Šljivovica (Slivovitz) is the national drink of Serbia in domestic production for centuries, and plum is the national fruit. The international name Slivovitz is derived from Serbian. Plum and its products are of great importance to Serbs and part of numerous customs. A Serbian meal usually starts or ends with plum products and Šljivovica is served as an aperitif. A saying goes that the best place to build a house is where a plum tree grows best. Traditionally, Šljivovica (commonly referred to as "rakija") is connected to Serbian culture as a drink used at all important rites of passage (birth, baptism, military service, marriage, death, etc.), and in the Serbian Orthodox patron saint celebration (slava). It is used in numerous folk remedies, and is given certain degree of respect above all other alcoholic drinks. The fertile region of Šumadija in central Serbia is particularly known for its plums and Šljivovica. Serbia is the largest exporter of Slivovitz in the world, and second largest plum producer in the world. Winemaking tradition in modern-day Serbia dates back to the Roman times in the 3rd century, while Serbs have been involved in winemaking since the 8th century.
šljivovica (slivovitz) is the national drink of serbia in domestic production for centuries and plum is the national fruit the international name slivovitz is derived from serbian plum and its products are of great importance to serbs and part of numerous customs a serbian meal usually starts or ends with plum products and šljivovica is served as an aperitif a saying goes that the best place to build a house is where a plum tree grows best traditionally šljivovica (commonly referred to as "rakija") is connected to serbian culture as a drink used at all important rites of passage (birth baptism military service marriage death etc) and in the serbian orthodox patron saint celebration (slava) it is used in numerous folk remedies and is given certain degree of respect above all other alcoholic drinks the fertile region of šumadija in central serbia is particularly known for its plums and šljivovica serbia is the largest exporter of slivovitz in the world and second largest plum producer in the world winemaking tradition in modern-day serbia dates back to the roman times in the 3rd century while serbs have been involved in winemaking since the 8th century