Culinary experiences

The rural road that runs past the industrial hemp plantation, ancient grain fields and a herb garden leads to the Vrhivšek farm in the village of Lindek. The farm lies at an altitude of 700 m and grows industrial hemp, emmer wheat and spelt (both monocots). The farm also has a herb garden and an orchard next to the farmhouse. There is a strong emphasis on self-sufficiency with regard to food and cosmetics, as they believe that what we apply on our skin is as important as what we eat.

When you arrive at the 150-year-old renovated farmhouse, you will first be greeted by a gentle breeze and the scent of the grass and forest. Only then will you notice that the only thing that can be heard is the sound of silence and the occasional birdsong. From the farm there is a magnificent view of the meadows and forest. If you are looking to relax your body and soul, you have come to the right place. You will also be able to learn about growing and processing herbs and hemp, and making natural cosmetics.

Your hosts Alenka and Rudi, both natural scientists by education and researchers at heart, have prepared three different programmes, each of which is an unforgettable experience.

Programme 1: Hemp workshop

The Vrhivšek farm has been growing and processing industrial hemp for several years. Hemp is one of the most usable plants on the planet. It can be used for manufacturing biodegradable plastic and was used in the Middle Ages to make sails and rope. You will first be taken to the hemp field so that you may see the growing plant, touch and smell it, pick the flower buds. The buds are dried and used to make tea. You will learn about many interesting facts about the positive nutritional and medicinal properties of hemp. Alenka will bake hemp bread and cookies and you will also be able to try hemp tea and oil. All the hemp products can be bought.

The workshop lasts two to three hours. The price per person is EUR 15 and includes a bag of hemp tea.

The workshop is intended for groups of no less than 20 people.

At your request, you will also be shown how essential oils and herbal distillates are extracted from hemp using steam distillation.

Programme 2: Natural, home-made cosmetics workshop

After arriving, you will first be taken on a brief tour of the farm. You will be shown the hemp plantation, emmer wheat and spelt and a greenhouse where they grow vegetables for their own use. You will also be taken to see the large herb garden with the most common medicinal herbs. Alenka will show you how to make lavender cream, deodorant or body butter. She will also give you useful tips on how to make cosmetic products by yourself and tell you why this is recommended and how to improve on the methods used by your grandparents. You will also be able to take some caring lavender cream home with you.

The workshop lasts three to four hours and costs EUR 25 per person.

The workshop is intended for groups of 10 to 15 people.

Programme 3: Herb workshop 

When you arrive at the farm, you will be served treats made from hemp, emmer wheat and spelt then taken to see the herb garden in front of the house, where you will learn about the most common medicinal herbs: mint, lemon balm, rosemary, thyme, lavender and sage. You will be able to savour the captivating scents of nature. By contrast, the herbs that grow on nearby meadow, which is mown only once a year, are wild. Your hosts will describe their most useful properties and explain how to use them.

After collecting the herbs, you will be taken to the table under the walnut tree where Rudi will extract the essential oils and herb distillate using steam distillation. You will be told about the properties of individual essential oils and herb distillates and how to use them. At the end of the workshop, you will be given a bottle of herb distillate to take home with you together with the herbs you collected.

The workshop lasts two to three hours and costs EUR 15 per person.

The workshop is intended for groups of no more than 20 people.

The hosts will be happy to cater to your needs and prepare other memorable experiences for your group. Your call and visit will be warmly received.

Information and reservation:

Farm Vrhivšek

Lindek 22

3213 Frankolovo

Tel.: 041 969 770

alenka.zapusek@gmail.com

www.kmetijavrhivsek.com