Trebinje, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Along the banks of the Trebisnjica river, in the Petrovo and Popovo Polje plains, vines grow surrounded by stony and lunar mountains. These vines give life to zilavka and vranac, two wines that have made the history and success of enology in Eastern Herzegovina.
In Istanbul, the lüfer (“bluefish” in English) is not just a species of fish. It symbolizes the connection between the city, its sea and its history. Unfortunately, this symbol may now disappear because of unregulated fishing. Therefore, the Slow Food Convivium Fikir Sahibi Damaklar responds with a ruler, asking for fishing to be limited to adult bluefish.
Mavrovo, Western Macedonia. On these mountains, the Balkans’ continental and Mediterranean climates meet, giving birth to incredibly rich and unique pastures. This is why, throughout the centuries, this region has specialized in transhumance sheep breeding and cheese production. A slow food presidium that will make its first international appearance today at the Cheese fair in Bra, Cuneo, Italy.
Months ago I spent some time in Amsterdam covering the Global Reporting Initiative’s conference. As fantastic as the conference turned out, I was encapsulated in a huge events center for a few days. So when the weekend arrived, it felt great to be outside to explore the city. The first market I visited was mostly [...]
The Balkans are a treat because of the people, and next the food: homemade, fresh, with loads of vegetables, and desserts that invite a hyperglycemic bliss.
It is an easy argument to make that the movement towards organic food, local food, and slow food have their origins in Vermont. After all, Vermont had never really changed—its farmers have been growing genuinely quality and natural food all along. For visitors on a quick trip to Vermont, finding those goodies can be a challenge. As some locals explained to me, finding great food items involves being in the know
As Professor Laudan explains in her blog and in the Utne Reader, wistful nonstalgia masks the reality of what fresh and natural used to mean