This is a quality assurance scheme for food products that are produced using traditional methods and ingredients, ensuring their authenticity and specific character. STG, also referred to as Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG), is part of a larger EU scheme aimed at protecting and promoting food products with a specific heritage.

The registration of Flija in the STG came after the product passed the necessary tests and compliance with geographic indicators, the origin and tradition and in this way it assumes the national logo and is presented in the market as STG.

Flija is cooked mainly in the North and Northeast of Albania. It is said that ‘Fli’ derives its name from sacrifice, which means difficulty and duration during the cooking process. Flija is an easy crepe-like dish that has a crispy texture on the top and a softer texture on the bottom. Added butter gives Flija its delicious taste. The dish is usually served with fresh dairy such as cheese or yogurt.

Prime Minister Edi Rama positively assessed that, “This event marks the first step towards registration of the Flija as part of our culinary heritage, preserving an authentic recipe”.

The promotion and certification of authentic Albanian products is an important step towards the development of rural tourism in Albania.

So far, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has certified four traditional products with the TSG label:

Ziem Cheese (Veleçik, Shkodër)

Bedunicë Honey (Përmet)

Goat Cheese (Bjeshkët e Runjës)

Mishavinë Cheese (Kelmend)

These products add value to Albania’s heritage, from north to south./m.m/j.p/p.s./