Why Lankaran is emerging as Azerbaijan’s richest region for fruit and wild forests

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Why Lankaran is emerging as Azerbaijan’s richest region for fruit and wild forests  Lankaran, a fertile region along Azerbaijan’s southern coast, is gaining attention for its abundant orchards, subtropical climate and untouched forests, a landscape locals proudly call the country’s “fruit basket.”  In partnership with Azerbaijan Tourism Board  READ MORE : http://www.euronews.com/2025/11/25/why-lankaran-is-emerging-as-azerbaijans-richest-region-for-fruit-and-wild-forests  Subscribe to our channel. Euronews is available on Dailymotion in 12 languages

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00:00Nothing beats the fresh taste of fruit picked straight from the branch.

00:08It's like a personalized gift from nature right to you.

00:12That's why this weekend I'm here in Lankaren, which is often called Azerbaijan's fruit basket.

00:16I'm here to try some of the region's tasty local fruit and get up close and personal with its wild,

00:21untouched nature. And a little rain isn't going to stop me.

00:30Sandwiched between the Cassian Sea and the lush Talish mountains,

00:36Lankaren benefits from a unique subtropical microclimate.

00:40Conditions are perfect for growing an astounding variety of fruits and grains,

00:44which I get to taste at Citrus Valley Plantation, a family farm run by Raftera Shukurova.

00:50Citrus Valley has a lot of practice in 17 years.

00:53There are a lot of tourists, a lot of people.

00:57They have a lot of people who are friends with their own family.

01:01They are going to get to meet with their family,

01:03how they grow, how they grow, how they grow, how they grow, how they grow.

01:06They want to offer these activities.

01:09They want to offer these activities.

01:10Juicy mandarin, tangy lemons, fragrant fejoa.

01:13The best of the region is concentrated here.

01:16And visitors can harvest them all.

01:18So I'm starting with the kiwi trees, because those are the ripest right now.

01:23Sadly, I can't fit all these fresh fruits in my suitcase,

01:26but Raftera is going to show me how to make a unique souvenir I can take home.

01:40The process is simple, but requires time and care.

01:44From peeling and cutting the fruit to stewing them over the fire.

01:48I'm not as good at this as you are.

01:52I'm not as good at this, but we can work in the masterclass.

01:59Proportions are easy to remember.

02:02It's equal parts fruit and sugar with a splash of water.

02:05But some insider tips can elevate your jam,

02:09like cooking it over a wood fire to give it some extra flavor.

02:12It's tradition to eat fruit preserves with Lenkaren black tea brewed in a beautiful samovar.

02:19Mmm. It's delicious.

02:22I now have a one-of-a-kind Lenkaren souvenir to take home with me.

02:36But I can't leave without exploring the region's famous forests.

02:40My next stop is going to be a wild one.

02:41Melankaren and Astara districts are home to ancient forests,

02:46including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hyrkan National Park.

02:50Over generations, people have learned to coexist with this untamed nature,

02:54founding villages that to this day remain accessible only by foot or off-road vehicle.

02:59I'm joining a guide for an overland trip to one of them, called Sim Village.

03:03I feel a bit like Indiana Jones in this truck.

03:06We're about to ford a river.

03:13Sim Village was located on the ancient Silk Road.

03:16Today's residents mainly work growing vegetables,

03:19raising cattle, beekeeping, and welcoming tourists.

03:22Every season in Sim brings its own unique beauty.

03:40It's enchanting even in the rain.

03:42The leaves on the trees glisten and the rivers roar.

03:45Some of the sites are tucked deep into the forest,

04:01while others, like Bali Gaya or Honey Rock, are visible from nearly everywhere.

04:08To access the sites, there are trails for all levels,

04:11from beginners to seasoned hikers.

04:13We chose the short hike to Sheerhal Waterfall for the refreshing, misty air.

04:22The energy feels ancient here, with a simplicity that quiets the mind.

04:28I'm ending my trip at one of the guest houses in town,

04:31where I've been offered more freshly brewed tea and marmalade,

04:34that Azerbaijani hospitality.

04:39I'm once again enjoying local fruit preserves

04:42underneath this beautiful walnut tree,

04:44with a gorgeous view of ancient forests all around me.

04:48The gifts of nature are abundant here,

04:50and I'm so lucky to get to enjoy them.

04:53Thank you 노래�ers.

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