The Pannonian Sea
Did you know that the area of today’s Pannonian Plain was once covered by the sea? Around 66 million years ago, the Tethys Ocean stretched across this region, later giving way to the Paratethys—better known as the Pannonian Sea—situated between the great mountain ranges that still shape this part of Europe today.
Freshwater fish holds far more stories than it might seem at first glance. As the sea receded, unique aquatic systems were formed, becoming the foundation for the development of fish farming. From the first fish ponds in the early 20th century to modern facilities today, this story spans thousands of hectares of water surfaces, impressive volumes of farmed fish, and the largest freshwater fish ponds in the country—connected to major rivers that continue to supply them with water.
But freshwater fish is not interesting only because of its history. It also plays an important role in nutrition, especially due to omega-3 fats and fatty acids that support brain development, concentration, and the health of children and adolescents. At the same time, fish serves as inspiration for eating habits that suit both young and old—from traditional dishes to fish burgers, which emerged as a meat-free alternative in the kitchen of a global fast-food chain.
Today, as we look for practical solutions for days marked by a fast-paced lifestyle, breaded freshwater fish products offer the perfect balance between tradition and modern living. A high share of pure fish meat, simple preparation, and reliable quality mean you don’t have to choose between speed and flavor. This type of fish works just as well as a quick lunch, dinner, or snack, and with light sauces and side dishes, it easily adapts to different habits and tastes.
The fish species themselves are interesting as well. Some of them have names that are often misunderstood, such as silver carp (tolstolobik), whose name has nothing to do with literature but comes from a Russian expression meaning “thick forehead.”
If you enjoy short, engaging learning, unexpected facts, and learning through play, our quizzes are the perfect way to test your knowledge while discovering something new.
Take the Pannonian Sea quiz and discover how much you know about history, fish farming, and freshwater fish.
Pike with Whipped Cream
Freshwater fish has always been part of our everyday lives, yet we rarely think about it beyond the plate. And that is precisely where a number of fascinating stories are hidden. From the legendary line about fish with whipped cream—delivered with unmistakable charm and irony—to modern ways of preparation that combine speed, quality, and full flavor, freshwater fish continues to find new roles in our lives.
But its story does not end in the kitchen. From a biological perspective, freshwater fish are exceptionally adaptable species that, thanks to a specialized sensory system, can precisely detect movement and changes in the water. This sensitivity allows them to navigate muddy, slow, or fast-flowing waters—a trait that has fascinated both scientists and fishermen for centuries. Europe has a long tradition of farming and consuming freshwater fish, although statistics show that it still accounts for a smaller share of the diet compared to meat.
Fish also carries strong cultural significance. The well-known saying about giving a fish versus teaching someone how to fish is not only about food, but about knowledge, patience, and long-term thinking. In many cultures, fish is a symbol of abundance, wisdom, and adaptability, and its role often extends far beyond nutrition alone.
There are also fascinating stories behind the origins of individual species. Some fish that we now consider common arrived in Europe from distant regions, following major rivers and trade routes. Behind them lie geographical stories of rivers that connect countries and continents, as well as knowledge about proper fish farming and handling to preserve all their nutritional values—from high-quality proteins to healthy fatty acids.
If you enjoy short educational content, unexpected facts, and questions that connect gastronomy, nature, culture, and everyday life, the Pike with Whipped Cream quiz is the perfect way to test your knowledge while learning something new.
Who is Jura?
Freshwater waters are not only habitats for fish, but also fertile ground for stories, legends, and myths passed down through generations. One of the most famous local tales takes us to Lake Jarun in Zagreb, where—according to numerous accounts—a gigantic catfish is said to lurk. More than two meters long and weighing over one hundred kilograms, Jura has become a kind of local version of the Scottish Loch Ness monster—a fish featured in newspaper articles, TV reports, and countless fishermen’s anecdotes. No one has seen him, yet almost everyone knows someone who knows someone who has.
Behind the legend stands a very real fish. The catfish is the largest freshwater predator in our waters and a true ruler of the food chain. In the wild, it feeds on other fish, frogs, crayfish, and shellfish, and larger specimens are even capable of catching birds. Its strength, longevity, and mysterious way of life make it a perfect foundation for myths—and also the reason it commands respect among anglers and scientists alike.
Alongside catfish, freshwater waters are home to other fascinating characters. The pike, as a fast and relentless predator, has left its mark not only in nature but also in language, history, and popular culture. From wartime nicknames to musical references, fish often appear as symbols, metaphors, and subtle social commentary. Freshwater fish is also strongly present in music, gastronomy, and modern culinary storytelling. Through lyrics, recipes, and video formats, it becomes a carrier of identity, humor, and reflections on reality.
But the story does not end with legends alone. Catfish is also a highly valued ingredient, especially in traditional dishes such as perkelt, where the fish is slowly cooked in a rich sauce, absorbing flavors while retaining its juiciness. Beyond classic recipes, freshwater fish today also appears in modern delicatessen forms—from spreads to smoked fillets—prepared to the highest standards.
If you enjoy stories that bring together myths, nature, culture, and gastronomy, the Who Is Jura? quiz takes you straight to the heart of that story.
Carp on a Spit
Carp on a spit is not just fish cooked over an open fire. In Baranja, located between the Drava and Danube rivers, carp on a spit has long outgrown its culinary role and become a symbol of togetherness, patience, and respect for nature.
Croatia has a long tradition of fishing and freshwater fish farming, and the Baranja region is rightly considered one of its key centers. Here, preparing carp is not merely a cooking technique, but a social ritual. Every step—from cleaning and preparing the fish to the slow roasting over glowing embers—is part of an experience measured not by a recipe, but by the moment itself.
Although we often see it as a local specialty, cooking fish on a spit is part of a much broader, almost universal story. From the rivers of the Amazon, through Asian coastlines, to Europe’s great waterways, people have used fire and wood for centuries to highlight the natural flavors of fish. While spices, types of wood, and customs may vary, the essence remains the same: simple preparation that respects both the ingredient and the moment.
In this story, fish ponds hold a special place. They are not only a source of fish, but also important natural habitats. Panona Mare fish ponds are part of the European ecological network and home to numerous plant and animal species. Freshwater fish make up only a small portion of the world’s fish population, yet they have exceptional nutritional and biological value. Their meat is rich in vitamins, and traditional preparation methods—such as cooking on a spit—highlight the full depth of their flavor.
If you’re curious to see how gastronomy, nature, science, and tradition come together in a single fish and a single dish, take the Carp on a Spit quiz and test your knowledge.
