Healthy, Thick Juices from Bistrica Farm

The Kajak.mk eco team proudly presents another eco-conscious individual who shares her life story in the village of Bistrica. We introduce you to Violeta Janeska, the final person on our list of those who will transform tourism in 2021.

Violeta lives in the village of Bistrica, which is situated over 600 meters above sea level and just 5 kilometers from Bitola. In this village, the primary focus is on fruit growing, although grain and vegetable crops are also cultivated, while industrial crops are less common. Approximately 77% of the population is engaged in fruit growing, 20% in agriculture, and at least 3% in livestock farming.

At Kajak.mk, we envision Bistrica as an ideal village for the development of eco-tourism due to its rich agricultural landscape and proximity to nature.

Violeta is actively involved in fruit growing, like many others. She takes pride in maintaining the landscaped yard of her home while the entire family collaborates on fruit cultivation. Violeta uses the yard to prepare a variety of delicious homemade dishes that are well-known throughout Bitola and the surrounding region. She makes everything from ajvar and jam to thick juices, pickles, and specialities made from different types of flour and yeast.

We were impressed by the thick juices she produces from fruit grown on her farm. This is a great opportunity to promote domestic tourism in this region of the country.

Violeta shares that her favorite thick juice, which she prepares, consists of pumpkin, carrots, and apples—fruits from her home garden. 

She also reveals her procedure for making the juice. First, she cleans the fruit thoroughly by hand. Then, she boils the fruit before blending it with a hand mixer. After blending, she strains the mixture. In the squeezed juice, she adds the juice of two lemons and enough water to achieve the desired consistency, making sure it isn't too thick.

Violeta mentions that she sells some products at the market and hopes that awareness about the importance of consuming healthy food continues to grow. 

Every free weekend is perfect for exploring and discovering Macedonian villages, especially during times when the borders are closed. Kajak.mk, a tourism service, aims to make the village of Bistrica increasingly prominent on the tourist map.

If you decide to visit this village, here are some notable sites to explore: 

- Church of St. George: The main church of the village.

- Church of St. Nicholas: The principal church of the Bostricki Monastery.

Archaeological Sites:

  - A Roman and Late Antique settlement within the village.

  - An Iron Age necropolis at the Old Church site.

  - A basilica from the early Christian period, located at St. George.

Monument: A tribute to the fallen fighters in the National Liberation War, erected in 1971.

Fountain: A memorial for Krstin Chulakovski.

Bunker: Remnants of a bunker located above the village that was used during military operations. 

These sites reflect the rich history and cultural heritage of the area.