Csíki Botaniq

The Halasági-Csibi medicinal herb family manufactory in Jolotca/Orotva in the scenic surroundings of the Gheorgheni Mountains, welcomes visitors interested in exploring Transylvania’s herbal traditions and the world of traditional folk herbal knowledge. The story of the manufactory dates back to the 1970s, when Imre Csibi and Anna néni began working with medicinal plants. The knowledge they passed on is still carried forward by the family today, combining folk traditions with modern professional expertise. During the program, visitors can learn about the collection, cultivation, and processing of medicinal plants, gain insight into the daily life of the herbal garden and processing workshop, and discover the use of plant species typical of the Harghita region. VISITS ARE AVAILABLE BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT ONLY.

At Vass Éva’s farm in Dealu/Oroszhegy, visitors can gain insight into the everyday life of traditional rural farming and the values of countryside living. The program introduces the functioning of a small household farm and the processes of local food production. As part of the visit, guests are shown vegetable gardens, polytunnels, the cow shed, the poultry yard, as well as orchards and gardens located in the surrounding village areas. Seasonal programs may include participation in the traditional copper cauldron preparation of plum jam. The program offers a special experience for those who wish to get closer to nature and rural life, with opportunities for hand-picked fruit and vegetable harvesting, while in spring the blooming orchards create an especially memorable atmosphere. VISITS ARE AVAILABLE BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT ONLY.

This family business has been producing traditional syrups, jams, and zacusca (roasted vegetable spread) since 2003, based on grandmother’s recipes. The ingredients are sourced from the clean mountain forests around Gheorgheni/Gyergyó, including pine buds, pine cones, raspberries, red and black blueberries, while blackcurrants and sour cherries are grown locally. During the program, visitors can gain insight into the process of syrup and jam making, learn about the beneficial effects of the fruits, and observe the kitchen production process live. The handcrafted product range includes various syrups, jams, and zacusca made from natural ingredients. The visit also includes a tasting session, where guests can sample different syrups, jams, and zacusca served with fresh bakery products. In the on-site shop, both their own products and other local handmade goods can be viewed and purchased. Tasting includes: - 3 types of syrup - 2 types of zacusca - 3 types of jam - baguette or roll, water VISITS ARE AVAILABLE BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT ONLY. The program is open every Friday from 10:00, and groups can also be received at other times by prior arrangement. - Minimum group size: 15 people - Maximum capacity: 50 people - Entry fee: 18 RON/person Opening hours: - Monday–Friday: 09:00–15:00 - Saturday: 09:00–14:00 - Sunday: closed

At the Elfruct fruit processing facility in Sânmartin/Csíkszentmárton, visitors can gain insight into both traditional and modern fruit processing, where fresh fruits are turned into delicious, natural products. The range includes fruit juices, jams, syrups, gently dried fruits, and other handcrafted specialties made from carefully selected raw materials. During the program, guests can learn about the main stages of fruit processing, explore the facility’s operations, and try traditional manual pressing techniques. The visit also includes a tasting session, where participants can sample a variety of natural products. VISITS ARE AVAILABLE BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT ONLY.

At Tinca Farm, visitors can discover the closeness of nature and the everyday life of a working farm through interactive, experience-based programs. During the visit, children can get in close contact with the animals while participating in playful and educational activities in a safe and friendly environment. As part of the experience, sightseeing tours by small train, horse-drawn carriage, and in winter by sleigh make the visit even more memorable. Guests can enjoy grilled specialties on site, while fishing enthusiasts can also experience the atmosphere of an authentic trout farm. Tinca Farm offers a unique leisure opportunity for families, where nature, adventure, and tradition come together in harmony. VISITS ARE AVAILABLE BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT ONLY.

