February 11, 2019 — In this article of the Made in Croatia series, learn more about meso 'z tiblice, the protected cured pork meat product from Međimurje, the northernmost part of Croatia.
Međimursko meso 'z tiblice is not only a centuries-old regional specialty but also a meat preserving method. Meso 'z tiblice is made with premium pork cuts which are first salt-cured, then either cooked or baked and lastly preserved in minced lard seasoned with bay leaves and peppercorns.
Prepared that way, the meat was traditionally stored in a wooden firkin called tiblica or lojdrica; hence the name. Coated in lard like that, the meat is left to mature in wooden firkins for at least 45 days, and that way it retains its natural juices.
Međimursko meso 'z tiblice is typically enjoyed in thick slices, and traditionally served as a cold appetizer, sided with the peppery tiblica lard spread over country-style sourdough bread.
An integral part of Croatian national cuisine, meso 'z tiblice has to this day remained the most popular gastronomic specialty in Međimurje. As of November 2017, it has been registered as the 18th Croatian food product with a Protected Geographical Indication.
If you'd like to know more about protected Croatian products, make sure you're following TCN's dedicated gourmet page.
