Unique Lithuanian products

The miracle that the sea gives us. A fossilized drop of tree resin in which the forces of the millenniums and nature’s elements lie. Our ancestors used to say that amber protects you from evil people and encourages creativity. Maybe that’s why people are so fond of amber jewellery, and artists decorate precious metals with the “sun stone”. Ancient uses have now found their place at modern spas, where amber incense is used for aromatherapy, and amber dust is added to creams. 

It was once as if the sky was reflected in our fields – the blue of the flax coloured them like an artist’s pastel. The tradition of linen that Lithuanians sing about in their songs has survived through the centuries, and today we especially appreciate natural, real and modernly presented linen fabric. We wear it ourselves, use it to decorate our homes, and pack it up nicely to take as gifts.

Wool has come a long way in Lithuania. From the sheepskin that Lithuanians used to cover themselves with when they were cold to the finest thread that fashion designers use in their collections today. Loving mothers dress their children in the sustainable, environmentally friendly material, and talented craftspeople use it to knit wraps and blankets, and to felt shoes, caps and jewellery. 

Closely guarded by artisans, this tradition has existed for centuries in Lithuania and is now taking new form in the modern work of the new generation. Lithuania is one of the few European countries that have preserved the art of black ceramics. Near the Kernavė hill forts, in the forests of Dzūkija around Merkinė, and in Samogitia, you can still find wood burning stone-based kilns in which wonderful works of art are created, glittering with metallic, green, blue, violet and black hues. Each piece is unique and inimitable.

Lithuanians have always had a special relationship with trees. Maybe it was because of their belief in the magical powers of trees that they were the last Europeans to convert to Christianity. Later, clever artisans began carving crosses from those very same trees, and kryždirbystė (cross-crafting) has now been listed by UNESCO among the masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Today as well, wood that has been caressed by the talented hands of a meticulous artist or carver becomes an extremely valuable and long-lasting item that preserves the creativity and warmth that was put into it. And it doesn’t matter what it is – a wooden spoon, a bowl, a traditional cross, or a child’s toy. 

A small jar of magical golden honey could tell the glorious history of our country that spans over the millenniums. Fragrant with sow thistles, linden blossoms and heather, honey is our greatest treasure, brought drop by drop from our clean forests, meadows and gardens. For our health and happiness and yours.

You need a lot of patience to make this marbleised memory of autumn. You have to spend hours at the stove for apple cheese to come out the way our great-grandparents made it as far back as the 17th century – soft, fragrant and sweet. A piece of this delicacy that neither children nor adults can resist is one of the best souvenirs around. Consider adding a natural linen towel to make sure it reaches the recipient safely.

Have you heard about šakotis? More than a dessert. A special souvenir, thousands of which travel from Lithuania to foreign countries every year. During holidays, this huge cake covered with branches always graces our tables. Even people holding modern celebrations always end the evening with this delicious treat made according a recipe that monks developed in the 15th century. Seeing how it is made is also worthwhile, and there are bakers in Lithuanian villages who are happy to show you the complicated process.

Do you know what Lithuanians miss the most when they are away from home? Black rye bread made without yeast in a real oven. We can’t imagine our table without black bread, and the traditional bread recipes pass from home to home, from family to family. Our rye bread has been recognised as part of our national heritage. Be sure to try it, and bring some home for your family. We have no doubt that it will be a hit.

It has a lot of names in Lithuania, but the meaning is always the same. Skilandis is a sausage made of choice meat pressed into a pig’s stomach or bladder, seasoned with bacon and spices, smoked in a smokehouse with alder or juniper wood and sometimes a bit cold smoked and then dried and matured for a long time. It might not sound all that gourmet, but the flavour is amazing. And if you add a slice of black bread and a cucumber or a tomato fresh-picked from the garden... It’ll melt in your mouth!

The most popular present from Lithuania is probably mead – the oldest alcoholic beverage in the world. However, Lithuanian mead is exclusive not only for its age, but rather for its unique taste. The alcohol content of real Lithuanian mead of a unique mild flavour is about 12 percent. If you want to astonish someone, bring a mead-based balm, with an alcohol content as high as 75 percent! 

Lithuanians, who had been pagans for the longest period in Europe, used to the longest period in Europe, used to believe in the power of nature and had excellent knowledge of its therapeutic properties. The knowledge, passed down from generation to generation, has been preserved until now, so today's Lithuania is famous for numerous herbal farms. The elders joke, "No matter where you drop a stone, it will fall by herbs." We recommend drinking Lithuanian organic herbal teas for a good mood, well-being, and health benefits.