Polonyna Psarivka, Bystrets

Do you know what Romanians call planina and Poles call gala? In different countries, subalpine meadows have different interesting names. Ukrainians, for example, call such meadows polonyny. Today we will talk about the Psarivka meadow.

Not far from the village of Bystrets in Prykarpattia, the Psarivka meadow is a thick green carpet. In summer, shepherds graze their sheep and cows here. There are also outbuildings on the meadow itself, which the locals call flocks. In the middle of the flock, a fire burns from May to September, where they cook food and process milk. Just imagine what a delicious meal cooked on wood!

In addition to daily cooking, the shepherds collect sour cream from the milk, and then use the same technology that has not changed for centuries to make brynza (sheep's milk cheese) and vurda (whey and sheep's milk cheese). Interestingly, these cheeses are popular not only in Ukraine but also in the Mediterranean countries. However, this cheese is called brulee or ricotta there.

This is how the work here is in full swing all summer long. It may seem exotic to some, and hard work to others. But everyone here feels a connection with past generations and a lightness of soul that is impossible to describe.

The shortest way to the Psarivka meadow is from Verkhovyna to the village of Bystrets. If you are traveling by car, there are no problems. But the nearest railway station to Verkhovyna is Vorokhta. But there is something to see there too. Have a good trip!

There are outbuildings on the meadow itself, which the locals call stai. From May to September, a fire burns in the middle of the stai, where they cook food and process milk. Just imagine what a delicious meal cooked on wood!