Summer delicacies from the castle garden

The castle gardener Vesna invites us to visit from time to time

And we are always happy to accept. A morning walk through the castle garden, when it is still shimmering in the summer dew, is always a beautiful and fragrant experience. One could easily get used to such a daily ritual. You might casually pull out a few herbs, catch some Colorado potato beetles, enjoy the summer scents, and decide to eat healthily and live more relaxed ...

That last morning visit unfolded countless stories, as every step brings a new one. Here is our summer week of delicacies from the castle garden for you.

1. Monday delicacy

From a distance, it looks like a lavender field, doesn’t it? But it is not lavender.

The beautiful purple plant thriving in the beds of the castle garden, when rest and regeneration are needed, is called phacelia.

It has lush greenery and many beneficial properties. It is a nectar plant, feeding the bees from the Otočec apiaries; its roots loosen the soil it grows in; it does not transmit diseases; and it repels soil pests such as wireworms. It also seems to like being the only one – at least among weeds – because where phacelia thrives, other herbs do not grow. For the exhausted beds of the castle garden, its presence is as beneficial as a wellness treatment.

2. Tuesday delicacy

Chickpea or garbanzo bean?

Both names sound right. This cultivated plant, with its charming small leaflets on both sides of a branched stem and round yellowish seeds in short inflated pods, was invited to the castle garden by gardener Vesna for the first time this year.

It is extremely nutrient-rich – as a true protein powerhouse it is a very popular ingredient in vegetarian and vegan dishes. It also contains a wealth of vitamins and minerals, has a low glycemic index, helps the body eliminate excess water, and thanks to its dietary fiber supports digestion and helps detoxify the intestines.

3. Midweek delicacy

Eggplants

So beautiful that visitors simply stop and stare. Not only the harvest is admired, but also the beautiful flowers and leaves, where “love-struck” Colorado potato beetles like to hide—forgetting all caution in their infatuation.

We are not fond of potato beetles, so Vesna and Marinka collect them by hand. However, we do not use aggressive insecticides in our island garden. But back to eggplants – they are an interesting addition to summer cuisine: they can be stewed, boiled, baked, and prepared in a thousand and one ways.

What is the difference between white and purple eggplants? White ones have firmer flesh, fewer seeds, and are less bitter than purple ones. But bitterness IS important! It helps reduce the harmful effects of fatty foods.

4. Thursday delicacy

Pumpkins, zucchinis, little zucchinis …

It seems that among all the plants in the island garden, zucchinis feel the most “castle-like” – they grow tall on strong stems with large leaves and even larger flowers – like a real jungle for little garden dwarfs! They are most delicious freshly picked, and there will be plenty for our guests all the way until September.

Although the zucchini usually reigns alone in the bed so it does not shade other plants, it is rarely lonely – its beautiful flowers are an excellent food source for our castle bees. And a bit about its flowers: there are two types – male and female. The female flowers grow into fruits, while the male ones are, well, for company. Both are popular in cuisine and rich in antioxidants, fiber, and minerals, containing plenty of potassium, vitamins A, B, C, and beta-carotene.

5. Friday delicacy

Something for detox and relief

They say Friday is a good day for fasting – for lightening the load. There is no reason not to agree, right? The working week fills a person with many things, including unwanted ones, and burdens them with stress.

In the island castle garden, a special herb bed has an important place, from which experts prepare an effective blend for a detox tea. This beneficial tea is especially known to guests of the Šmarješke Toplice spa, who participate in the VitaDetox detox programs and the SlimFit healthy weight-loss program. And which plants does it contain? Verbena officinalis, meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), and oregano (Origanum vulgare).

6. Saturday delicacy

Janja, Lučka, and Martina – welcome to Otočec!

No, these are not names of popular social media influencers. They are three Slovenian varieties of sweet potato.

Lučka has orange skin and orange flesh, Janja has white skin and white flesh, and Martina has purple skin and white flesh. Because of their positive qualities, we were happy to “invite” them to Otočec as well …

Sweet potato tubers contain almost two and a half times more vitamins and calories than regular potatoes. And more importantly, they also contain the polysaccharide inulin as a starch substitute, which is why they can also be consumed by people with diabetes.

7. Sunday delicacy

How does summer smell?

Sunday is perfect for a walk, and Otočec is a great choice for a summer trip. On the castle terrace, everything fits – dessert, coffee, cocktail … really anything. And while you are here, visit the castle garden as well.

The herbal spiral encourages positive energy. In its circular lines we have planted many things – marigold, mint, rosemary, chamomile, echinacea … In summer it also smells of lavender, savory, lemon balm, and immortelle. So many memories are awakened! You might also notice the “yellow tower” – mullein, also called the “pope’s candle.” This medicinal plant is an important ingredient in chest teas, as mullein, together with marsh mallow and common mallow, is especially rich in mucilage. Its tea soothes dry coughs, promotes expectoration, reduces inflammation, and lowers fever.