Bulgarian yogurt is candidate for UNESCO

Yogurt is the new Bulgarian candidate for the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, together with Romania and Turkey. The procedure has already started and the assessment of the Bulgarian candidacy is expected in the autumn.

Within the framework of its candidacy, Bulgaria is defending the tradition of production and the cultural significance of yogurt – a product that has been present for centuries in the daily lives of the people in the Balkans and in their customs. The candidacy describes both the traditional fermentation techniques and the social and cultural context of yogurt, including beliefs about its healing properties. In the Bulgarian tradition, it is present not only as food, but also in customs related to well-being and body care, which, according to experts, emphasizes the cultural value of the Bulgarian product.

Of Bulgarian yoghurt, “friendly” bacteria and the man who discovered it
Yogurt Festival in Momchilovtsi: culture, flavor and Rhodope traditions

If the Bulgarian candidacy for UNESCO is approved, it will bring new international recognition for one of the most characteristic foods, which already has protected designation of origin.

Editor: Veneta Nikolova