The acronym PGI (Protected Geographical Designation) wants to indicate the three breeds of the White beef from the Central Apennines: the Chianina, the Marchigiana and the Romagnola, which until the middle of the 19th century were used to work in the fields in typical farming firms. The environment in the mountains is one of the most important factors that contributes to the high
quality of the meat: not only have these breeds evolved and been bred to fit the Alpennine environment like a glove, but the animals feast daily on quite a wide variety of flora. The particular physical conformation, due to their genetic patrimony, but also to the breeding techniques and the food given to these animals, gives to the meat of these animals specific qualitative and identified characteristics. Moreover, the disciplinary regulations of production is structured in such a way that it is very similar to the ruling regulations on zootechnics and to the recovery of the marginal areas.
The protection consortium of the White beef from the Central Apennines was the first in Italy to adopt the electronic certification of quality, communicating to the consumer the route which the meat follows before being served in a plate: who purchases this product finds an etiquette on the container which is a real identity card of the animal, from the place of birth to the breeding and to the date of slaughter. The period before weaning can be in pastures, stabled, free range and fixed. The calves must be weaned solely on their mothers’ milk, and then afterwards are free-range or bred in stalls. Butchering happens from 12 to 24 months, often around 16 to 20, and only in certified butcheries.

The meat of the White breef from the Central Apennines is fully appreciated especially when served grilled, with a pinch of extra virgin olive oil at the end of the cooking period.

The meat of the White breef from the Central Apennines is released for sale with special guarantee of origin and product identification marks. The mark displays the writing “Vitellone Bianco dell'Appennino Centrale” (White breef from the Central Apennines) and at the centre, the design of a stylized steer with a “5” forming the head and legs made of an “R” repeated four times and semi overlapping. The mark, which must remain through all phases of distribution, is also accompanied by the phrase “Indicazione Geografica Protetta” and/or I.G.P. (Protected Geographical Indication and/or P.G.I.).