Official Tourist Information Site of Imola's Area
Vitellone bianco dell'Appennino centrale I.G.P.
Protected Geographical Indication
The meat of Vitellone bianco dell’Appennino Centrale IGP (literally white bullock of the Central Apennine) comes from male and female cattle of the Chianina, Marchigiana, Romagnola, Podalica and Maremmana breeds. The age of cattle should be comprised between 12 and 24 months. Romagnola breed ranks among the best ones for the quality and quantity of meat produced. This is achieved thanks to the increasing importance given to a careful breeding and nourishment. The white-coated male cattle with double dewlap are used to improve the meat production of other breeds. The Apennine, their natural habitat, give them specific features. One of these is colour, which remains unchanged without darkening rapidly, even when meat is cut and put on sale.
Legal reference:
EC Regulation No.134/98 (OJEC L 15/98, 21.01.1998)
Breeding techniques:
Cattle should be born in selection stock farms and should be entered in the Genealogic Register of Young Cattle. Calves are fed by their mothers until they are weaned. Later, they are basically nourished with herbs and forage from natural or artificial lawns nearby. During the following stages (from fattening up to slaughter) cattle is bred in stall or open housing. It is forbidden to feed cattle with ensiled forage or industrial by-products in the four months before slaughter. Cattle should be slaughtered in compliance with specific rules, in suitable places located in the production area. The environmental conditions of the Apennine together with the type and the location of soils result in the growth of aromatic herbs which enhance the organoleptic properties of meat.
Production area :
It includes the provinces located along the Apennine ridge of Central Italy. Among them, let’s mention the provinces of Bologna, Forlì, Ravenna e Rimini. In our area, the most involved municipalities are those of the Comunità Montana, i.e. the four municipalities located along the Santerno Valley: Borgo Tossignano, Casalfiumanese, Fontanelice and Castel del Rio.
Historical and Geographical Information:
The Chianina, Romagnola and Marchigiana breeds share the same origin as they became widely spread under the métayer system. They were used in the countryside until the Second World War. Later, these breeds became specialised in meat production.
Protection association:
Consorzio Produttori Carne Bovina Pregiata delle Razze Italiane
21, Via Viscioloso - 06070 San Martino in Colle (PG)
Tel. +39 075 6079308 - Fax +39 075 6079309
Control body:
3A - Parco Tecnologico Alimentare dell'Umbria
Frazione Pantalla - 06050 Todi (PG)
Tel. +39 075 89571
Related events:
Mostra Biennale dei Bovini (Biennial Cattle Show)– Fontanelice, April-May.
- Come arrivare nella località
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