply with strict production standards. European plants are obliged to use the HACCP system. This allows them to monitor the production process on a running basis and to use relevant preventive procedures immediately in the case of any threat.[iii] When produced in this way, pork retains its nutritional value and – thanks to proper packing – freshness.
Moreover, EU farmers act in accordance with the rules of Good Hygiene Practices (GHPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). This means they take care of the technical condition and cleanness of machines, devices, equipment, vessels and tools. They control the quality of water used in the production process and use effective waste removal systems.[iv] Thanks to such regulations, European pork is free of contaminants and bacteria and, consequently, is safe for you and your family.
It is merely a part of regulations that make up high production standards followed in the EU and improve the quality of produced food. By choosing European pork, you obtain tasty and safe meat of high nutritional value. We hope that you include it in your daily diet with pleasure!
[i] A. Kołodziej-Skalska, B. Matysiak, M. Grudziński, Mięso wieprzowe a zdrowie człowieka, Kosmos – Problemy nauk biologicznych, vol. 65, no. 4(313)/2016, p. 537.
[ii] Ibidem, p. 536.
[iii] Zasady systemu HACCP [Rules of the HACCP System], the official website of the National Centre for Nutritional Education, https://ncez.pzh.gov.pl/informacje-dla-producentow/zasady-systemu-haccp (access: 8.12.2022).
[iv] Dobra Praktyka Produkcyjna (GMP) i Dobra Praktyka Higieniczna (GHP), [Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Good Hygiene Practices (GHPs)], the official website of the Provincial Sanitary and Epidemiological Station in Katowice, https://www.gov.pl/web/wsse-katowice/gmpghp (access: 8.12.2022).
Apples are a very popular fruit, and many people eat them frequently. This is not surprising – apples have many nutritive benefits and an excellent taste. When have you last eaten them? After reading this article, you will work up your appetite and learn why it is good to choose fruits from the EU. Here are the seven reasons for which apples are worth eating!
Do you know that one apple differs from another? Some varieties are harder and sourer, whereas others are very sweet and have soft flesh. You will surely find a variety that will become your favourite one! All the more so, because including apples in your daily diet will give you many benefits.
Apples differ in shape, size, colour and ripening period.[i] However, all of them have the same advantages. Read about the seven most important ones:
Have you become hungry for a juicy apple? Fruits produced in the EU are not only tasty, but also rich in nutritive and safe ingredients. Their high quality is possible thanks to EU legislation that lays down specific rules for the establishment, maintenance and protection of orchards. So, when you go shopping next time, remember about this exceptional fruit!
[i] Ibidem.
[ii] Ibidem.
[iii] Ibidem, p. 139.
[iv] H. Bojarowicz, P. Dźwigulska, ‘Suplementy diety. Część II. Wybrane składniki suplementów diety oraz ich przeznaczenie’, Hygeia Public Health 2012, vol. 47(4), p. 441.
Tiny blueberry fruits may seem inconspicuous, but they have an amazing taste and a great culinary potential! Have you had an opportunity to taste them? Read why it is good to eat blueberries regularly, how to get the best taste out of them and what are the best qualities of fruit from the EU.
The high blueberry comes from Northern America. It is a long-lived shrub, whose berries form dark blue bunches with light-coloured flesh.[i] They have an aromatic and pleasant taste.
Blueberries are characterised by high nutritive value. They are a source of vitamin C and A and contain a number of other vitamins: niacins, B1 and B2.[ii] By eating 100 g of fruit, you provide your body with hydrocarbons, calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium (81.0 mg).[iii] In addition, the blueberry contains even 5 times as many antioxidants as the apple or carrot does.[iv] And, last but not least, blueberry fruits are low in calories. The energy value of 100 g is only 62 kcal!
The blueberry is ideal for raw consumption as an ingredient of savoury dishes and, of course, desserts. You can add it to yoghurt, ice-cream, cocktails and salads. It is a perfect supplement to various cakes. Blueberry products, such as jams, juices, nectars or even cordials, are very popular. As you can see, there are really many ways to eat these delicious little balls!
The highbush blueberry cultivated in the EU has a unique taste and nutritional properties. Its fruits are safe and of high quality because EU farmers follow the rules of the integrated plant protection system.[v] This involves a number of measures:
Not surprisingly, products from Europe are popular among consumers. You can also buy consciously by choosing the safe highbush blueberry cultivated in the EU. Its taste and nutritional value will enrich your diet!
