SOUVENIRS FROM BULGARIA

In Bulgaria, you will find unique souvenirs to take as a memento of your stay in our beautiful country or to give to your family, friends, and colleagues. Take a look at the products of Bulgarian traditional crafts - national costumes, textile products with fine traditional embroidery - shirts, T-shirts, linen cloths, and tablecloths, woolen clothes and carpets, leather products, ceramic, copper, and silverware, hand-drawn icons, paintings, filigree jewelry, kuker masks, etc. In addition, you will find cosmetics of excellent quality. There is a wide range of products based on the famous Bulgarian roses and lavender - creams, shampoos, soaps, body milk, lip gloss, rose or lavender oil, etc. The variety of different foods, drinks, spices, herbal teas with amazing taste and healing properties also attracts the attention of the country's guests.

Cosmetics:

• Rose oil and rose products: The rose is the national flower of Bulgaria. Every year in the summer, the traditional Rose Festival is organized in the Rose Valley near Kazanlak. Our country is one of the largest producers and exporters of rose oil in the world. Bulgarian rose oil is distinguished by its high quality and purity. It is used to make a number of cosmetic products for women and men - shampoos, soaps, shower gels, bath salts, perfumes, creams, masks, lotions, lip balm, etc. Rose oil is a natural anti-aging product and has an amazing fragrance. Its authenticity is confirmed by a certificate. In addition, a great gift would be rose water or rose sachet (small bags of dried rose petals that will fill your home with a subtle, pleasant scent).
• Lavender oil and lavender products: Bulgaria is a world leader in lavender oil production, surpassing even France in recent years. During the months of June and July, the country is literally awash in purple seas of fragrant lavender. Lavender essential oil has a soothing and relaxing effect. A bottle of lavender oil or a small sachet soaked in it would make a great gift. Lavender soaps, scented candles, lavender sachets, and more are also available. It is advisable to buy cosmetics from pharmacies, specialty departments of stores, or from official manufacturers. In them, you can also find Deo Aroma Candy - candies with essential oils of lavender or rose, which are both sweetness and cosmetics. After you snack on these candies, your skin will start to emit a light pleasant aroma for several hours. They are produced by the Alps candy factory.

Food:

• Rose petal jam: An original souvenir from Bulgaria, the land of roses, is the fragrant rose petal jam. It is produced in different consistencies - jam, marmalade, jam, can be with or without petals. It has healing properties - for sore throats and coughs, colds, insomnia. Rose petal jam can be found in souvenir shops and supermarkets in beautiful glass jars.
• Licorice and halva: Licorice and halva are desserts typical of the Balkans. In Bulgaria, apart from the well-known marshmallows with fruit, honey, nuts, berries, rose marshmallow (rose petals or rose butter) is made with a delicate taste and pleasant aroma. They are available in beautiful gift boxes or by weight. Tahan khalwa is a sesame paste with honey, sometimes with added sunflower or pumpkin seeds. It can often be found in shops selling honey and honey products. Tulumbicchi is another favorite sweet dessert. They are deep-fried dough tubes liberally coated with sugar syrup. They are served in cafés and restaurants but can also be found in supermarkets.
• Honey: Bulgarian honey is unique in its quality, taste, and variety. The excellent climatic and natural conditions are a prerequisite for the production of quality honey - acacia (very aromatic and long-lasting, with a light golden color), oak, lime, lavender (with an interesting aroma and pink hue), sunflower, and others. Manuka honey is rich in minerals and has amazing healing properties. It is obtained from the sweet liquid that bees collect from the bark of certain trees - oak, lime, maple, pine, willow, cherry, pear, etc. It is called honeydew, hence the name of the honey - honeydew honey. It has a dark color, a slightly tart taste, and a peculiar aroma. Honey comes in glass or ceramic jars. It can be found in souvenir or specialty shops, supermarkets. There are also often fairs at which producers display different varieties of honey.
• Herbal teas: Bulgaria is known for its rich variety of herbal teas and spices made from the medicinal herbs that grow in the country. Herbal teas have a pleasant taste and are extremely beneficial to health. In pharmacies and shops, you can find chamomile, lime, rosehip, thyme, oregano, and other herbal teas. Among this rich assortment, a special place is occupied by Mursala tea, one of the few natural elixirs of longevity. The herb grows in the Rhodope and Pirin mountains, which is why it is also called Pirin tea. It has incredible healing properties, as it contains more than 22 types of flavonoids and a number of useful trace elements - iron, copper, selenium, zinc, potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, and others. Mursal tea is a strong antioxidant, strengthens the immune system, tones, detoxifies, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. It is used in lung diseases (bronchitis, asthma), anemia, relieves nutritional problems (gastritis, colitis), and kidney diseases (kidney stones and grit, kidney failure), increases potency (they call it "Bulgarian Viagra"), etc.
• Spices: Spices give Bulgarian national cuisine a specific taste. Plain salt is one of the most widely used spices. Its main ingredients are salt, red pepper, savory, fenugreek, thyme, and ground pumpkin seeds. It can sometimes be spicy and contain chili. Plain salt is a versatile seasoning for meat and fish dishes, side dishes, soups, sauces. Other tasty and aromatic spices are savory, thyme, fenugreek (for meat and vegetable dishes, soups), cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cumin, basil, mustard seeds, coriander, etc. They can be found in supermarkets and souvenir shops. They come in small beautiful jars or sachets.
• Chutney: Lutenitsa is a traditional Bulgarian dish, similar to sauce or pasta, which is made from ground cooked vegetables - sweet peppers and tomatoes, sometimes courgettes, aubergines, peppers, garlic, etc., with varying degrees of spiciness. It is usually stored in jars. It can be eaten as a garnish on meat or fish, spread on bread, or used instead of ketchup on pizza. Besides being delicious, chutney is also very useful. You can find different types of chutney in any supermarket.
• Cheese and Cheese: There is a wide variety of dairy products in Bulgaria with amazing taste and excellent quality - white cheese, cream cheese (from cottage cheese), processed cheese, cottage cheese, etc. White cheese is made from the milk of cows, sheep, goats, or a mixture of them. It has a specific taste and is rich in calcium. It is consumed fresh, but it can also be seasoned. In different regions of Bulgaria, it is made differently. In the Rhodopes, the Balkans, and the Stara Planina Mountains, it is usually salted. In the areas along the Black Sea coast, it is more creamy and softer. Processed cheese is made from cow's milk with the addition of vegetable fats. It has a soft, plastic consistency and is usually flavored with various spices, garlic, herbs, etc. It is suitable for spreading on bread, for sandwiches, for making sauces and soups, etc. Cottage cheese is rich in protein, calcium, and vitamins. It can be eaten as it is or used in the preparation of different dishes - pancakes, mousses, soufflés, salads, creams, sauces, etc. Fresh cheese can be found in supermarkets, shops, and open markets. Sheep's cheese is made from sheep's milk. It is a white cheese with a specific taste and aroma. It has a crumbly structure, with a specific taste and aroma. Sheep's cheese is high in fat and protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a very tasty and healthy product. Goat cheese is made from goat's milk. It has a delicate taste, aroma, and creamy texture. It is rich in protein, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins. Goat cheese is a valuable dietary product. It can be eaten fresh or used in various culinary dishes - salads, omelets, pizzas, sandwiches, soups, etc. Cheese is a valuable food product with a high content of protein, calcium, and vitamins. It can be consumed fresh or used in cooking - for making sauces, creams, soups, salads, and culinary dishes - pancakes, pizzas, sandwiches, etc.

