Fight The Flu – Croatian Style

By : Hillary D.

As the flu season in Croatia fast approaches, its time to take a look at 5 “must’s’ on the diet according to the quintessential “Croatian Grandma” – to combat the dreaded lurgy.

 Chicken Soup: An old favourite with the protein from the chicken and the nutrients from the vegetables (grincek) providing a great boost for the immune system. Not many lunches from a ‘Croatian Grandma’ are kicked off without a soup in Croatia.

Kiseli Kupus (Sauerkraut): A key component in winter meals on the Croatian dinner table, whether it is as a side serving or used to wrap mince meat (sarma). Kiseli kupis is source of vitamin C and is also known to provide various cancer-fighting compounds.

Garlic: Goes without saying. Studies have shown garlic has been found to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity, high in vitamin C and was even used as an antiseptic to prevent gangrene during World War I and World War II. Croatians don’t mind being heavy-handed in their portions when adding it to food.

Lemons: Another classic with high vitamin C content. Lemons from the Dalmatian region somehow seem to contain more vitamin C than most lemons. Dropped in tea, squeezed on fish or made into juice, the lemon gets a working over during winter in Croatian kitchens.

Šipak (Pomegranate): Again Dalmatia seems to produce juicier and redder pomegranate’s than the standard ones. Provides a rich source of vitamin C and vitamin B5 and provides about 16% of an adults daily requirement per 100ml. Great immune system builder.