Description

The Story of Baranja Kulen

Traditional cured meat delicacy

Baranja kulen is a traditional cured meat delicacy that has been produced in Baranja since the end of the 19th century.

For the locals, it is a symbol of prosperity and the pride of the entire region, a spicy delicacy that people enjoy on special occasions.

Although the preparation and recipe are a closely-guarded secret that has been passed down from generation to generation for decades, the Baranja kulen is made in nine steps from carefully selected ingredients – the finest cuts of pork and a unique mixture of spices dominated by pepper and paprika – ingredients responsible for its typical mild spiciness.

From preparing the filling and stuffing it into a natural casing (“katica”), to smoking and curing the product – each Baranja kulen is made by hand, gaining its unique rounded appearance and specific spicy flavour only after several months.

Baranja kulen bears the protected geographical indication at the level of the European Union, which further confirms its quality and exceptionality, long since recognised by all true gourmets.

Ideal choice for every occasion

Carefully selected ingredients and care for every piece of Baranja kulen become fully apparent with the first bite. The full, authentic flavour of this delicacy is a favourite for any occasion, be it family gatherings, special celebrations or relaxed moments with friends.

Its exceptional quality becomes a source of inspiration for creating a variety of dishes, including assorted platters and creative finger food that will appeal to all palates and bring true kulen-ary magic to every table.

Carefully preserved century-old secret

For ages, in the picturesque Baranja, kulen makers have kept their secret recipes as their most treasured possession. The story of Baranja kulen began in 1905, when Geza Barnaš, a skilled butcher from the village of Karanac, started making it in his butcher’s shop, likely unaware that it would one day win the hearts of gourmets across the country and beyond its borders.

In Belje, production of Baranja kulen began in 1915 at the Sausage and Salami Plant in Beli Manastir, which started its operation as a large manufacturer. Due to the growing demand over the years, the production of Baranja kulen and the entire range of durable cured meat products shifted to “Mesokombinat Belje,” built in Mece in 1976. Thanks to the new smokehouses and meat curing chambers, Baranja kulen became available year-round. Since demand grew every day, in 1981, construction of the Baranjka began – a specialised plant for producing traditional cured meat products in Beli Manastir. In 1982, the plant was already producing various other delicacies, such as Baranja bacon and Baranja sausage, alongside Baranja kulen.

In 2006, as a result of an investment in the Baranjka production plant, kulen production capacities significantly increased. Belje thus proudly became the largest producer of Baranja kulen in Croatia, and in 2015, we also received well-deserved acknowledgment for it – protected geographical indication, which made it a symbol of the quality and tradition of this beautiful region.