DO YOU KNOW WHAT "ZANOVIJET" IS?

Herzegovinians take particular pride in their lamb, which they claim is a true delicacy only if the livestock has grazed on a plant called "zanovijet." Thanks to this endemic plant, the meat becomes tender and exceptionally flavorful, whether prepared on a spit, under a traditional bell-shaped dome (sač), or boiled.

This beautiful yellow-flowering plant belongs to the genus Petteria and is named after amateur botanist Franz Peter (1798–1853) from Dalmatia. Botanists recognize it by its scientific name, Petteria ramentacea.

The plant grows as a deciduous shrub reaching up to 3 meters in height. Its bark is dark gray and deeply grooved, and the compound leaves consist of three leaflets, with the central leaflet slightly longer.

The leaves serve as excellent livestock feed, while the flowers attract bees.

Its bright yellow flowers grow in clusters about 8 centimeters long and bloom in late April, May, and June in this region. Zanovijet flowers have a rich fragrance and are especially valued in beekeeping, as the honey produced from zanovijet in Herzegovina is among the most sought after, alongside sage honey. The plant also produces small brown, hairy pods as fruit.

In addition to Herzegovina, this rare plant can also be found in Montenegro and Albania.