Why Protected Designations of Origin matter
At BoTree we are passionate purveyors of the highest quality spices. That’s why we choose single-origin spices which come from protected and designated regions. The most important thing about single origin is it’s traceability. With coffee, we like to know exactly where the beans come from and it’s exactly the same with spices. Blends have a bad reputation because the more you mix, the less pure they becomes - losing both quality and flavour. Using single-origin spices means you can experience one particular taste at its purest form, unique to that particular environment.
When searching for the world’s finest seasoning products, firstly, we ensure that spices are single-origin, and secondly, we research diligently to source the best growing regions with the perfect climate for a particular product. Choosing products with a PGI status (protected geographical indication) is important because a geographical indication designates and protects products coming from a specific geographical area, whereby quality, reputation or other characteristics can be linked directly with this geographical origin. Kampot Pepper was the first Cambodian product to receive PGI status in February 2016, joining the ranks of Cognac, Roquefort and Stilton cheeses, Parma ham, and Tuscany olives, among others. And we can’t forget Scotch whisky from our own neck of the woods.
The PGI certification means strict requirements for Kampot Pepper, including:
- Production must be 100% organic
- Only local non-chemical fertilizer can be used
- NO sub-standard peppercorns are allowed: they are removed through a diligent sorting process. Non-compliant peppercorns can be sold as regular pepper but NOT as Kampot Pepper.
- There are strict geographic borders of where Kampot Pepper can be produced: every peppercorn must benefit from the unique climate, soil, and the traditional farming knowledge of the small region around Kampot town.
