TeamDid you know that there are several foods that are impossible to change? As in, they are illegal? Producers have to comply with a number of laws and regulations that prevent them from changing the way these foods are produced.
On one hand, it may seem kind of silly. How can there be laws focused on such a niche topic, right? It is one of those things that we do not put much thought into. However, on the other hand, it makes total sense! Can you imagine if someone changed the original way to make pizza? Or if producers started to grow potatoes differently and we would lose such a staple in our diets? After giving it further thought, it feels absolutely essential to prevent changes to some foods, right?
Let’s start off with some drinks?
Protected drinks that are illegal to change
Champagne: Did you know that the drink “champagne” can only be produced in Champagne, a province in France? And a specific brewing method is used to ensure that it is in fact “real” champagne. However, there is a loophole for a specific drink, a loophole that dates all the way back to the first World Way – the Californian Champagne.- Tequila: Another drink that is really picky about its name. Tequila has several laws and regulations in many countries around the world. Most of the Tequila that exists in the world is produced in Mexico, and, according to the law, 51% must be made of blue agave with an alcohol percentage between 30% and 55%.
- Port Wine: more commonly known as “Vinho do Porto”. This wine, protected by laws very similar to the champagne, can only be produced in Portugal, in the Douro Valley.
- Darjeeling tea: A beverage does not need to have alcohol to be protected by laws and regulations! This is an Indian product that is grown in the Himalayas and it cannot be grown or produced anywhere else in the world.
- Caipirinha: This sweet cocktail is one of Brazil’s staples. According to Brazilian law, this drink can only be sold as a “caipirinha” if the original recipe is followed, so no crazy variations are allowed and considered to be caipirinhas!
Foods with protected status
- Jamón Ibérico: This crazy good ham is one of Spain’s famous products, and it goes through a very specific production process.
There are several grades available in the market, one of which comes from pure-bred Iberian pigs that only eat high-quality acorns. This ham quickly became one of the most expensive on the market. - French cheeses: If you are a cheese lover, then you must know that France offers the tastiest and smelliest cheeses in the world. Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Beaufort or Comté are just a few examples of cheeses that are protected by legislation. There is even a French system to ensure the quality and authenticity of these cheeses! (Extra tip: slide a camembert in the oven for 15 minutes and lose yourself in one of the most delicious snacks ever).
- Neapolitan pizza: We all know what a pizza is, but do you know what a real Neapolitan pizza is? According to several regulations, it has to have a round shape, the crust has to be elevated and it cannot be burned anywhere. The dough has to be made a specific type of flour, and when it comes to toppings there are not many choices: it has to have extra virgin olive oil, then we can choose between buffalo mozzarella and fior di latte cheese.
How about a snack now?
These rules exist to ensure that companies do not change these ingredients or recipes, and to make sure people are only eating original products and recipes instead of cheap variations. Well, I’m super hungry after this write-up. How about you?