[i] J. Rusnak, Uprawa borówki amerykańskiej, Karniowice 2012, p. 3.
[ii] Ibidem.
[iii] A. Reszka, T. Lesiów, J. Mońka, Uwarunkowania ekonomiczne uprawy i przetwórstwa owoców borówki wysokiej w Polsce, Nauki inżynierskie i technologiczne, no. 2(25)/2017, pp. 57-58.
[iv] J. Rusnak, ibidem.
[v] Metodyka integrowanej ochrony borówki, H. Bryk (ed.), Skierniewice 2013, p. 5.
[vi] Ibidem.
Compliance with the rules of sustainable production guarantees tasty and safe food you can use every day. Such actions are standardised and described in the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy. Read what this policy is about and how it contributes to the high quality of food products from the EU.
The Farm to Fork (F2F) strategy is a comprehensive 10-year plan of the European Commission announced in May 2020.[i] It indicates a just, safe and environment-friendly food production system. The main goals of the strategy are:
The scope of the F2F concept encompasses all stages of the food chain – from production and distribution to consumption.[iii] Each Member State puts it into practice by implementing its recommendations on national levels.
The Farm to Fork strategy is the first comprehensive policy concerning the food production system. Earlier such actions were conducted on a sector-wide scale and addressed separate issues for agriculture, environment, health and trade.[iv] Currently, the EC’s recommendations are changing the comprehensive approach to food production.
With food safety recognised as a priority, EU farms introduced a range of technological changes. They encompass sustainable production technologies, the reduced use of fertilisers and harmonious co-operation between producers and suppliers.[v] They ensure the high quality and safety of food products from the EU.
New regulations guarantee the high quality of plant-based and animal-based products. Food from the EU is certainly worth looking for on shop shelves. When choosing it, you take care of your safety and benefit from the Farm to Fork strategy by enjoying delicious food.
[i] The official website of the EU Council: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/pl/policies/from-farm-to-fork/ (access: 7.09.2022)
[ii] Ibid.
[iii] K. Kot, Strategia od Pola do Stołu – jak wpłynie na produkcję żywności [Farm to Fork Strategy: How It Will Influence Food Production] Bezpieczeństwo żywności w praktyce [Food Safety in Practice] bulletin, no. 24/2020, https://bezpieczenstwozywnosci.wip.pl/nowosci/strategia-od-pola-do-stolu-jak-wplynie-na-produkcje-zywnosci-3880.html (access: 7.09.2022)
[iv] Ibid.
[v] Ibid.
Have you ever tasted chokeberries? In this article, you will learn about their high nutritional values and the culinary delights of chokeberry products. Finally, we will explain the benefits you will enjoy when choosing fruits from the European Union.
While ripening at the end of August and the beginning of September, chokeberries are small, navy blue or almost black balls.[i] They are fairly sweet but also tart and a bit astringent because they contain tannin (similarly to red wine).[ii] If you have never tasted them, it is high time you changed it!
These small, dark balls are valuable sources of vitamins and minerals. They contain vitamins B, C, E and K as well as zinc, magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron.[iii]
The most important constituents of chokeberries include polyphenols such as anthocyanins, flavonoids and phenolic acids.[iv] Polyphenols are commonly recognised as potent antioxidants. Depending on the plant variety, crop conditions and the harvest season, 100 g of chokeberries may contain up to 8000 mg of antioxidants.[v] Compared to blueberries, apples, strawberries or cranberries, it is a four-fold larger amount![vi]
Chokeberries are so rich in valuable substances that they are worth being included in your diet. You can easily use them to prepare fruit drink, jam, jelly or syrup. They can be excellently paired with cherries, currants, apples and mint.
Tasty EU chokeberries can be bought unprocessed or in the form of syrups, juices, jams or lyophilisates. You may add them to desserts, cocktails and cakes. As you see, there are lots of ideas!
If you do not like the tart taste of chokeberries, simply freeze them for 48 hours.
The European Union requires food producers to follow the short supply chains, which is actually a return to the traditional distribution systems.[vii] What does it mean to you? Such fruits have the confirmed origin, are of a high quality and taste delicious!
