Association of Istrian Prosciutto Producers

The Istrian prosciutto

Istrian people have always been proud of their dry-cured prosciutto. It is not only a food product but it also represents a rich tradition according to which it has always been selflessly offered to guests even during the poorest moments. It also represents a bond that unites families, as tradition and love are passed on to new generations.

The Istrian prosciutto is a long-life dry-cured meat product made of skinned pork legs with no feet and fatty tissue, with pelvic bones, dry-salted with sea salt and spices (pepper, garlic, laurel and rosemary). It is open air-dried without being smoked-cured and left for at least one year to undergo ageing and ripening processes. It is characterized by a special aroma, mild and moderately salty taste and dried ripe pork meat and herbs smell. The production area of the “Istrian prosciutto” includes some parts of the Istrian peninsula (Slovenian part of Istria and the Istria County), which does not include islands.

Origin confirmed by the trademark

The Istrian prosciutto is Croatian autochthonous product protected by the designation of origin at the EU level, in compliance with EU standards. Only prosciutto that respects entirely the prescribed production process and that are given a positive evaluation by the certification institution, can receive the distinctive mark.

International prosciutto fair in Tinjan

In order to evaluate and highlight the specifics of the Istrian prosciutto, as well as for its promotion, every year in October, since 2007, the Association of Istrian Ham Producers and the Municipality of Tinjan (proclaimed “The municipality of Istrian Ham”) has been organizing the International Ham Fair (ISAP), the largest prosciutto fair in Croatia and in the surrounding regions. On that occasion visitors can evaluate and compare the particular features of the Istrian prosciutto with those produced in other Croatian regions or other countries.

Association of Istrian Prosciutto Producers and other traditional pork products

Established in 1998 by the registered producers of Istrian prosciutto, the Association is the lead manager of manufacturing and promotional activities, responsible for initiatives related to the launching process of registration of the protected designation of origin, for the organization of the International prosciutto fair in collaboration with the Municipality of Tinjan, as well as for the guarantee of meeting the required quality standards in the production process of the Istrian prosciutto.