Bulgarian Fruits and Vegetables – Everything You Need to Know

The summer has already set in Bulgaria, and the sun has become scorching. However, besides ladies walking in short skirts, the season also provides a plethora of fruits and vegetables. And, having travelled to more than 25 countries around the world, I can proudly say Bulgarian fruits and vegetables are some of the world’s most succulent.

But don’t take my word for it. To quote my friend, Melody, from Wherever I May Roam:

“My goodness, the tomatoes and cucumbers in your region are so much better than anywhere else in the world!”

And she has not even tasted the real tomatoes and cucumbers that are home-grown. And this article will be about home-grown Bulgarian fruits and vegetables.

Several Incredibly Succulent Bulgarian Fruits and Vegetables

Although we, Bulgarians, regard tomatoes as vegetables, they are fruits, scientifically speaking. Let me navigate you around one of the best species in my home country.

„Биволско сърце“ tomato (oxheart or bull’s heart) is one of the finest examples of the Lycopersicum esculentum Mill plants. Oxheart tomatoes are grown in Bulgaria. The fruit is shaped like a heart, is bright pink in colour, and the largest examples can be more than 1,5 kg (~3,3 lbs). The flesh of these gigantic tomatoes is solid, with few seeds, and despite being meaty, they are super succulent and sweet. In addition, Bull’s Heart tomatoes have a low acidity and a firm texture.

The gargantuan tomatoes should be combined with cucumbers “Gergana” to provide the ultimate, mouth-watering salad which makes all your senses cheerfully sing a caption of the Marseillaise even without knowing the lyrics. Add those juicy green peppers, garnish with sharlan (cold-pressed, unrefined sunflower oil), and generously sprinkle with peeled hemp seeds.

You may have noticed that I have not peeled the cucumbers. It is not only my keen love for Gergana that stopped me from doing that. I usually peel them, and I advise you to do the same if you are uncertain of the origin. But, since they are purchased from a farmer’s market and they all come in different forms, then they are perfectly safe to eat only after washing. Besides, the skin of the cucumber boasts the majority of its vitamins.

Seduce Me Until I Crack

Strawberries are a favourite fruit for millions of people. They can be consumed on their own or accompanied by champagne, strawberries can provide the ultimate seduction.

However, I am not going to teach you how to woo gorgeous women. I will limit myself to showing a close-up shot of my grandmother’s garden where, this year, strawberries came in abundance.

 

Although one of my favourite fruits are the guavas, take a look at these irresistible apricots.

At the end, let me offer you the recipe for my delectable smoothie from this morning –  bananas, cherries, apricots, soaked oats and Brazil nuts, as well as condiments such as turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and acacia honey. A pure celebration of life.

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Have you been to Bulgaria? Have you tried its magical fruits and vegetables?