[i] M. Białek, J. Rutkowska, E. Hallmann, Aronia czarnoowocowa (Aronia melanocarpa) jako potencjalny składnik żywności funkcjonalnej, „Żywność. Nauka. Technologia. Jakość”, No 6(85)/2012, p. 25
[ii] Ibidem, p. 24
[iii] A. Szopa, P. Kubica, H. Ekiert, Ekologia, skład chemiczny, działanie prozdrowotne oraz badania biotechnologiczne aronii czarnoowocowej (Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott), aronii czerwonej (Aronia arbutifolia (L.) Pers.) i aronii śliwolistnej (Aronia x prunifolia (Marsh.) Rehd.), Postępy Fitoterapii, No 2, 2017, p. 149
[iv] Tamże
[v] M. Białek, J. Rutkowska, E. Hallmann, Ibidem, p. 23
[vi] A. Szopa, P. Kubica, H. Ekiert, Ibidem, p. 149
[vii] Biuletyn Krajowego Zrzeszenia Plantatorów Aronii „ARONIA POLSKA”, Aronia... Na zdrowie! Najkrótsza droga z krzewu na stół, 2020, p. 11-12
Did you know that in addition to its nutritional value, fresh beef has a variety of uses in the kitchen? Everybody can appreciate its unique taste and versatility. Read more about the various types of beef produced by EU farms and learn more about how to cook it to get the most flavour out of each serving!
Every time we mention beef, we mean unprocessed meat. Like any meat produced in the EU, it comes from well-tested beef cattle, and because of that it has unique qualities. To ensure consumer safety, the meat is also properly labelled.[i]
Farms in the European Union produce three kinds of beef used for cooking – veal, baby beef and beef proper.[ii] The meat does not require long cooking and is suitable for consumption when it is raw (as steak tartare) or medium rare (as steak);[iii] However, the usefulness of beef does not end there – it has many more uses!
Beef is a really versatile meat and there are many uses for it in the kitchen. We decided to list them according to the various cuts:
Other cuts of beef that can be roasted and braised whole are:
There is no doubt that beef is a truly versatile meat. Fresh and high-quality meat can be distinguished by its bloody-red colour, visible bright white marbling and moist surface.[iv] All these features you will find in beef from EU farms. You will surely appreciate its taste when preparing your next delicious dish!
[i] M. Adamski, Uwarunkowania jakości wołowiny kulinarnej, AgroFakt.pl, www.agrofakt.pl/wolowina-kulinarna (retrieved on 15.07.2022)
[ii] P. Wójcik, Prawie wszystko o wołowinie, Warsaw, 2014, p. 19
[iii] E. Bak-Filipek, Uwarunkowania rozwoju rynku wołowiny w Polsce, Warsaw 2021, p. 85
[iv] Ibidem, p. 23.
Most people like staying in the nature and take full advantage of its gifts. Much attention is paid to healthy eating – you must have wondered many times whether products in shops are not harmful. The EU makes many efforts to ensure the highest quality of food while protecting the environment and the landscape. Dating back to the 1970s, the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) develops more and more effective mechanisms of control and protection5.
Did you know that the amount of aid for farmers in the EU totalled 58.82 billion EUR in 2019? It accounts for approx. 35% of the entire budget of more than 160 billion EUR! This allows the EU to conduct many actions providing constant access to high-quality food, such as supporting the farmers’ income, preventing climate changes and maintaining dynamic rural communities6. This shows the importance of protection of the natural environment and people living in it in the eyes of world experts.
In order to pursue these goals, the European Union has developed good practices that every EU Member State undertakes to comply with. They refer primarily to the use of methods that minimise the adverse impact of agriculture on the surrounding nature. They include, e.g., sustainable farming, meadow maintenance or strict quality requirements of cultivations3. Hygiene standards, such as sewage management or the proper use of protective measures, are also taken care of.
Since the beginning of the agreement, the main focus has been on relevant education and the satisfaction of farmers’ basic needs. Their fulfilment gives farmers an opportunity and time to gain new knowledge about more efficient farming and the protection of their nearest environment. A well-educated man gains awareness and starts to feel the need for caring about our planet.
We can observe a high level of awareness also in the protection of waters1 – anti-contamination practices are known and used increasingly often by farmers2.
Thanks to gradual and effective education and financial aid, farming activities become a sphere of protection and production of environmental public goods, thereby broadening the traditional concept of public good4. You also benefit from the consistence of these actions! The food you eat and serve to your loved ones is of better quality, and the surrounding nature can still be beautiful!