Alcoholic beverages:

• Wine: Wine is the oldest alcoholic beverage known to humanity. The history of winemaking in Bulgaria dates back to ancient times. Wine is an integral part of Bulgarian culture and tradition. The country has a long tradition of winemaking, and its wines are highly valued internationally. The favorable climate, fertile soil, and geographical location create excellent conditions for growing grapes. Bulgaria produces high-quality wines with a rich aroma, harmonious taste, and beautiful color. The most famous wine regions in Bulgaria are the Danube Plain, the Thracian Valley, the Black Sea coast, the Struma River Valley, the Rose Valley, and the Rose Valley. The most popular varieties are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Mavrud, Rubin, Pamid, Gamza, Melnik, Dimyat, Misket, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer, Riesling, Muscat Ottonel, etc. Bulgarian wines have won numerous prestigious awards at international competitions. They can be found in specialized wine shops, supermarkets, and souvenir shops. Wine tours and tastings are also organized in many wineries in the country.
• Rakia: Rakia is a traditional Bulgarian alcoholic beverage, obtained by distillation of fermented fruit or grape pomace. It is a strong drink with a high alcohol content - from 40% to 50%. Rakia is made from different types of fruits - plums, apricots, cherries, grapes, quinces, apples, pears, etc. The choice of fruit depends on the region and the customs of the population. The technology of rakia production has been passed down from generation to generation. The drink has a crystal clear color, a rich aroma, and a unique taste. It is used as an aperitif, digestif, and a remedy for colds. Rakia is an integral part of Bulgarian culture, tradition, and hospitality. It is present at all family celebrations, holidays, and gatherings. It is served in special glasses, usually small, with or without ice. Rakia can be found in supermarkets, specialty stores, and souvenir shops. There are many varieties of rakia - grape rakia, plum rakia, apricot rakia, cherry rakia, quince rakia, apple rakia, pear rakia, etc. Each region has its own unique recipe and technology for making rakia. There are also flavored rakiias with various fruits, herbs, and spices. Rakia is also used in cooking - for marinating meat and fish, making sauces and desserts, and adding flavor to various dishes. It is an excellent gift for lovers of strong drinks.
• Mastika: Mastika is a traditional Bulgarian alcoholic beverage, similar to ouzo or sambuca. It is made from grape or fruit alcohol, flavored with aniseed, fennel, mint, or other herbs and spices. Mastika has a strong aroma and a distinctive taste. It is usually clear or slightly colored and has a high alcohol content - from 35% to 50%. Mastika is consumed as an aperitif or digestive, often with appetizers - salads, cheese, cold cuts, and fish dishes. It is served in special glasses, usually small, with or without ice. Mastika can be found in supermarkets, specialty stores, and souvenir shops. There are many varieties of mastika - classic mastika, aniseed mastika, fennel mastika, mint mastika, and others. Each region has its own unique recipe and technology for making mastika. Mastika is also used in cooking - for marinating meat and fish, making sauces and desserts, and adding flavor to various dishes. It is an excellent gift for lovers of strong drinks.

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