A Family Story Rooted in Ozalj
In a small village near Ozalj, inland Croatia, Katarina Šoštar Meserko runs a unique eco farm called Mili Mali Garlic. What started as a return to her family home in Zajačko Selo has grown into a story of passion, heritage, and sustainability.
Katarina cultivates garlic in a traditional way — planting, harvesting, and cleaning every bulb by hand. Her fields produce two certified organic varieties: Garpek, an early purple type with a mild taste, and Gardos, a later red variety known for its stronger aroma and long shelf life.
From Field to Table – Creativity with Garlic
What makes Mili Mali stand out is the creativity behind every product. Instead of stopping at fresh garlic, Katarina transforms the entire plant into delicacies:
- Black garlic — slowly fermented until the cloves turn soft and sweet, packed with antioxidants and recognized as an award-winning innovation in Croatia
- Garlic pesto — made from garlic stems, blended with walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds
- Garlic chips — crispy, light snacks made from dried cloves
- Marinated and ground garlic — versatile products for everyday cooking
- Garlic bouquets — braided by hand, a popular gift and souvenir travelling far beyond Ozalj
"Garlic can be seasoning, remedy, and souvenir all at once." — Katarina Šoštar Meserko
The Work Behind the Magic
Farming garlic at Mili Mali is not about shortcuts. The soil is prepared several times a year, cloves are carefully separated and planted with the help of a handmade device, and watering is done in natural cycles. After harvesting, garlic bulbs are dried, sorted, and cleaned one by one with a soft brush.
This attention to detail ensures not only quality but also authenticity — each bulb reflects the land it comes from.
Why Mili Mali Matters
Mili Mali Garlic is more than food. It's a symbol of slow living, sustainability, and pride in local culture. For travelers exploring inland Croatia, it offers an authentic taste that connects them with the region's roots. For locals, it represents tradition reimagined with creativity.
In every jar of pesto or clove of black garlic, you'll find a piece of Ozalj — its rivers, its hills, and its people.
