Montenegro is a land of rich nature and tradition, and one of the oldest customs passed down through generations is drying herbs and fruits. In the past, our ancestors dried their harvest to preserve it for the winter, and today, this practice is making a comeback in modern kitchens. Whether it’s fragrant herbs for tea or delicious dried plums, sun and air drying remains the most natural way to preserve the health benefits of nature’s bounty.
Mountain Herbs – Nature’s Medicine
Montenegro is famous for its abundance of medicinal herbs. From coastal regions to high mountain plateaus, every area has its own treasures. Our grandmothers knew exactly when to pick and dry herbs to make remedies for various ailments.
The most commonly dried herbs include:
🌿 Thyme – great for teas that relieve coughs and colds.
🌼 Chamomile – soothes the stomach and helps with insomnia.
🍃 St. John’s Wort – dried for oil that heals wounds and burns.
🌱 Mint – a household favorite that aids digestion and calms nerves.
Herbs are traditionally dried in shady, well-ventilated areas to preserve their color, aroma, and medicinal properties. In the past, bundles of herbs were tied and hung in attics, while today, dehydrators and drying machines are often used.
Fruits That Smell Like Childhood
Before refrigerators and industrial juices, dried fruit was the best way to preserve the sweet flavors of summer for the winter months. Even today, homemade dried plums, figs, and apples take us back to childhood and remind us of our grandmothers’ cupboards filled with sweet treats.
The most commonly dried fruits in Montenegro:
🍑 Plums – dried in the sun or traditional wooden smokehouses.
🍏 Apples – thin slices laid out on cloth and air-dried in the warmth.
🍇 Grapes (raisins) – a favorite snack during long winter nights.
🌰 Figs – dried whole and often paired with walnuts and honey.
Traditionally, fruit was laid on wooden racks or cloth-covered terraces to dry under the sun, but nowadays, many people use ovens at low temperatures. Still, nothing can replace the unique taste of sun-dried fruit infused with mountain air.
Why Are Dried Herbs and Fruits Becoming Popular Again?
In recent years, more people have realized the importance of natural food preparation. Instead of industrial sweets filled with sugar and additives, many are choosing homemade dried figs and plums. Instead of artificial flavors, people are turning to natural dried herbs for their teas.
By reviving these old customs, we are not only protecting our health but also preserving a tradition that has existed in Montenegrin villages for centuries. Drying herbs and fruits is more than just a method of preservation – it is an art that connects nature, patience, and a love for homemade products.
If you haven’t tried it yet, now might be the perfect time to dry some herbs or fruit and experience the authentic flavors and aromas that have enriched our ancestors’ homes for generations. 🌿🍏
