Croatia is a picturesque and unforgettable country with its own traditions and characteristics. This is one of the most environmentally friendly places in the world, where every tourist should visit. The country has the most favorable climate for summer holidays and the cleanest water area of the Mediterranean coast. A visit to this wonderful corner leaves the warmest memories that will remind you of a pleasant trip for a long time to come. But what to bring from Croatia besides golden tan and beautiful nature photos? You can surprise your loved ones not only with souvenirs or fridge magnets, but also with other colorful memos. Edible gifts will help convey a real piece of the country, and will be a great occasion to talk about a wonderful vacation with your family.
Paz cheese
This famous delicacy has a unique flavor and is sold in any store. It is produced in a very unusual place. Its homeland is the island of Pag, which is covered with a layer of salt and looks more like the surface of an uninhabited planet. The main vegetation in such conditions was spicy herbs with elastic foliage, or rather, sage and rosemary, which are the only food for the local sheep breed.
Thanks to the sea breeze and salt crystals, the sheep give already salted milk. Golden Paz cheese has a salty crust and a heady aroma of herbs and olive oil. It is not covered with wax, it dries on top by itself. There are no preservatives or synthetic additives in its composition, but it is usually served with wine. This variety is recognized as the best in the world among hard sheep's cheeses and the national product of the Croatian region.
Olive oil
A good gift will be olive oil, which is in no way inferior in quality characteristics to Greek, Spanish and Italian production. Olives grow here everywhere, but local farmers are unable to compete with renowned world producers. It is known that the average life of an olive tree is about 500 years, but on the Istrian peninsula, their age exceeds 17 centuries. The famous truffle oil is also bought here.
Before making a purchase, the oil should be tasted. This can be done at spontaneous farmers' markets. Fresh olive oil with pepper, garlic and local herbs is considered to be very tasty and aromatic. It differs markedly from the store one, it has an unusual taste and smell. The product of the first cold pressing is endowed with useful qualities. The oil is sold in glass bottles or tin containers, and the label always indicates the classification by grade and the acidity of the product.
Prshut
The pride of the country is called dried pork ham, or prosciutto. Without trying it, one cannot get a complete picture of the national cuisine of this people. It is similar to the Spanish ham, but made using a completely different technology. Such a present will definitely delight friends, relatives, and remind of a pleasant trip. Cured meat is sold in all grocery stores, supermarkets, and is a national product. This is a real meat delicacy, which is produced in dried and smoked form. It also differs in color, and it can be light or dark.
This is a dietary dish that is well absorbed by the body. Fresh pork leg is rubbed with salt, various spices and dried for 14 months. The older the pork, the tastier it is. Each manufacturer prepares it according to its own recipe, and each has its own secrets of the preparation of this delicacy. For example, Istrian prosciutto is cooked in dry air, and Dalmatian prosciutto is smoked over oak coals. The longer the prosciutto is kept, the higher its price. Such meat can be stored in a cool dark place for more than a year. It should be bought in a vacuum package, then it will not lose its appearance during the trip.
Truffles
A valuable useful gift for the whole family will be a mushroom truffle. On the Istra peninsula there is a whole forest where white and black truffles grow. This is a real delicacy that is appreciated all over the world, but it does not grow everywhere. The white truffle has a particularly sophisticated taste, but it is very difficult to find it. Black truffle is more common and is served in restaurants and cafes as part of a variety of dishes. In supermarkets, it can be found in pickled glass jars.
The price for a small fresh "tartuffe", as it sounds in the Croatian language, varies from 8 to 12 euros, yet its taste is enough to treat an entire family. They are sold in special shops or markets, and the prices here are much lower than in France, for example. Royal mushrooms are usually bought in Istria as a paste, seasoning, dry or fresh. Here, in October, the annual truffle collection takes place, in which you can easily take part.
Chocolate
Croatian chocolate factories are known all over the world. We are talking not only about milk, but also about dark chocolate with more cocoa and less sugar. The craftsmen of the largest factory Nadalina are so reverent about their work that they create simply incredible things. It was here that the first chocolate with rice was invented, chocolate music records, as well as the largest bar measuring 101 sq.m. The most expensive chocolate is made from donkey milk and high quality Porcelana cocoa sweetened with organic agave sugar. It is sold wrapped in olive wood paper.
