The resort town fascinates with its exoticism. It will not be possible to take him away in backpacks, suitcases, and it is easy to take with you a piece of the unique atmosphere! What to bring from Gelendzhik? Magic figurines, handmade soap, ceramics, juniper products, shell accessories, mysterious mini-copies of dolmens, chicken gods, pine cone compositions, eucalyptus brooms for a bath, figurines or water spirits, elite aromatic oils, healing clay, tea, champagne?
The eyes of even experienced travelers who have seen the world run up from the stunning abundance of goods & The city lives on tourism. It is natural that here you can find souvenirs for every taste and wallet: from magnets, unpretentious pendants with sea inhabitants to paintings by local artists known far from the Kuban, elite decor items, whose cost is estimated in the millions.
Honey
Useful delicacies and other beekeeping products (including bee bread, propolis, royal jelly) are sold everywhere in the resort town. In Gelendzhik, honey with the addition of nuts and dried fruits is especially popular with tourists and local residents. They turn the "food of the gods" into a real vitamin superbomb.
Southern honey has excellent antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant properties. Its healing power is legendary. It has been scientifically proven that this amazing delicacy helps prevent various diseases, strengthens the immune system, has a beneficial effect on the nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, musculoskeletal, and excretory systems, increases brain activity, accelerates cell regeneration, and slows down the aging process of the body.
A nice bonus: Gelendzhik flower, eucalyptus, acacia, meadow, herb honey helps to lose weight and maintain a slim figure at any age.
Jam
On the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, the delicacy is prepared from organic fruits, berries, feijoa fruits and noble (not to be confused with horse) chestnuts. Other popular local ingredients for jam are figs and Circassian pear. The former, along with feijoa, is valued all over the world for its powerful antioxidant properties. The Circassian pear in a number of cities on the Black Sea coast is becoming less and less accessible and may soon turn into an expensive exotic.
For example: in nearby Sochi, its trees have already been taken for bioaccounting. All varieties of Circassian pears retain amazing healing properties after heat treatment. If you regularly diversify the diet with pear jam in the morning (a delicacy belongs to the high-calorie category), the body will receive potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, pectin, folic acid that are so necessary for its functioning.
Tea
In the Kuban, since 1936, tea has been grown and processed in industrial quantities. The history of the drink on the Black Sea coast is closely connected with the famous Russian dynasties Trubetskoy, Mamontovs, Sibiryakovs, Streshkovichs. For a long time, scientists were convinced that it was impossible to grow tea bushes north of Abkhazia.
Only at the beginning of the last century, Judah Koshman and other supporters of the development of the new industry managed to prove the exact opposite. In the USSR, Krasnodar tea was valued on a par with Georgian and Azerbaijani. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the industry survived and found a new life. Tea is not produced at the resort, but its choice in numerous city shops is huge: from black, green to blue, yellow and analogs of oriental oolong.
There are also special tea collections named after the famous spa town. One of them, created by OOO Adler Chai, is called Gelendzhik. Several types of mint and citronella are added to this blend. And in the city you can also find a large number of herbal teas made from oregano growing on the Black Sea coast, nettle, St. John's wort, sage, raspberry, sweet clover, hawthorn and other plants.
Nuts
Walnut trees grow almost everywhere in the city. They perfectly "get along" with apricots and cherries. This is very surprising, because in other parts of Russia, fruit-bearing garden trees and shrubs are extremely rare next to nuts. In the south, peanuts and hazelnuts are cultivated, but still walnuts are most popular on the Black Sea coast.
In folk medicine, the fruits of Gelendzhik nuts are used for the treatment and prevention of vitamin deficiency, depression, heart disease, strengthening the immune system, and increasing vitality. Walnut kernels have excellent flavoring properties.
Healthy natural delicacies can be consumed separately or as part of various salty and sweet dishes: salads, sauces saturated with spicy spices, mashed soups, desserts. Another local delicacy: nuts in syrup or honey are in great demand among tourists. In this region, it is prepared mainly according to old pre-revolutionary recipes.
Dried fruits
The main advantage of dried fruits and berries: after exposure to wind, sunlight, they perfectly retain their original set of vitamins and microelements. To prepare dried fruits, local residents use the natural air temperature. The advent of electric dryers has significantly accelerated the processing of berries and fruits, but it also reduces the amount of useful substances, trace elements in the gifts of nature.
Local enterprises have mechanized the process of preparing dried fruits for a long time, so experienced travelers are advised to buy delicacies not in large stores, but in local markets from private traders. Gelendzhik berries and fruits make excellent compotes, fillings for sweet pies, pies. The fruits prepared in this way are usually added to meat and fish dishes.
