The Talas region is not only a land of ancient settlements and legends but also of remarkable natural abundance. Here, surrounded by the stunning mountain gorges of Besh-Tash, Kolba, Kumush-Tag, and Urmaral, one of the most heartfelt gastronomic souvenirs of the region is born - natural handmade fruit marmalade, created by the couple Azamat Junusov and Nazira Shankeeva from the Bakay-Ata district.
This project emerged with the support of the public association "Eco-Ayan" and the Embassy of France in Kyrgyzstan - and has become an example of how a dream of a clean, eco-friendly product can transform into a local brand worthy of a place in any gastronomic route of the country*.
Talas is the perfect place for producing natural sweets. Here, fruits are infused with sunlight, cool winds, and pure mountain waters. Nazira Shankeeva uses: homegrown apples, pears, plums, and apricots from old Talas gardens, wild berries from high-altitude gorges: blackberries, raspberries, rose hips, sloe, barberry, and sometimes herbal extracts and honey, which give the marmalade a deep, rich flavor.
Each ingredient is collected by hand, carefully sorted, and processed using family techniques passed down through several generations. Nazira's fruit marmalade is not mass-produced. It is a slow, thoughtful process that transforms berries into a gastronomic work of art.
Each type of marmalade is a true "fruit canvas": rich shades of red, amber, plum, and purple. This is why the product is not only delicious but also visually appealing - it adorns festive tables and gift sets.
Why is Talas marmalade special: 100% natural composition. The marmalade contains no sugar, colorants, or preservatives. Only high-quality fruits and berries. The taste of real summer. Thanks to proper freezing and drying, the aroma of fresh fruits is preserved. Nutritional value. The marmalade is rich in vitamins and microelements from organic mountain berries. It is not just a sweet treat - it is part of the cultural code of Talas and the artisanal gastronomy of the region. For travelers interested in new flavors and craft products**, there is a special opportunity: by registering in advance, one can visit the mini-production and see the process of creating marmalade with their own eyes.
During the visit, guests: taste different types of marmalade, learn about the secrets of the family technology, hear stories about gathering mountain berries, and can purchase sets on-site. This intimate, cozy experience makes a trip to Talas especially vibrant and "tasty."
Nazira's products make excellent gifts: for holidays and anniversaries, for children (sugar-free and chemical-free), for foreign guests as a local brand, for weddings and corporate events, or simply for tea at home or on the go. Beautiful packaging made from craft paper, natural ingredients, and handmade production turn these sweets into one of the most popular Talas treats.
Contact for orders: to purchase marmalade or to register for a tasting: +996 708 722 585
*The product is recommended by the OSOP Kyrgyzstan organization ("One village - one product").
**Craft products are items (food, drinks, accessories) that are handmade or produced in small batches using unique recipes, focusing on naturalness, high quality, and originality, as opposed to mass industrial production. The term comes from the English "craft," and the first craft products were beer, bread, and cheese, but now it includes jams, chocolate, meat, and much more, where individual taste and the absence of preservatives are valued.
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