|
TYPICAL ISTRIAN DISHES
Traditional dishes from the Istrian hinterland are prepared mainly
from local products, while in the coastal area; there are fish and
seafood on the menu.
Traditional Istrian dishes are usually cocked. Typical is also
bread baked under “črpnja” (under a baking lid). The products that
are prevailing are local seasonal vegetables (fennel, mangold,
chicory, tomatoes, sauerkraut and other), wild plants (asparaguses
and truffles), poultry, sausages, prosciutto, olive oil, wine and
fish. Among casseroles, “bobiči” (casserole of beans) are the
favourite ones. Frequent dish is also “fuži” (type of pasta) and
gnocchi with various sauces. Typical desserts such as fritole,
kroštole, štrukelj and others can be tasted during the event Sweet
Istria at the end of September.
WINES OF THE SLOVENIAN ISTRIA
The wines maturing in Slovenian Istria represent an interlacement
of tradition and modern winemaking. Besides the already
established, new generations of winemakers are emerging.
The rich wine tradition of Slovenian Istria dates back to the
Roman period and records almost two millenniums. Wines of local
varieties (Refosco, Malvasia and Yellow Muscatel) and other
varieties that grow in the area reap rewards on wine evaluations
at home and abroad. Istrian winemakers often present themselves on
wine and gastronomic events in Slovenian Istria and abroad. Their
best wines can be tasted in most locals.
OLIVE OIL
Due to climate particularities, olive oil of Slovenian Istria is
recognizable for its distinctive aroma and appreciated because of
the favourable fatty acid composition.
Slovenian Istria is one of the northernmost landscapes where
olives still grow.
The olive making tradition dates back in the past, but it is in
large expansion in the last three decades.
Natural conditions, knowledge and commitment of producers of olive
oil provide exceptional internationally recognized results. The
label Extra virgin olive oil from Slovenian Istria assures that
olive oil has been produced from local varieties of olives and
bottled in the area of Slovenian Istria. It must contain at least
30% of oil from the variety “Istrian belica” which gives the oil
longer freshness and quality due to the high content of natural
antioxidants.
RESTAURANTS AND INNS
Istria is establishing as a region for topmost wine and
gastronomic adventures. The number of good inns, tourist farms and
selected restaurants is growing.
Gourmets from the nearby Italy like to enjoy in Istrian inns and
restaurants during weekends. Not only because of the Italian
influence on Istrian cuisine. Dishes have rich taste, while the
ingredients are chosen carefully. Each cuisine gives dishes its
own mark, in recent times with notable emphasis on the traditional
Istrian food. Among fish dishes is possible to choose between
simple sardelles, anchovies, also selected sea brasses, gilthead
breams and other.
|