Wine
Vineyards and wines of various brands are the pride of the Black Sea coast. An important point: it is better not to buy homemade alcoholic drinks in the city and its suburbs. Why risk your health and buy wine from dubious merchants when there is a winery on the territory of the city, founded at the end of the 19th century?
In its workshops, on modern equipment, a drink is made according to old recipes, thematic excursions are held, and free tastings are organized. The assortment of Gelendzhik wines in shops and shopping centers of the resort city is huge. Here you can find exquisite sparkling alcoholic drinks, including the Madame Firsova wine, which has an intriguing piquant aftertaste.
If you want your purchase to remind you of the city, feel free to choose the semi-sweet wine "Nectar Gelendzhika". No less popular with gourmets and travelers are Aligote, Queen of the Night, Tenderness, Pinot Blanc, Symbol of Love and other local wines.
Cheese
Dairy products are one of the hallmarks of the food industry of the Kuban and the Black Sea coast. In the markets of the region, you can find a huge number of cheeses made at home and in production conditions. The resort town is home to one of the most famous southern Russian dairy factories: Gelendzhiksky.
Fatty, pickled, smoked cheeses famous throughout Russia are made here. Classic Gelendzhik suluguni has a special taste. The algorithm for preparing traditional Caucasian cheese has remained unchanged for centuries. And yet, gourmets will immediately recognize the taste of cheese cooked in the resort town.
He, like all natural dairy products, is very beneficial to health. Fans of cheese consider Suluguni to be a “self-sufficient product”.It can be consumed without bread with hot, alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, and not only used as an ingredient in salads and other dishes.
Spices
It is impossible to imagine southern cuisine without a variety of seasonings, sets of Armenian and Georgian spices. Many gourmet tourists specially come to Gelendzhik to buy high quality spices here in large quantities at relatively low prices. Here you can find sunel hops made from 6-12 spices. There is no strict rule for how much seasoning should be in it.
The composition of 6 spices is considered classic, basic, it includes hot red pepper, saffron, dill, coriander, marjoram, basil. A mixture of 7 or more components is more interesting in composition, which gives (even the simplest) dishes an original unique taste. Such Gelendzhik hops-suneli can contain celery, laurel fox, mint, dill, fenugreek, citron.
Everywhere in the city, red hot peppers are sold in whole pods and in crushed form, black, allspice peas, coriander, paprika. A trendy gastronomic souvenir from Gelendzhik: pickled chili peppers. Its hot, spicy fruits, cooked in a marinade, look interesting and will decorate any festive table.
Fruits
Local fresh gifts of nature in the range of goods of city markets, shops, shopping centers are present all year round. The mild subtropical climate makes it possible to grow persimmons, oranges, tangerines, peaches, figs, and other fruits in this part of the Kuban. Gelendzhik gooseberries and currants are especially rich in pectin. Is it possible to bring home enough berries for canning? Do not spare the money.
The jams made from berries are incredibly tasty. Local melons, watermelons, plums, apples, cherries, cherries are in special demand among tourists. The varieties of the latter are distinguished by increased sweetness, they tolerate transportation well. Among vegetables, pink tomatoes are recognized as the kings of delicious souvenirs. They can be similar in size to garden cranberries, reach a kilogram weight, resemble in the shape of a budenovka, plum, valentine.
The tomato varieties growing here have a special honey flavor. Another exotic for the guests of the Kuban: salted watermelons. Southerners have long adapted the recipes of Russian national cuisine for local berries, vegetables and fruits. In addition to watermelons in Gelendzhik and the southern regions of Russia, they saline for the winter, pickle grapes (adding mustard powder), pears, plums and even citrus fruits.
Churchkhela
Eastern sweetness is very popular with adults and children. The technology of its manufacture has not changed over the centuries. Walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts strung on a thread are immersed in thickened juice, the resulting "pods" are cooled, subjected to short-term drying several times, and this is the end of the process of preparing an amazing delicacy.
It is natural that the name of the delicacy consists of two words in one of the ancient Georgian languages: "cold" and "hot". In the classic churchkhela, natural wine is used (the drink loses its degrees during the preparation process) or grape juice. On the Black Sea coast, the sweet is prepared with the addition of juices of various fruit and berry crops, including exotic ones, because the delicacy can have a very unusual color and taste, for example: chocolate.
