What to bring from Abkhazia to Russia: as a gift or as a souvenir? In May and June, July and August, September, other months of the year? What Abkhazia is most famous for: food and wine, honey and jam, handicrafts, how to avoid deception and counterfeiting – in the Eurotraveler review.
Abkhazia is not just a state. As its inhabitants believe, this is a special state of mind.
Relaxed and largely carefree! Lush subtropical vegetation, the aromas of pine and eucalyptus groves, the noise and smell of the sea – all this creates an atmosphere that you just want to take with you.
But, of course, in a suitcase can’t put you in a good mood. But you can bring things from Abkhazia that will remind you of your trip. Both simple souvenirs, which will then gather dust for a long time (always?) on the wall, refrigerator, or in a slide, as well as more practical items.
And the first thing worth mentioning is food. No, we cannot say that they are very special and immensely original. But we will argue that in Abkhazia a tourist can buy food:
- natural (if you are not deceived)
- delicious (usually)
- original (if you search a little)
Food
In general, it is true that one of the most popular souvenirs that can be brought from Abkhazia is honey. They will try to sell it to you almost everywhere. But you can’t buy it everywhere – a significant part of this product on the shelves and markets is the usual cheap counterfeit.
But, of course, the guidebooks important point out that “mountain honey, which is collected in ecologically clean areas, is especially valued.” It can be with the addition of nuts, propolis or herbs. Such honey seems to be not only tasty, but also immensely useful.
Because of this, tourists often buy it as a gift for family… you can do the same. If you are confident in your ability to distinguish natural honey from fake.
By the way, keep in mind that the fresh product goes on sale no earlier than mid-June. In spring, literally all natural honey is sold in candied (not liquid) form.
And the most expensive honey is chestnut honey!
An interesting souvenir from Abkhazia – in any case, many tourists openly “buy” into it – we will call nut mixtures with honey. They are sold in transparent glass jars, and this helps to evaluate the product visually.
What to appreciate is to be immersed in it: layers of honey alternate with nuts, and this effect is sure to hit. Such a souvenir looks very attractive and can be stored for a long time.
In general, you won’t regret it later – the honey-nut mixture is really delicious thing!
Jam
Another popular product that tourists bring from Abkhazia is feijoa jam. The fruit has a rather specific and memorable taste, something like a mix of strawberries, kiwi and pineapple.
Also in Abkhazian markets you can buy jam from figs and walnuts, tangerines and oranges, persimmons, rose petals and even pine cones. What distinguishes the assortment from the completely unoriginal one that can be found in large Russian supermarkets.
Again, in the case of manufactured goods, in most cases there is no question of the naturalness of the products.
Of course, it is best to buy (fresh) jam in Abkhazia if you go there in September-November. Since in summer and spring it will become sugary, if not at all… in general, buy this home-made delicacy in the fall.
Here is where it is better to relax in Abkhazia in September.
Sweets
Those with a sweet tooth will surely enjoy Abkhazian churchkhela and pastila. The first consists of nuts (most often walnuts or hazelnuts), strung on a thread and covered with grape juice and flour. The second is made from fruit puree and is also a natural product.
We must remember that both the first and the second, today counterfeit. And some tourists bring churchkhela from Abkhazia, which simply does not contain nuts.
Tea
In our opinion not the most interesting option for a gift. Although many, of course, adhere to the opposing point of view
One way or another, they grow in Abkhazia own tea. Which has a mild, let’s call it mild, taste and usually a pleasant aroma. And a color that is difficult to associate with “real” (too pale).
Abkhazian tea comes in both classic black and green. Also in the markets and shops of Abkhazia you can buy a variety of tea leaves with the addition of herbs, rose petals, dried fruits and the like.
An interesting review about Abkhazian tea (“It’s not worth drinking, but it looks beautiful”) can be read here – dzen.ru/a/Zsrik7jJ5D6iLNGM.
Sauces
Abkhazian seasonings have long become the talk of the town. And this is not surprising – Caucasian cuisine has always been famous for its bright, memorable taste.
The most popular specialty of Abkhazia is adjika, a hot paste made from pepper, garlic, salt and spices. Unlike store-bought goods, the Abkhaz product has a rich taste and aroma.
It is worth considering that adjika, in theory, comes in varying degrees of spicyness (but more often spicy than not), so you can choose the option to your liking. Although you’d better not count on it.
That is, if you know for sure that you can eat spicy food, take it. If in doubt, refrain from purchasing!
Adjika is sold in glass jars and even plastic containers of various sizes. So you can choose the container(s) to suit your taste. And the size of the suitcase (trunk).
In addition, tourists from Abkhazia also bring spices. After all, local seasonings have a rich aroma and significantly diversify home cooking.
These can be either mixtures of different herbs for cooking meat, fish, vegetables, or individual spices: coriander, basil, cilantro, paprika.
Homemade cheeses
cannot be called a gastronomic symbol of Abkhazia. Because, although they are produced here in decent volumes, the variety of variations of this product in the republic
no different.
The most common variety is homemade suluguni. Dense, with a pronounced milky taste, but not aged. Smoked suluguni is also often found. Which also goes well with fresh bread and local wine…
Is it difficult to bring homemade cheese from Abkhazia? In the summer heat, we would advise only those traveling by plane to do this. And even then, due to the recent constant flight delays at Sochi airport, the Suluguni may not be able to withstand transportation.
Alcohol
And if you consider how much people in the republic love to sell the powder product, then…
If you really want it, it’s better to buy wine in Abkhazia in a store. But if you are a subtle connoisseur of alcohol, you will almost certainly be disappointed – irecommend.ru/lyublyu-i-nenavizhu-moi-vse-za-i-protiv-prokhozhdenie-granitsy-s-detmi-chto-nuzhno-znat-obma.
As in Georgia, in Abkhazia they also make chacha, vodka from grape pomace and seeds. And yes, in some mountain village it can be very good.
But it’s better not to buy what travelers are tempted by in shops in tourist places. And, moreover, don’t even try!
Fruits
Many – for example, those who travel to Abkhazia by car – also bring seasonal fruits from there. Abkhaz tangerines, which usually ripen no earlier than November, are especially famous.
Equally, you can bring fresh tangerine juice from the republic. But the likelihood is that it will be ungodly diluted with ordinary water, close to 100%.
But you can also bring figs and feijoas, pomegranates (quite sour), persimmons, and lemons. Grapes in the republic are grown not for consumption, but for wine production, and you will not like them (most likely).
There is no particular point in bringing other fruits and berries from Abkhazia, since they themselves are imported. But it’s worth bringing fruit from Crimea if you go there. Because even peaches, nectarines and cherries are their own!
Souvenirs
It was not us who said that Abkhazia is not only nature, food and drinks. So, as a souvenir, you can bring, in addition to impressions and products that will quickly spoil (crossed out) and be eaten, but also something more “long-lasting”.
Almost everyone brings magnets from the republic; various simple bracelets: with shells and starfish. Some people also buy pottery products as souvenirs: mugs and plates. Wouldn’t it be nice to hang another handmade trophy on the wall with the thoughtful inscription “you need to eat less”?
A popular option for an inexpensive gift from Abkhazia: handmade soap and generally simple natural skincare cosmetics.
If we talk about other practical items, then it is worth bringing eucalyptus oil. Which is an excellent antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent, widely used in the treatment of diseases such as colds, flu or bronchitis.
© Eurotraveler
