🌿 ISTRIAN WALNUT LIQUEUR

🌿 ISTRIAN WALNUT LIQUEUR (OREHOVEC)

Liqueur made from green walnuts
(Juglans regia)

🔹 Traditional preparation method

Istrian walnut liqueur is prepared using a time-honoured two-stage process.

Fresh green walnuts are harvested early in the season and placed into a container in layers with sugar. A layer of walnuts is followed by a layer of sugar, repeated until the container is full. The final layer is sugar.

The container is then placed in a sunny location for approximately 50 days. During this time, the sugar slowly extracts the juices and characteristic compounds from the walnuts, forming a dark, aromatic syrup.

After the extraction period, the syrup is strained and blended with high-quality grape pomace brandy (tropinovec). No additional herbs, spices, or flavourings are added—only walnuts and sugar.

🔹 Traditional use in folk tradition

In Istrian and Central European folk tradition, walnut liqueur was traditionally consumed in small quantities:

• as a digestif after meals,

• during colder seasons,

• as part of household hospitality,

• in moments of social gathering,

• traditionally associated with green walnuts, which were considered rich in natural plant compounds, including iodine (traditional context),

• as a liqueur prepared once per year and used gradually.

Traditional practice always emphasised moderation and respectful consumption.

🔹 Detailed description

Green walnuts (Juglans regia) have a long history of use in traditional household preparations. The sun-extraction method allows a slow and gentle release of their characteristic dark colour, bitterness, and depth.

By combining the resulting walnut syrup with quality grape pomace brandy, the liqueur gains structure, stability, and balance. The final orehovec is deep, intense, and unmistakably traditional, reflecting patience, simplicity, and respect for natural ingredients.

Each bottle represents a connection to seasonal rhythms, careful craftsmanship, and Istrian heritage.

⚠️ Warnings

• alcoholic beverage

• consume responsibly and in moderation only

• not suitable for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women

• keep out of reach of children

• do not use before driving or operating machinery

📚 Sources

Istrian and Central European walnut liqueur traditions
European household herbal practices
Ethnobotanical records of Juglans regia
Traditional pomace brandy usage in liqueurs