Local pastry shops are a real paradise for those with a sweet tooth, and in any such establishment you can order sweet tiles to your liking. Particular attention should be paid to dark chocolate with chili peppers. Rumor has it that his recipe was taken from Arab cuisine. The bar has an unusual pungent flavor, but the sweetness is uniquely interesting and very popular. There are other original varieties, for example, with the addition of Paz cheese, truffle, lavender or olive oil. Croats are proud of their chocolate and export it to all countries.
Honey
The unique climate, mountains and abundance of flower fields make it possible to produce delicious mountain and lavender honey. The combination of various components and an extraordinary taste make this product a truly unusual souvenir. For example, pine honey is prepared according to a special folk recipe, because pine is not a flowering plant, which means that it is almost impossible to get a honey product from it. In fact, it is a sugar syrup made from a decoction of pine cones or buds. It is produced on Plitvice Lakes, and you can buy it during the excursion.
In the mountainous regions, each indigenous farmer has an apiary and makes his own honey. In addition to common varieties, rare green honey is obtained from acacia. It contains extracts from green herbs and vegetables such as mint, nettle, stone rose and broccoli. Enriched with useful ingredients, it has become a real local "cure" for all diseases. Jars of aromatic treats are sold everywhere, but the most profitable is to buy it in the markets.
Paprenjak cookies
The origin of the paprenac is unknown, but the biscuits were definitely baked in the 16th century during the Renaissance. Now it is sold in many confectionery and souvenir shops, and in the old days a whole family gathered to make it. Mothers and grandmothers made the dough, and the children cut out the festive figures. The recipe has spread throughout Europe, but it is the Croats who make the paprenyaki using special volumetric stamps.
Paprenjak is a famous Croatian biscuit with honey, spices, black pepper and chopped nuts. Moreover, each housewife prepares this dessert to her taste, with the addition of her own ingredients. In other countries, add anise, cardamom, orange peel.He has a special flavor, transparent packaging and a label with the inscription Paprenjak. You can buy it in any shop, cafe and souvenir shops. In pastry shops, each batch is crowned with its own brand stamp. Not a single tourist with a sweet tooth will miss these gingerbread.
Wine
Croatia can be called a wine country, so true connoisseurs will not miss the opportunity to taste Croatian alcoholic drinks, which are much better than Italian and French ones. Winemakers here have achieved truly great success, and have registered more than 800 varieties of wines, and about 80 of them are elite. The price often depends on the producer, the grape variety, and the harvest year. The most popular "souvenir" wines: Grasevina, Plavac, Bibic, Malvazija and many others. To choose a quality product, you should pay attention to the label, where the inscription should be - "kvalitetno vino".
We can say that wine flows like a river here. There are more than 1,000 large wineries and 20,000 private winemakers in this country. About 80% of wine production is white wine, but red is the most appreciated here. The composition may contain other fruits and berries, for example, blackberries, so some drinks have a characteristic fruity aroma. The local bars, which sell only the products of local winemakers, have the best quality alcohol. Homemade wines can be easily taken home as a present.
Liqueur "Maraschino"
The original fruit liqueur has been produced since the 16th century. His homeland is the city of Zadar. A special recipe includes maraschino cherries, ground together with the pit. Liqueur has no color, but it has plenty of alcohol - 32%, so many people drink it diluted or add a few drops to coffee. This drink is aged in barrels for about three years, and is considered a symbol of wisdom, hard work and love of the Dalmatian farmer for his land. It is the "marasca" variety with its unique tart flavor that gives the drink its characteristic note of almonds.
Maraschino has already been tested by many famous personalities. The outlandish drink enjoyed the love and patronage of the most noble nobility, including the royal house of Britain. Honore de Balzac spoke about him in his book "First Steps in Life". It was tasted by passengers on the legendary Titanic. Neither Casanova's world lover, nor the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte did not ignore him. Even the world classic film Alfred Hitchcock loved to drink it.