I am István Gáspár, the founder of Gazsi Manufaktúra. Together with my family, we have been studying, collecting, and processing medicinal plants for 15 years. I spent my childhood close to nature, observing and absorbing everything that the Harghita landscape and environment offered. Our everyday life is in harmony with the rhythm of nature, but our true strength lies in our family’s unity. Everyone has their role and strengths, and we complement one another. As a second-generation herbalist, I consider it important to preserve traditions, apply modern technologies, and pass on our knowledge to the younger generation. Zetea/Zetelaka is a large village located in the heart of Szeklerland. It is surrounded by beech, oak, and pine forests stretching at the foot of the Harghita Mountains. One of its greatest values is its unspoiled natural environment. Cleanliness, order, traditional gastronomy, hospitality, and a cohesive Szekler community characterize the area. The ingredients for our handcrafted products are collected by hand from this untouched environment, then carefully selected and packaged. From us, you receive not just a tea, but health, vitality, and an experience. Program options: • Visit to the Herbal Garden: the Garden of the Herbal Lady welcomes visitors who wish to gain insight into the everyday life of a traditional herbalist. Guests can learn about various medicinal plants and purchase local herbal products. Duration: 1–1.5 hours Entrance fee: 50 RON Advance booking required! • Medicinal Plant Identification Tour: a guided tour in the Harghita Mountains introducing native plants of the area — how to recognize and use them. A beautiful natural setting, a light forest walk, and an experience full of knowledge and inspiration. Duration: upon request Price: upon request Advance booking required! VISITS ARE AVAILABLE BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT ONLY.

RIBON Factory Tour: A Journey into the World of Fruit Processing and Dietary Supplement Production We invite you to a special experience in Csíkmadaras: a guided tour of the RIBON factory, where the rich fruit treasures of the Transylvanian forests are transformed into high-quality, natural dietary supplements. During this modern factory visit, you'll gain a comprehensive overview of the entire production process from the arrival of the fruits through processing, freeze-drying, extract preparation, and bottling, all the way to the finished product.  You'll also get a behind the scenes look at the expertise and careful work that goes into every RIBON product. A highlight of the program is the forest-like culinary experience: the flavors and scents of blackcurrant, wild blueberry, lingonberry, and raspberry, combined with all-natural ingredients, create a delight for the senses. The program includes: • Insight into the secrets of fruit processing and supplement manufacturing; • Tasting: blackcurrant juice, fruit jelly, freeze-dried fruits: pure flavors straight from the forest; • Visit to a plant micropropagation lab, where the plants of the future are born; • Visit to a local artisan carpentry workshop, where wood, creativity, and tradition meet. Further information: • Duration: approx. 40–50 minutes • We can host 40–50 people per session; for larger groups, visits will be split into parts • Prior registration is required • Participation fee: 39 RON/person Discover with us how nature’s treasures are turned into natural natural health products. A rich, tasty, and educational experience for all ages! VISITS ARE AVAILABLE BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT ONLY. Contact and booking: •  +40 720 110 777 •  office@ribon.ro

At the Tercsi meat processing facility in Ineu/Csíkjenőfalva, visitors can gain insight into the traditional meat processing process and the world of high-quality, additive-free meat products. During the program, they can learn about the steps of processing based on local raw materials, as well as the production of items that preserve traditional flavors. The operation of the facility is based on carefully selected ingredients sourced from the region, which are used to produce premium-quality products. VISITS ARE AVAILABLE BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Herbal teas and spices from „SzentÁbrahám” are the best quality hand made, luxury products in the Carphatians. From each tea bag and spice packet are radiating life energy and health because the herbs are growen in an organic garden and the products are hand made by a family, who feels respect and love for nature and life. Beside production we welcome visitors and offer them: • Introduction with different herbal teas and tasting our spices in different foods prepared by us. • Short history of the village, our 300 years old mansion and organic herb growing methods. • Guided tour in the herb garden, where we grow more than 60 types of medicinal plants, vegetables and fruits, and teaching about: • organic herb growing with traditional methods and propagating using own seeds • herb drying and processing using home made machineries • hand packed luxury tea mixtures and teas for healing • hand packed spices and seasonings based on medicinal plants • preparing traditional wellness products. VISITS ARE AVAILABLE BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT ONLY.