Ariljska malina, a plump, vibrantly coloured raspberry, is one of Serbia’s crown jewels.

Often referred to as “red gold”, this local berry is a beloved delicacy, whether eaten freshly picked, baked in cakes, dipped in chocolate or turned into juices, preserves or other culinary delights.

Farmers in the region developed a now decades-old growing and harvesting technique – coined the “Arilje method” – that, along with the area’s microclimate, contributes to the raspberry’s taste and quality.

This production method involves growing the bushes on a trellis and removing the first shoots to allow ample sunlight for good ripening. The hand-picked raspberries, once cleaned, can be frozen immediately preserving their freshness.