Valamar Blog

The last Sunday in October, 25 October, is reserved for the Istrian brandy festival in the smallest town in the world, Hum, again this year. Come to Istria, to Hum and warm up with various types of brandies. Brandies are usually made from grape pomace and aromatic herbs or various fruit are added. The best known kinds of grape-brandy (komovica) are ruda and biska but there are many other kinds as well: with honey, St. John’s wort, cherries, mint, walnuts, etc.

Once you have warmed up in the smallest town in the world by drinking good homemade brandies, it is time to set off towards Tinjan where an international smoked ham (prsut) fair is held on the same day. Its majesty, prsut, is the Istrian cooking status symbol. It deserves its royal status thanks to the taste, scent, colour and precise softness, i.e. freshness, and although some of those elements are very refined, the gourmets always recognize them.

The quality of prsut is in the sweetness, softness and its particular scent. Although prsut does not look appealing from the outside, it is recognized as a product of top beauty and the people in Istria call it a violin, and no wedding party or festivity can go without it. Writing this, singer Sajeta’s words come to my mind. “I would play that song too, I’d be damned if I wouldn’t, if the bow was a knife and prsut the violin”. I would play that violin as well Enjoy and have fun!