The agro-tourism cluster Lepoglava, founded in 2010, gathers family farms, associations, and business entities from the fields of agriculture and tourism, encouraging them to cooperate to strengthen their position on the market. Today, the cluster has 18 members, and the Lepoglava Penitentiary is an honourary member.
Association ATK "Lepoglava" became the proud owner of a line for processing fruits and vegetables into juices with a capacity of 150 litres per hour, enabling the production of about 30 thousand litres per year! Among the members of the cluster, there are mainly fruit growers, and the most cultivated are apples (Golden Delishes, Eidared, Jonagold, Fuji, Pink Lady), as well as blackberries, aronia, cherries, and American and Siberian blueberries. In the process, we learned that American and Siberian blueberries are not the same fruit! American and Siberian blueberries are two different types of berries that belong to other genera, although they share similar properties. Their differences relate to botanical classification, appearance, taste, and climatic preferences.
The American blueberry belongs to the genus Vaccinium, is native to North America, and is very popular and commercially grown worldwide. The fruits are dark blue, round, and larger than other blueberries, with a slightly sour note, especially when fully ripe. It is used fresh in food, juices, jams, cakes, and as an ingredient in various food products. Siberian blueberry (Lonicera caerulea) is also known as goat's blood. It grows in colder regions of Siberia, Japan, and Canada. This species is especially adapted to extremely cold climates. The fruits are oblong or oval, dark blue in colour and often with an uneven surface. The Siberian blueberry has an intense, sour-sweet taste reminiscent of a combination of blueberry, raspberry, and blackcurrant. The Siberian blueberry is used similarly to the American blueberry, but its intense flavour is especially popular in jams, juices, and syrups. In Lepoglava, they found a great combination of soil and climate that favours both species!
We were especially impressed by their vinegar in the cluster. These are the only producers of pomegranate vinegar and a unique combination of apple and aronia vinegar in Croatia! This innovative combination is ideal for anyone looking for something new and different in their kitchen. Pomegranate vinegar is an aromatic vinegar made by fermenting pomegranate juice. It is popular in Turkish cuisine, where it is used as a spice in salads, marinades, and various dishes, and is known for its rich, sweet, and sour taste. In Türkiye, pomegranate vinegar has a long history, especially in the southern parts of the country, such as the provinces of Hatay and Gaziantep, where pomegranates are abundant. The Turkish people have long used pomegranate fruits for their medicinal properties, and pomegranate vinegar is valued for its contribution to taste and health. The traditional way of making is often passed down from generation to generation in families, and domestic production is especially valued for its authenticity.
Although pomegranate vinegar can be found in commercial versions today, many people in Türkiye still prefer to prepare it at home to preserve its original quality. Pomegranate vinegar is often used as a salad dressing, especially for the Turkish çoban salad, which includes tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. It is ideal for marinating meat because it softens and adds deep sweetness and acidity. It is added to hummus or baba ghanoush dishes to enrich the taste. Due to its popularity and versatility, pomegranate vinegar has become one of the indispensable ingredients in Turkish cuisine today.
The cluster is proud of preserving tradition and creating products that stand out for their quality and innovation. With associations such as the Lepoglava Agate Society and the Danica Brössler Lace Society, they contribute to the development of the entire community. "We hope that the cluster will get a bigger space for production and thus enable an even bigger contribution to our local farmers and the community! If you are looking for authentic, domestic products of the highest quality, the Agro-tourism cluster Lepoglava is a place you must visit" they say in the cluster. We definitely recommend it!
Photos: ATK Lepoglava, Pixabay i Taste of Adriatic
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