The plum (plum in Serbian) is a national symbol in Serbia
Slivovica, the plum-based spirit produced in Serbia, was today included by UNESCO in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
“The social practices and know-how to prepare the traditional plum distillate” were included in her heritage Unescothe organization announced via its Twitter account, adding: “Congratulations to Serbia.”
The plum (plume in Serbian) is a national symbol in Serbia. The spirit made from plums and called slivovica is closely associated with the life and customs of the Serbs.
Fruit-based spirits are produced throughout the Balkan region, but in Serbia, slivovica is a must-have on tables for births, christenings, weddings, family celebrations and more general celebrations, as well as deaths.
THE plum it is consumed cool, but also as a hot drink, especially in winter. In Serbia it is called “Sumadija tea” – a reference to an area of ​​the country where plums abound. A towel soaked in prunes is placed around the neck for sore throats. Massaging the soles of the feet with prunes is said to relieve high fever.
Every family that respects itself and has the means produces its own plum. It’s a matter of pride.
“It’s a ceremony, a chance for friends and family to get together, have a good time and produce something that ends up in a little glass on the table.”explains the 41-year-old cook Dejan Lajovicwho goes every year to the village where he was born for the distillation of Slivovitsa.
The plums, after they are harvested, are first fermented for ten days. Then they are placed inside a barrel, the contents of which are heated.
This first barrel is connected to a second one by a pipe. The steam created by the boiling passes through the tube, where it condenses and transforms into the distillate.
After this first pass, the liquor produced is a relatively mild spirit, about 20 degrees. For a drink stronger in alcohol, the process must be repeated, the liquid put into a clean barrel, heated to vaporize and produce the familiar plum.
More than 60% of the plums in Serbia are destined for the production of slivovica. In 2022, more than 470,000 tons of plums were harvested.
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