Rakia
For strong aperitifs, try a Balkan alcoholic drink called rakia. The strength of the store product is 40 degrees, and home - all 60. Rakia tastes like brandy, only it contains only fruits. In fact, this is the same vodka, but it is aged like cognac in oak barrels for at least 6 months. The most unusual brandy is infused with a mixture of medicinal herbs or walnut. At home feasts, brandy or moonshine is used quite often.
They drink brandy in small sips before eating. In bars, it is poured into elongated pewter or glass cups of 50 grams each, and served with pickles or meat snacks. Experts say that each brandy has its own appetizer. Green vegetables, eggs, and cheeses are great for apricot. Plum - fatty meat dishes. Grape varieties are combined with ham or hot meat dishes. Various cheeses are served with the pear drink, but quince-based vodka is more combined with sausages and vegetables.
Silk tie
It is the Croats who are considered the inventors of the scarves. They call the tie svilena kravatka and wear it as a business attribute. Representatives of the stronger sex began to wear it around the 17th century, and soon it became a part of the national costume. It was worn by the Croatian army, and when the soldiers arrived in France, many liked this attribute.
The French adopted the detail of the toilet, gave it the name - kravat, which means Croat. By the way, the Ukrainian word kravatka also comes from here. Thanks to the French fashion, ribbons scattered around the world and became a sign of a real gentleman. Even the guardsmen of the main military unit, which is on guard in the old city, wears a neckerchief tied in a special way around their necks. In the era of incredible development of tourism, scarves began to be actively used.
For some time now, a holiday has appeared in this country - the International Day of the Tie, which is celebrated annually on October 18. In this country, they know a lot about making this incredibly beautiful accessory. It is sewn in factories and by hand and sold everywhere. The doors of such a shop are usually decorated with a huge colored tie, so it is impossible to miss it. The best gift is considered to be men's silk ties from the Croata company.
Morcic
Earrings will become not only an original gift for lovely ladies, but also their amulet. We are talking about an unusual decoration in the form of the heads of the Moors. They were used by Croatian sailors and fishermen for many centuries as protection from evil forces. Morcic is the official symbol of the city of Rijeka. In ancient times, when the port of Rijeka was besieged by the Turks, women and children prayed that God would throw stones at foreigners. After defeating the enemy, the men presented their wives with Moorish earrings, which at some point turned into the heads of the Moors.
The appearance of this jewelry is always associated with legends, but morchich is not only earrings, but also rings, brooches, key chains, bracelets and figurines with an African head in a white turban. Items from the souvenir shop are not of great value, but there are items in jewelry shops made of precious metals. The most expensive of them are decorated with precious stones: rubies, corals and pearls.
Fountain pens Nalivpero
All souvenir shops are filled to capacity with different-sized fountain pens. They are made for every taste and color, and all because it is the national pride of Croats. This accessory was invented by the Croatian engineer Slavoljub Penkala at the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, the goose feather has been replaced by a more durable steel feather. Today, one of the most famous brands that still produces fountain pens remains - Nalivpero.
Croatia is the birthplace of this stationery, yet this business souvenir is not cheap at all. Today it is a fashion writing instrument that can only compete in writing speed with gel pens. Pens with ink are still popular in schools in Western Europe, but in other countries they have long been replaced by cheaper options. The bodies of the earliest fountain pens were made from ebonite, now they are made from plastic. Collectible series are made of celluloid, but it is too flammable material, which is practically not used.
Dolls
What gift befitting a girl can be found in the souvenir shops of this hospitable region? Of course, dolls in national clothes. In this part of the world there are a bunch of varieties of national costumes, and in each region it is different. It is in the clothes that the rich history of the state and its cultural diversity are reflected. They are sold in a large assortment, they are not very expensive. Such a souvenir will definitely remind of the trip and will be a good gift for loved ones.
Dolls are made from wood, porcelain, plastic, or soft materials. They are dressed in dresses, aprons, vests, hats, and, of course, ties. Traditionally, the top is decorated with a stylized chamomile, and their heads are decorated with exquisite hairstyles that echo the style of the outfit. These are not only toy decorations, handmade reeled dolls are also amulets from the evil eye and damage, and they also make wishes come true. They are made from fabric, threads, colored ribbons, decorated with embroidery and lace. They keep such dolls at home in a secluded place or take them with them on the road.
