Foraging and Herbalism in Slovenia: Feel Slovenia the Podcast with Katja and Tanja Rebolj

Join Dr. Noah Charney as he explores the captivating world of Slovenian foraging and herbalism, featuring two extraordinary women –  Katja Rebolj, a professional forager, and Tanja Rebolj, renowned for her unique approach to crafting herbal liquors. Both are shining examples of Slovenia’s rich tradition of foraging, a practice that remains deeply intertwined with the country’s culture and culinary heritage.

In this episode, you'll also discover the secret ingredients for the perfect mountain tea, learn how to distinguish good mint from bad, and much more from these herbal experts.

Slovenian Foraging Traditions

The Slovenian tradition of foraging and herbalism is more than just a way to gather ingredients – it’s a deep-rooted part of the country's culture, history, and lifestyle. From Katja’s scientific approach to sustainable foraging to Tanja’s creative distilling of alpine plants into medicinal liquors, the art of foraging reflects Slovenia’s connection to its land and its natural bounty. It’s a practice that blends old-world wisdom with modern knowledge, creating something both timeless and cutting-edge. Whether it’s for culinary delight, medicinal use, or simply the joy of connecting with nature, foraging remains an essential part of Slovenian life.

Discover more about foraging traditions

Meet Katja Rebolj

Katja Rebolj is one of Slovenia's few full-time professional foragers, combining the art of traditional foraging with modern scientific research. She forages for some of Ljubljana’s top chefs and leads workshops on foraging, where she educates people on the local plants, their uses, and the importance of sustainability. Her soothing approach to foraging offers a therapeutic experience, blending nature with wellness. Katja emphasizes the importance of Slovenia's biodiversity, highlighting the country as a "true Eden" with an impressive variety of plant species – one of the highest concentrations in Europe. She is deeply passionate about preserving these resources and often discusses endangered species and how knowledge about plants can aid in conservation efforts.

Foraging in Daily Life

For Katja, foraging is part of her daily life. She uses the plants she gathers not only for culinary purposes but also for medicinal purposes. Wild herbs, mushrooms, ornamental flowers, and even garden weeds are all part of her repertoire. She prepares tinctures, vinegar infusions, creams, and various other products that are rooted in both traditional knowledge and modern-day uses. She also incorporates these wild ingredients into her cooking, creating unique, flavorful dishes that reflect Slovenia’s natural bounty. The idea of “using everything around us” resonates strongly with Katja, and she encourages people to look around them and see the beauty and practicality of what nature offers.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses of Plants

Slovenian herbalism is deeply intertwined with both culinary traditions and medicinal practices. Katja uses plants like lady's mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris), which has both a rich traditional use and research backing its medicinal benefits, particularly for women’s health. She also gathers plants like rose hip for its high vitamin C content and rowan berries, which can be used for both medicinal purposes and culinary recipes. These plants form the basis of Katja's mountain teas and other herbal concoctions that reflect Slovenia’s deep connection to nature.

Meet Tanja Rebolj

Tanja Rebolj, who is known as the Blonde Witch of Jezersko, takes foraging to another level by creating herbal liquors from plants she gathers in her surrounding Alpine meadows. Her approach to foraging is highly intuitive and she has an incredible ability to spot useful plants that most people would walk past. Tanja sees these plants not only as ingredients for food and beverages but as essential elements of her healing practice, particularly in the medicinal liquors she creates.

The Tradition of Schnapps Making in Slovenia

Schnapps, particularly in Slovenia, is more than just a beverage; it's a cultural cornerstone. While many people might associate schnapps with overly sweet or harsh alcohols, Slovenian schnapps (often homemade) is renowned for its smoothness and complexity. Made from fermented fruit, particularly apples and pears, schnapps undergoes a distillation process that purifies and enhances its flavors. Tanja’s creation of herbal liquors – whether it’s flavoired with fruits like apples or infused with plants like hawthorn and juniper – adds another layer of traditional Slovenian craftsmanship.

Discover more about traditionally good drinks

P.S. This podcast includes chapters and a transcript for a simple, enjoyable experience. Each chapter dives deeper into the topics discussed, offering useful insights. The transcript is also available for those who want to follow along or revisit key moments. Enjoy the journey and let each episode bring you closer to Slovenia!

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