Traditional Gastronomic Products from Hutsul Land - Fundu Moldovei and Moldova - Sulița

Link copied!

We invite you to immerse yourself in the culinary story of the Ținutului Huțulilor - Hutsul Land, in the communes of Fundu Moldovei and Moldova - Sulița, a truly unique gastronomic destination. This region, located in the northwest of Suceava County, is characterized by varied and picturesque relief forms, being part of the submontane landscape of the Eastern Carpathians.

The commune of Fundu Moldovei is situated in a picturesque depression, created by the course of the Moldova River, framed by the ridges of Obcina Mestecăniș and guarded by the tributaries of the Moldova River. It represents a true ethnographic treasure, with a rich history dating back to the 20th century. Fundu Moldovei is considered a reference point for sociological research, supported by historian Ion Nistor and being one of the four locations of the first sociological research in Romania, led by Dimitrie Gusti. Here, traditional culture is found in elements of traditional architecture, pastoral life, crafts, folk costumes, customs, and ceremonies, offering an authentic experience of spiritual life.

The submontane landscape of this region adds a special note to the gastronomic adventure, providing a picturesque natural setting where you will discover authentic flavors and high-quality local products. In Fundu Moldovei, you will taste smoked cheese, kneaded cheese, Deluț whey, and much more. These products are carefully made, preserving the authenticity of the tastes and aromas from this region.

The commune of Moldova - Sulița, located a little further north along the same valley of the Moldova River, will reveal to you the gastronomic secrets of the Hutsul cuisine and the unique traditions of this ethnic group. Here, you will taste mamaliga with potatoes and sour milk from a "cofă", lamb stew, "bujeniță", potato bread and polenta, or beetroot borscht. Here you will also have the opportunity to taste the delicious mushroom salad, expertly prepared from local ingredients. Or who knows, maybe you will have the opportunity to prepare it yourself according to the traditional recipe.

For this, you will need 5 kg of small mushrooms, meticulously washed. Then you will clean them and boil them in water with a little salt for 30-40 minutes, until they soften properly. After boiling, let them drain and cool. Then add 3 kg of bell peppers, 1 kg of finely chopped onions, and mix the "bait" made from 2 tablespoons of coarse salt, 8 tablespoons of sugar, a cup of vinegar, and 2 cups of water. You will sauté the onion in a few tablespoons of oil. This process brings out a more intense flavor to the salad, especially when the onion is sautéed instead of added raw. In a suitable large pot, add all the bait ingredients gradually to boiling water. The order is very important: you will start with sliced bell peppers, cleaned of seeds, and then add onions after 8-10 minutes. Then carrot slices for 10-12 minutes. Add the mushrooms at the end and let them simmer for 10-15 minutes. Once the vegetables have boiled, let them rest briefly, being careful not to cool completely, gently stirring them. Then put the salad in sterilized jars ready, keeping this delicacy in the cellar or pantry and savoring it in the cold season with friends and family.

If you are passionate about gastronomy and culinary adventures, you can't miss special local events such as the Hutsul Fest in Brodina or the Dairy Fair in Câmpulung Moldovenesc. These events promise to offer authentic flavors and unique gastronomic experiences. In conclusion, the Hutsul Land awaits to take you on a captivating culinary journey through a picturesque submontane landscape and a rich traditional culture. Come and discover the traditional products, authentic recipes, and authentic culture of this region and let yourself be inspired by the authentic flavors and picturesque landscapes.

In Fundu Moldovei and Sulița Moldova, two producer communities stand out for their registered traditional products:

Deluț Cow Farm offers the following dairy products:

Cașcavalul Afumat Deluț - Smoked Deluț Cheese: A product distinguished by its taste, aroma, and creaminess, derived from the biochemical processes that occur during traditional ripening and smoking. It is smoked in large pieces of about 1.5 kg, and contains more fat than other similar products, which gives it rich flavors. Production is done manually, with traditional specific utensils.
Brânza Frământată Deluț - Kneaded Deluț Cheese: This cheese is characterized by taste, aroma, and creaminess, obtained during kneading, beating, and storage. Ripening takes place in wooden packaging, and production is carried out manually, using traditional utensils.
Urda Deluț - Deluț Whey: Its distinctive characteristics include the taste, aroma, and creaminess of the product, determined by the quality of the milk and the coagulation. It contains a higher amount of fat than other similar products, highlighting the taste and aroma substances formed during the process. All production stages are manually performed, with traditional utensils, including heating with direct wood fire.
Cașul Deluț - Deluț Cheese: This product stands out for its taste, aroma, and creaminess obtained during ripening and fermentation. Production involves the use of natural rennet and is done manually, with specific traditional utensils.

The Chișciuc family produces various jams and vegetable preserves under the brand "Huțul's Pantry":

Crushed Cranberries: These are made from cranberries originating from the mountain meadows of the Moldova-Sulița commune, located at altitudes between 1,200 and 1,400 m. Crushed cranberries are prepared using ripe fruit harvested manually from meadows. These fruits are consumed fresh or processed into juice, compote, jam, and teas. Also, cranberry leaves and fruit are used for therapeutic purposes. Harvesting takes place in September-October, when the maximum content of active substances is reached.

These traditional products reflect the authenticity and gastronomic tradition of the region and are ready to offer you a truly special culinary experience in the Hutsul Land.