Duduk
Duduk – a national wind musical instrument that can be presented to both a music lover and to any person as a souvenir. It is considered one of the main symbols of Armenian culture.The music of duduk is inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
According to legend, duduk appeared thanks to a shepherd who heard the wind passing through the holes of an apricot tree, making melodic sounds. And that is why, today a real duduk is made of apricot wood.
The musical instrument is a tube from 28 to 40 cm long, which has 8-9 holes on the front side and 1 or 2 holes on the back. The mouthpiece for duduk is made of cane.One can buy duduk in Armenian markets, souvenir shops, as well as music stores, for example, in "Sonatina".
Duduk
Cosmetics
Armenian natural cosmetics are made on the basis of herbal extracts, vegetable and essential oils. Such ingredients as the below mentioned have a beneficial effect on the skin:- Аloe juice and essential oil of lemon balm. They have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects;
- Cornflower extract, rose and sandalwood oils. They help to nourish the skin and get rid of fine wrinkles;
- Apricot kernel oil. It protects and moisturizes the skin;
- Sea buckthorn and rosehip oils. They give the skin a healthy color and glow;
- Pomegranate and almond oils. They have a lifting effect.
One can bring face and hand creams, tonics, makeup removers, natural soap, shampoos, as well as balms from Armenia. Such products will be suitable for gifts to relatives, friends and colleagues.
Among the brands, the most famous one is "Nairian". The company itself grows the plant ingredients from which its cosmetics are produced. Also consider the natural cosmetics of "Mayreni cosmetics".
Armenian cosmetics can be purchased in brand stores and specialized shops in local markets. It is also sold in supermarkets, for example, in "Parma Supermarket".
Nairian organic cosmetics collection
Jewellery
Armenia has been famous for its jewellery art already in the Middle Ages. And to this day, local craftsmen are considered some of the best in the world. Armenian gold and silver items are especially common. They are decorated with hematite, garnet, emerald and other minerals.
One can choose jewellery to his/her taste and price at the specialized market "World of Gold". Besides, one can make a visit to the boutiques of the brands "Anna Avakian Jewellery", "Artyom's", "De Laur", "SARKISSIAN" and others.If looking for something unusual, consider the "Pregomesh" brand, which produces exclusive jewellery with national motifs. It specializes in silver items with semi-precious stones, created in an ethnic style. The jewellery house's products are made with Armenian folk ornaments, adapted to a modern style.
Pregomesh Jewelry: Tradition and Modern Style
Wooden crafts
Armenian craftsmen are famous for their woodworking skills. They make jewellery boxes, clocks, toys, kitchenware, jewellery and other things. Many wooden crafts are decorated with carvings with national motifs.Wooden beads, hair combs and bracelets can be considered as a gift for a woman. Men would be interested in drink coasters, wine barrels, hand-carved backgammon and chess.
Wooden crafts are presented in all local markets of Armenia, in every souvenir shop of the country. A wide selection of wooden products can be found in the largest market in Yerevan – "Vernisage".
Wooden souvenirs: unique Armenian items
Nuts and dried fruits
Armenia is a blessed land, the nature of which allows to grow many varieties of fruits and nuts. Apricots, peaches, grapes, figs, pomegranates, persimmons are harvested here at different times of the year. The most popular types of nuts are walnut, hazelnut, almond, pistachio.Fresh fruits are available all year round: they are grown both in natural conditions and in greenhouses. However, it is difficult to bring fresh fruit to other country, especially if you are traveling by plane. Speaking of dried fruits, it is an entirely different matter. They are available all year round, do not take up much space and at the same time retain most of the vitamins.
In any Armenian market one will find a large selection of prunes, dried apricots, raisins, figs, dried pears and persimmons. For lovers of sweets, dried fruits and nuts in chocolate, churchkhela, kozinaki are offered.
Nuts and dried fruits
Arishta
Arishta is Armenian homemade noodles, which are used to prepare main courses, soups, arishta-pilaf. There is also a variety of sweet arishta, suitable for desserts, for example, halva is prepared from it.
Traditional national noodles are sold in transparent packages of 400 g and 1 kg. One can buy such a pack to prepare an Armenian dish at home, or bring it from Armenia as a gift.
Arishta – traditional Armenian noodles served with matsun
Chocolate, jam, honey
There are several confectionery companies in Armenia that produce chocolate. They work with foreign raw materials, and for fillings they use Armenian nuts, dried fruits and other ingredients.The most popular brands are the following:
- "Grand Candy". As a gift, one can buy a set of "Yerevan" candies, which includes an assortment of sweets with fruit, milk, chocolate, marmalade, rum fillings. The chocolates are packed in a box with views of the Armenian capital.
- "Arcolad". Produces plain chocolate, chocolate with different fillings and dried fruits in chocolate.
- "Gourme Dourme". Offers a wide range of chocolate products. It is distinguished by a creative approach to packing design. Guests of the country can buy a set of chocolate in the form of a puzzle with an image of Mount Ararat, a bar with photos of landmarks.
Armenian chocolate can be bought in any supermarket, as well as in brand stores. "Gourme Dourme" is presented in the brand's boutiques located in Yerevan and Ashtarak.