In real churchkhela (including Gelendzhik) there are no preservatives, dyes, thickeners hazardous to health. The role of the latter in it is played by wheat, corn flour. The delicacy contains vitamins, microelements, minerals useful for the body 2-3 times more than fresh fruits. The sweetness is very satisfying and nutritious. In ancient times, warriors took churchkhela with them on long campaigns.
Adyghe salt
The national Caucasian spice is very popular among Russian and foreign tourists. The salt preparation options are striking in their variety. Red and black pepper, paprika, turmeric, spicy herbs are added to it. An obligatory component of the Adyghe salt: garlic. This composition of the product has a powerful effect on the human body.
Regular consumption of Adyghe salt reduces the risk of viral diseases, strengthens the immune system, and improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The spice makes even simple dishes incredibly tasty. There are no artificial flavor enhancers in it. Adyghe salt is considered by many to be one of the secrets of Caucasian longevity. It has powerful antioxidant effects.
The combination of spices in the seasoning allows you to consume less ordinary sea salt every day and helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases, pathologies of the joints, musculoskeletal system, hypertension, and obesity. The unique spice improves appetite, but at the same time eliminates cravings for overeating, helps to get rid of excess weight.
Dried fish
The fish offered in the numerous markets of the Black Sea coast can be odes. You will not surprise local residents with inexpensive high-quality dried and dried fish, but for tourists it is a real shock that the product can be purchased in the markets for a symbolic price.
First of all, we are talking about dried red mullet, flounder. But the prices for trout in the city, as elsewhere in the Southern Federal District, "bite". However, you should not spare money for the royal fish cooked in the city. Such a purchase will help you get acquainted with the taste of properly cooked trout.
No less interesting is the taste of the Black Sea dried shark, which is actively used in folk medicine for the treatment and prevention of joint diseases. Carp, carp, silver carp are found everywhere in the Gelendzhik fish markets. Dried, smoked, dried fish does not require heat treatment before use, retains excellent taste and rich aroma for a long time.
Adjika
The fragrant red and green hot seasoning is popular with tourists along with miniature pickled cucumbers. In Gelendzhik, you can find a huge number of adjika options. However, gourmets are advised to definitely try and bring home as a souvenir a seasoning prepared strictly according to the classic recipe from organic products.
It will contain a minimum of components, but its taste cannot be confused with anything. In Gelendzhik, old-timers prepare a seasoning by grinding its components on special stones. If you are lucky enough to try just this kind of adjika, you will know its real taste. An interesting nuance: there are no tomatoes in the classic seasoning.
Tomatoes, vegetable purees, plums, cherry plum began to be added to it relatively recently: 200-300 ago. This is also a real adjika, but let's put it this way: a mild, less spicy version of a classic dish. Gelendzhik natural seasoning in all variants is good for health.
It contains garlic, ripe or unripe red pepper, fenugreek, coriander, herbs improve the functioning of the digestive system, prevent the development of obesity, have antioxidant, antiviral properties, strengthen the immune system.
Medicinal mud cosmetics
The history of cosmetics on the Black Sea coast dates back thousands of years. Archaeologists here unearthed vessels used for various skin care products. Healing mud for cosmetics, which can be found everywhere in shops, shopping centers of the city, is mined mainly on the Taman Peninsula.
The natural component is perfectly combined with aromatic natural oils. Honey, herbal extracts are added to such cosmetics. The main value of the cosmetics on the basis of therapeutic mud sold in the resort city: it is 100% natural.The biologically active substances present in its composition are created by nature itself.
The body perceives such funds naturally, which reduces the risks of allergic reactions by hundreds, tens of times. Another advantage of cosmetics is affordable prices. Moreover, it is of high quality and has a minimum of contraindications.
The funds are interesting in that they accelerate cell regeneration, quickly rejuvenate tissues at the cellular level. The first results of regular use of cosmetics become visually noticeable from the first days.
Clay products
The inhabitants of the Black Sea coast use this universal natural material for various purposes. On the basis of clay, cosmetics are created. It is also a component for the manufacture of new generation dietary supplements. Traditional medicine, the pharmaceutical industry uses clay in the production of drugs for the treatment, prevention of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, blood, joints, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular systems. And for tourists, the main value is unique ceramics.
Products of Gelendzhik craftsmen are popular all over the world. Folk craft connoisseurs, collectors. Art critics specially come to the city to buy dishes, figurines, decor items, clay accessories.
Local ceramics fascinate with their simplicity, brevity, harmony. Handmade earthenware perfectly retains the heat, aroma, and taste of dishes. Such ceramics have a special energy. It is generally accepted that she brings happiness to the house.
