Search locations or food
OR
Sign up

Bestilj

Bestilj is a traditional Bosnian plum preserve. This thick, richly flavored preserve is created by slowly cooking plums over low heat for several hours, allowing the fruit to break down into a dense, dark, and glossy spread. Bestilj is typically made with minimal or no added sugar, relying on the natural sweetness of the plums, resulting in a slightly tart taste.


The final product is often used as a spread on bread, a filling for pastries, or enjoyed on its own as a sweet treat. It holds significant cultural importance, particularly as a way to preserve plums for the winter months, and is traditionally made in the fall during the plum harvest.