The Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan has announced that Chust oshi, a traditional pilaf dish from the Chust district of Namangan region, has been officially registered as a geographical indication. This designation confirms the product's origin and the link between its unique qualities and the natural, climatic, and socio-cultural factors of the area.

A geographical indication is an intellectual property right that identifies a product as originating from a specific place, where its quality, reputation, or other characteristics are essentially attributable to that origin. Chust oshi joins a growing list of Uzbek dishes to receive this legal protection.

Chust oshi is traditionally cooked outdoors over high heat in aluminum cauldrons. Its distinctive dark golden-brown color is achieved without artificial dyes, resulting from the high-temperature frying of bone-in meat and onions. The unique microclimate of the region, meat from black rams fed on wormwood and clover, and soft spring water from the Gavasoy and Kosonsoy basins contribute to the dish's exceptional taste and quality.

The geographical indication status legally protects the name and traditional preparation method of Chust oshi. It guarantees that the product meets state standards for food quality and expands opportunities for promoting the region's gastronomic brand internationally.

Previously, Tashkent wedding pilaf and Andijan devzira pilaf were entered into the state register of geographical indications. Other products with this status include tuxum barak, Samarkand bread, Guzor tandir meat, Chust knives, and Gijduvon kebab.

Source: www.gazeta.uz