An important point: in Gelendzhik there is always an opportunity to take part in master classes conducted by local potters and take homemade jugs, plates, dishes, mugs, decor items with you from the resort city.
Juniper products
Evergreen conifers and shrubs are recognized as one of the most popular materials for creating decorative items, rosaries, amulets, talismans, dishes, massagers and other very useful gizmos. Juniper wood has a pleasant scent. It releases phytoncides.
The latter destroy pathogenic bacteria, prevent the development of viral, fungal, inflammatory diseases. The material, pleasant to the touch, has a calming effect on the nervous system, relieves insomnia, headaches, improves health, vision, and raises vitality.
The sturdy juniper crockery brought from the resort town will last for decades, as it does not lend itself to decay. The material of souvenirs has a rich natural color palette: it covers various shades of red, yellow, brown. The city always has a great selection of juniper jewelry.
Juniper rings, beads, pendants, brooches, bracelets are used by locals and travelers with pleasure for medicinal and magical purposes. Natural material helps to cope with the effects of stress, normalizes blood pressure. It is widely believed that things made of juniper scare away evil spirits.
Live plants
Representatives of the flora world are no less popular souvenirs than ceramics and all kinds of delicacies. The nature of the Black Sea coast is famous for its exoticism, but those who have to cross the border may have problems because of green souvenirs.
According to customs regulations, it is prohibited to export wild medicinal plants from the state. And 99% of the species of plants, shrubs, trees growing on the Black Sea coast have healing properties. Green souvenirs in the city are sold in markets, specialized stores, large shopping centers.
It is noteworthy that experienced gardeners prefer to buy trees, flowers, shrubs in pots from the owners of small outlets. They usually do gardening themselves, are very sociable, generously share their experience in growing exotic.
The leaders among green souvenirs are: Pitsunda pine, yucca, blue Black Sea spruce. They belong to the category of evergreens, have a lot of unique medicinal properties and (subject to proper care) adapt well to a new place.
Handmade soap
Products made from natural ingredients are not a luxury for fans and admirers of a healthy lifestyle, but the norm for proper body care. A large number of workshops operate in Gelendzhik, where these products are made to order or in limited quantities. Especially the city with handmade honey soap.
Cosmetologists call it the standard of sophistication, because it not only cleanses, rejuvenates the skin, but makes it soft, velvety, and healthy looking. Tar soap is no less popular with locals and travelers. It has a harsh specific smell and literally cures 1001 diseases.
Handmade soap with essential oils and medicinal herbs is a separate topic. In the city, you can choose its options that calm the nerves, relieve the effects of stress, accelerate tissue regeneration at the cellular level, and rid the skin of minor cosmetic defects. Environmentally friendly components of soap have a special energy, because soap masters do not use animal fats to create it.
Souvenirs from the gallery "White Horse"
The unusual art gallery is famous for its interesting exhibits created from solid waste. The author's paintings placed in it were created from garbage, but the plots of the images and sculptures are filled with a deep philosophical meaning. There is a fashionable shop at the exhibition area, where you can buy souvenirs made in single copies.
The gallery constantly hosts individual, group master classes. The number of its visitors, who prefer to make souvenirs with their own hands, is constantly increasing. The gift shop always has an excellent selection of small budget cool items and luxurious panels, paintings, household items.
Toys, small pocket mirrors, jewelry, accessories for offices and rest rooms are especially popular among city guests. As many visitors to the gallery admit, amazing objects serve as a kind of sources of inspiration, reminding of the value of a clean environment.
Champagne "Abrau-Durso"
The famous brand of sparkling wines is considered to be a kind of visiting card of the Black Sea coast. The plant of the same name was opened in 1890. For the production of the drink, French winemaking technologies were introduced. Before the revolution, champagne was supplied mainly to the imperial court of the Romanovs.
The history of the famous drink is closely connected with the princely family of the Galitsins, whose representatives did everything possible to make the drink world famous. In Soviet times, the new government invested colossal funds in the development of the plant. After perestroika, he changed the owner, but TM Abrau-Dyurso did not disappear.
Today this name unites different collections of sparkling wines, carbonated wine cocktails. Drinks are produced according to the classic multistage technology from the juice of elite grape varieties or wine materials. The second option is budgetary, but thanks to it, Abrau-Dyurso is available to buyers with modest financial capabilities. In Gelendzhik, you can buy both types of drink.
It is noteworthy: the elite collections of "Abrau-Dyurso" and today winemakers are made according to the pre-revolutionary recipe.
