Cornerstones of sustainable gastronomy in Slovenia
What is the secret to the success of sustainable gastronomy in Slovenia? Take a look at some facts about the great importance of sustainability in Slovenian cuisine.
Short supply chains
Slovenian restaurants are working closely with farmers and suppliers. Dishes are mainly prepared with delicious local ingredients. The journey from the green countryside to urban areas is really short. The slogan "from garden to table" is not used just for marketing purposes, as we take the traceability of ingredients very seriously.
Visit website
Fresh food from the home garden
Slovenians love fresh, organic food. Due to the large share of people who grow food in their own gardens and fields, Slovenians are also known as a nation of gardeners. Many sell their products at local marketplaces, a promised land for healthy eaters that also provide visitors with the chance to have genuine conversations with locals. Visit markets in all Slovenian cities to learn about local food products. You can buy products sustainably – without the packaging.
Visit website
Beekeeping tradition
Slovenia is the most beekeeping-oriented country in the EU. It boasts almost five beekeepers per 1,000 people. At Slovenia’s initiative, the United Nations proclaimed 20 May as World Bee Day, a day for raising awareness of the extraordinary significance of bees for the survival of humankind. You can taste Slovenian honey with the protected designation of origin, different dishes and drinks with honey, and discover the beneficial effects of other bee products.
Visit website
Environmentally friendly winemaking
Geographic features and traditions divide Slovenia into three wine-growing regions and nine wine-growing districts, where 52 varieties of wine grapes are grown. A hilly landscape and a sufficient amount of precipitation mean that the grapes are picked by hand, while irrigation is not necessary. Coupled with the small average size of vineyards and a craft approach, the conditions for environmentally friendly winemaking are met.
Visit website
Local culinary brands
If you crave premium local products while out exploring the green parts of Slovenia, look for local culinary brands. In addition to the excellent culinary delicacies, typical to an individual region due to its natural characteristics and cultural heritage, they also encompass handicraft products, authentic culinary experiences, and events.
Visit website
Sustainable waste management
Slovenia strives to reduce waste in all areas, especially environmentally harmful waste, such as single-use plastic and food waste. We are delighted that many restaurants have already been tackling this challenge, while more and more events in Slovenia follow the "zero waste" concept. An example of good practice is the "Open Kitchen" food market in Ljubljana, which gave up the use of single-use plastic products this year.
Visit website