Culinary experiences

Recommended part of the culinary journey From the Alps to the Hills of Zagorje

Best time to visit: April to October
Recommended prior activities: a tour of Pilštanj and a visit to the Church of St. Ema or the Kukovič mill in Podsreda

Duration of the adventure at the Kozmus bee farm: about two hours or as per your request.

A welcome will be prepared for you on your arrival.

Bees have special significance at the Kozmus farm in Pilštanj. You will be received by Dr. Peter Kozmus, an expert beekeeper and author of several books and articles on the topic, who is also professionally involved in protecting the Carniolan honey bee. He will explain why it is that bees thrive so well in the Kozjansko region and why the honey here is different from honey in other areas and introduce you to the world of beekeeping. You will learn how beekeeping has developed over the centuries and how hives are organised and work.

You will be taken to see an apiary, you will learn why bees are increasingly under threat and what can be done to protect them and other pollinators. You will also be taken to see a bee hotel for solitary bees and a garden of melliferous herbs which are used for making herbal teas. The family are particularly fond of Ema’s herbal tea, St. Ema being the only Slovene saint born in Pilštanj.

You will be shown a Cornelian cherry, one of the first melliferous plants of spring and very important for the development of bee families. The Cornelian cherry is a symbol of Pilštanj and is mentioned in two Pilštanj hymns: Čez Pilštanj voda teče, drnule peremo ... and Od nekdaj Pilštanj bil je res imeniten kraj … You will learn about the yellow Cornelian cherry and why it is twisted, what it was used for in the past. You will learn about its seeds, their medicinal properties and how they helped the people of Kozjansko stave off hunger. You will also find out what drnulovc is, still made in Pilštanj according to the old recipe.

You will then be shown how honey is harvested and learn about what influences the quantity of honey per hive in a season.

Finally, you will be taken to sample different types of honey with herbal tea and bread made from spelt and learn about honey’s beneficial effects.

The price per person including sampling the honey is EUR 4, minimum booking is for 15 persons.

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 Kozmus

Pilštanj 62

3261 Lesično

Tel.: +386 (0)3 80 90 220, +386 (0)41 725 372

peter.kozmus@gmail.com