Another sweet that tourists bring from Armenia is jam. Jams made from walnuts, cornel, quince, white mulberry and rose petals are especially popular.
It is also worth considering Armenian honey. It is produced both in pure form and with the addition of apricots, walnuts, hazelnuts, mint, cinnamon and other ingredients.
Assorted chocolate candies by Grand Candy
Mulberry doshab
In Armenia there grow a lot of mulberry trees. Jams, preserves, churchkhela and other sweets are made from that fruits. But the most unusual and authentic is the healing drink doshab. It is a thick mulberry syrup, which is prepared without adding sweeteners, by evaporating the juice.Mulberry doshab is a completely natural product of a dark color, reminiscent of fresh honey in consistency. It tastes sweet, so it is often used to make baked goods and drinks.
Besides, with its help:- special kind of sauces and salad dressings are made;
- the body strengthens;
- coughs are treated and sore throats are easened.
Doshab contains useful microelements and vitamins. Therefore, it is taken in the form of an aqueous solution, with warmed milk, and also a mouthwash is made from it.
Mulberry doshab
Seasonings and spices
The aromas of Armenian seasonings and spices are in the air of every market in the country. Here dozens of types of spices are sold by weight, one can find mixtures for cooking meat, fish, salads, and also gift sets in beautiful packaging.The spices most in demand among tourists are rosemary, saffron, cardamom, coriander, basil, star anise, and cinnamon. In Armenia, they can be bought cheaper than in other countries.
Armenian herbs and spices
Cheese
Armenia has a well-developed livestock industry. Therefore, dairy products, including cheese, are abundant here. The following varieties have a national flavor:- Lori. Hard cheese made from cow's milk. It has a slightly tangy taste with a bit of sourness.
- Chanakh. Salty cheese made from cow's or sheep's milk. It is eaten with honey, nuts, and is also used to bake khachapuri.
- Chechil. Elastic brine cheese with a fibrous structure. It is made from cow's, goat's or sheep's milk.
- Motal. Brine cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk, which has a complex production technology. It can only be purchased at the market.
- Kanach. Armenian bleuue cheese. It has a soft consistency and a sharp taste.
Many types of Armenian cheese are not exported. And for that reason, they can only be purchased in their "homeland".
Armenian cheeses
Canned Grape Leaves
Grape leaves are an essential ingredient of Armenian tolma. One can prepare this dish at any time of the year. To do this, it is just needed to buy a jar of canned grape leaves.For canning, the leaves are tightly packed into a jar and filled with a marinade that does not contain artificial additives. One jar is enough on average to prepare 1 kg of meat.
Canned Grape Leaves
Cognac
Armenian cognac is valued all over the world. It is made using French technology from local grape varieties. The most famous brands of this drink are "ARARAT" and "Noy".Connoisseurs of the drink can choose cognac of different aging: from 3 to 20 years or more. It can be purchased in brand stores or else in large supermarkets.
Armenian cognac ARARAT
Jazve
Despite the fact that coffee does not grow in Armenia, it is roasted here and is very much liked. And the most common way to prepare this aromatic drink is jazve, in Armenian – "srtchep".
Traditionally, Armenian jazves used to be made by hand in small family workshops. Today, the methods of producing srtcheps have improved, however, hand-made products are still considered the most valuable ones.Peculiarities of Armenian jazves are the following:
- Safety. Armenian jazves are made of copper and are coated from the inside using tin. Some craftsmen use lead-free brass for production.
- Producing technology. Jazves are made from a thin sheet of copper 1-2 mm thick, on top of which a sheet with decor is placed. The result is a beautiful product with double walls.
- Decoration. Armenian jazves are decorated with embossing, forged elements and engravings. The market offers srtcheps with national and floral ornaments, as well as Armenian ligature.
Armenian jazves are mostly all-metal. The absence of seams prevents oxidation and increases the so-called "service life" of the dishes. One can buy a jazve in souvenir shops, markets, and regular stores.
Armenian jazve
Pomegranate wine
Another original Armenian drink is pomegranate wine. It has a bright taste of pomegranate juice with a nutty aftertaste. The aroma of the drink contains notes of cherry and almond.Pomegranate wine goes well with Armenian semi-hard types of cheese, chicken dishes and lean veal. Before serving, it is recommended to cool the drink to 12-14 degrees.
Pomegranate wine
Other souvenirs
In addition to the listed gifts, one can bring many other interesting souvenirs from Armenia:- Leatherwork. Bags, belts, wallets, backpacks, and accessories are popular.
- Home textiles. Tablecloths, napkins, and towels with Armenian national ornaments.
- Dolls in national costumes. They will complement the interior or can be a gift for a child.
- Art. Tourists often buy works by modern Armenian artists. Paintings depicting Mount Ararat are in particular demand.
- Basturma and sujuk. These are meat delicacies that are made by drying and curing.
- National tableware. One can bring traditional Armenian jugs, plates, and tea sets from Armenia.
Dolls in national costumes
Basturma and sujuk
Souvenirs from Armenia will remind you of your trip, of the vast expanses of Armenian land, as well as of the hospitality of the country's inhabitants.