Ceramics
For souvenirs in Zagreb, Dubrovnik or Split, it is better to go to the Old Town.According to the age-old tradition, there is a considerable selection of ceramics. Prices in different shops are almost the same, so you can buy goods immediately, without leaving the checkout. The best memorials will be small copies of antique amphorae raised from the bottom of the sea. Of course, in the modern world, many of the secrets owned by the ancient masters have already been lost, nevertheless, it is possible to acquire a miniature copy.
In the pottery workshops located right on the streets, you can find raw colored clay pottery, which has a rather unusual appearance. Handicrafts are usually presented in the form of plates, cups or vases, and are available in a large assortment in any shop. Their design is always exceptional, and the quality is beyond praise. In the hands of talented craftsmen, ordinary clay turns into true works of decorative and applied art.
Products from white Brac stone
The Brac stone has long gone down in history as a solid and beautiful building material. It served as the main raw material for the construction of the well-known Capitol in America, and after that it became famous all over the world. Be that as it may, people appreciate not only strength and beauty in him. For the locals, this snow-white limestone has always been a talisman. According to ancient belief, in every dwelling there must undoubtedly be at least one product made of this noble stone.
A white stone is mined on the island of Brac. It is used to make jewelry, figurines, kitchen utensils, watches, and much more. Souvenirs made from Brac limestone turn out to be unusually beautiful, and their prices do not bite at all. There is plenty to choose from, and if you don't want to buy jugs, trays and figurines, you can get by with a piece of the famous outlandish stone.
Vucedolskaya dove
The most recognizable archaeological symbol of the country is the Vucedol dove. This ceramic vessel is an exact copy of a jug that was found during excavations of ancient settlements. Such dove-shaped vessels were made around 3000 BC. At that time it was a masterpiece of the art of pottery.
The extraordinarily beautiful ceramic bird with three thick legs symbolizes peace, serenity and the struggle for freedom. This is a very iconic thing for the Croatian people, so almost every traveler considers it his duty to bring an unusual souvenir in memory of this place. Dove-shaped vessels of various sizes are sold on any street, but this is a fragile gift, which means it must be packed securely.
Lavender
Admiring the lavender fields, many people want to take a piece of it with them. For this purpose, dried lavender is sold, along with cosmetics, souvenirs, home accessories made on its basis. Croatian lavender is a high quality, environmentally friendly product that is exported to all corners of the globe. They plant and collect it by hand on the sunniest island of Hvar in ideal climatic conditions on favorable lumpy soil.
A heady lavender scent can be felt in any souvenir shop. It has a calming and soothing effect that is completely safe to consume. During the summer, many go on a lavender tour to admire the blooming fields and buy lavender souvenirs from live or dry bouquets, scented bags, linen pillows, and candles. There is always lavender tea, oil and honey on sale. These are quite popular products that are deservedly highly respected.
Page lace
Croatians proudly call Paz lace the most beautiful gift that can be brought from here. Woven on the island of Page, it is so delicate and intricate that it has been nicknamed "white gold". Hand weaving is highly regarded in Europe and beyond. Several centuries ago, Page lace was an indispensable attribute in the clothes of rulers from the Habsburg dynasty, and now everyone can afford scarves, towels, bedding or tablecloths decorated with it.
The secrets of skillful weaving have been passed down from generation to generation through the female line. When it gets warm on the streets, you can see housewives near the houses, skillfully creating the finest weaving, wielding only a needle and thread. According to an old tradition, each girl's dowry had a cherished air ball. The work is quite painstaking, therefore it is not cheap, besides, there are many fakes in other regions.
Licitar Heart
Those who have been to Croatia have already tasted the beloved "hearty" sweetness. Glazed cookie hearts are loved by almost everyone, young and old. According to the old custom, a gift in the form of a honey Lycite heart is considered a kind of symbol of love and fidelity. Once the guys gave it to their lovers, today cookies decorated with colorful inscriptions are given for any reason.
From the 16th century to the present day, the sweet symbol of the country has practically not changed its recipe. They give it mainly for Valentine's Day and Christmas, and also decorate Christmas trees. During the New Year holidays, at street fairs, you can find edible and inedible hearts with the most unthinkable patterns. This is a wonderful beautiful souvenir that the whole family will love.
