Nat Hab’s tour of Croatia and Slovenia gives an intimate encounter with nature whereas exploring the cultural heritage and culinary highlights of those two Balkan international locations. Dine on domestically sourced gourmand fare at Michelin-star eating places and boutique motels overlooking the ocean. Go to romantic wineries and conventional farms, the place sustainable manufacturing of olive oil, honey, and cheese continues.
Learn on for a sampling of the seasonal elements and regional specialties discovered from the Adriatic Coast to the Jap Alps.
Olive Oil
Olive oil—crucial staple in any Mediterranean kitchen. Household lineages have produced olive oil all through the centuries on the Dalmatian Islands. In a small fishing village on the island of Kornat, get pleasure from an genuine Dalmatian menu infused all through with fresh-pressed olive oil. Snack on fried olives with herbs and cheese and clink glasses beneath the shade of historical olive groves earlier than crusing again to the mainland.
Legend has it that Julius Caesar’s favourite olive oil got here from Istria, and the peninsula takes delight in producing the best oils. In truth, the distinguished olive oil information Flos Olei has declared Istria the perfect area for olive oil on the earth on a number of events, beginning in 2016. When you’re there, savor olive oil drizzled over potatoes and garlic, and dip them in home made bread baked in wood-burning ovens.
Truffles
Istrian truffles are famend. One of many largest white truffles on the earth was discovered right here by Giancarlo Zigante, weighing 2.8 kilos! So, it’s no marvel the Motovun woods are referred to as “the land of truffles.” Surrounded by castles and historical church buildings, head into the forest with a household of third-generation truffle hunters. Pleasant canine assist us discover these coveted culinary treasures, which we style in several merchandise. Remember to attempt Croatian fuži, a home made pasta with shaved black truffle and cream.
Artisan Cheese
On the white limestone island of Pag, fragrant arduous cheeses are created from sheep’s milk. As sea winds blow, a salty spray falls upon the aromatic purple-flowered sage that sheep graze on, imbuing their milk with taste. Together with cheese, Pag Island produces a few of the oldest and best sea salt in Europe, with salt pans courting again to the tenth century.
Within the Jap Alps, milk cows graze in alpine meadows. On the plush slopes of the glowing Lake Bohini, we pattern artisan cheeses in a village that has been making cheese because the thirteenth century. Throughout your travels, you’ll enjoyment of creamy cheeses baked into galettes (prisnac), phyllo rolls (strukli) and flaky pastries (börek).
Honey
Slovenia is taken into account the center and soul of beekeeping in Europe. On our journey, you’ll get an insider’s have a look at honey harvesting throughout a go to to a 90-year-old apiary. You’ll even have an opportunity to attempt honey in several varieties, together with pollen, liqueur, home made gingerbread and nutty loaves of potica.
Many different Balkan desserts additionally use honey, comparable to Dalmatian recent fig tarts, walnut rolls (orahnjača), Croatian honey cookies (medenjaci) and bundt desserts (kugelhopf). Along with honey, bakers incorporate jam from native plums, apricots and rosehips into Slovenian strudels, Croatian doughnuts, crepes, desserts, croissants and dumplings.
Seafood
As you sit down for a candlelit dinner overlooking the coast, recent seafood simmers in a pot with tender greens over an open hearth. Michelin-star eating places serve this well-loved dish, gregada, alongside Adriatic tuna carpaccio, sea bass risotto, and lobster. You’ll dine on roasted and grilled fish with additional virgin olive oil, buttery prawns cooked in wine and oysters harvested from beds because the time of the Roman Empire.
Alongside the Opatija Riviera, you’ll take a seaside promenade to the fishing village of Volosko for a night meal that includes the catch of the day. Chances are you’ll actually have a probability to attempt Bakalar, a conventional Christmas stew of salted cod.
Greens and Herbs
With an abundance of solar and wealthy soils, Croatia’s agricultural areas provide vacationers a plethora of greens, together with delicate wild asparagus, kale, radicchio, fennel, zucchini, chard, eggplant and peas. Vegetable-forward dishes vary from stuffed cabbage rolls (sarma) to smoky vegetable soup with spring corn (maneštra). Delicacies alongside the coast is wealthy in Greek and Roman influences, that includes natural and citrus notes of oregano, orange rind, lemon, marjoram, sage, bay and summer time savory.
Wine
On visits to lush vineyards, you’ll observe the artwork of historical winemaking. Remember to attempt the white wine Malvasia, queen of Istrian wine cellars, and the acclaimed ruby pink Dingač. As well as, you’ll get pleasure from aperitifs of natural liquors and plum, grape and pear brandies.
Eating in Croatia and Slovenia delights all senses, from the aroma of honey pastries to the style of truffles. Soak within the Mediterranean surroundings and stylish atmosphere as you feast beneath gnarled olive timber backdropped by the crystal waters of the Adriatic Sea. Be a part of Pure Habitat Adventures on a tour that highlights the perfect gastronomic experiences these two numerous international locations have to supply.
