Transcarpathian region is a tasting paradise!
A little bit about the delicious traditions of our districts
Transcarpathia is loved for its incredible landscapes, it is known for its interesting stories, and tastings, which are always seasoned with a spoonful of hospitality and warmth, help to feel the local flavour even better. Especially before the New Year holidays. So what does it taste like, the land beyond the Carpathians?
The wine and cheese sacrament
The tradition of tasting as a form of tourism has existed in Ukraine for over 20 years. Wine tastings were among the first. There is really a lot to taste - dry, white and red types of this drink. The most famous centres of viticulture are located in Berehove, Uzhhorod, Vynohradiv and other districts. There are many special tasting rooms, for example: "Nota Bene" and "Old Cellar" in Berehove, "Chardonnay" in Uzhhorod. In short, you can attend a special mysterious rite, like Salvador Dali's: "Having learnt to taste, you are no longer drinking wine, but joining the sacrament."
But cheese traditions are actively supported by Rakhiv, Khust, Mukachevo, Vynohradiv and Perechyn districts. Since there are several types of milk in Zakarpattia, we have a variety of hard and soft cheeses: goat (produced by the Zelenyi Hai eco-farm in Nyzhnye Selyshche), buffalo (mozzarella in the villages of Oleshnyk and Horinchovo), sheep (gourmets can choose from delicate to spicy bryndza flavours), etc. Even the same type of cheese (there are 15-20 types in the region) has different flavours depending on the region of production: the climate or the humidity of the grass eaten by the cattle, for example.
The land of honey and meat "philosophy"
You can also get acquainted with Transcarpathian culture in a sweet way. Almost literally. Honey is truly unique. Firstly, local bees put three times as much effort into harvesting honey as their relatives from other parts of Ukraine, which is why the price for the product is higher. Secondly, three types of thick sweet mass of early and late varieties are made from the nectar of linden, acacia and various herbs (a composition of 20-30 flowers). Honey tasting is perhaps the most popular activity in Mukachevo. It is also used to make, for example, mead (a low-alcohol drink) or various balms. In short, we have our own honey region.
Special secrets of cooking and tasting meat products (different types of sausage and smoked meat) are known in Khust, Vynohradiv and other districts. Because meat products are highly concentrated, they are cut into thin slices. The taste, by the way, depends on the raw materials (some farms feed animals for several months, others for a year and a half) and the way they keep their cattle (due to the presence and absence of stress in cows that are milked or not). This is the philosophy behind the production and consumption of meat products.
In addition, traditions of beer tasting are being formed (there are already 10 producers in Zakarpattia), coffee (although it is imported, we have our own brewing and serving technologies) and confectionery. There are coffee routes in Uzhhorod, and this year, in December, a fair of Transcarpathian gingerbread is being organised for the New Year holidays. Restaurants also support tasting traditions. For example, the Perechyn tavern Pidkova offers a set of 15 local dishes.
Uniqueness + show = success!
Tasting is effective when there is something to surprise the consumer. People are often interested in a spectacle - a tandem of taste and emotions. Transcarpathia is going through a transitional phase, but our producer is ready to change. Of course, not everyone is ready to become an actor or invest in crockery with the appropriate logos. "The ability to present your product is not just an art, but a science, which we talk about at various trainings. For example, sometimes craftsmen come to tastings in a jacket and tie. We say: "No! Wear things that reflect the local flavour. For example, the same embroidered shirt." Words, historical references, the interior (effective micro-museums), and trust in the product, i.e. confidence in its quality, are important," says expert Oleksandr Koval.
In general, tastings allow you to get better acquainted with the peculiarities of our region, and it is also a great opportunity to treat yourself to delicacies. So take a moment and explore the delicious paradise of Transcarpathia!
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