szabadonbalaton uses food and drinks to shine a light on the ecological processes and challenges surrounding Lake Balaton in Hungary. This time, you can not only taste their creations but also bring them home in a small jar.

Featuring water caltrop harvested from the Kis-Balaton, preserved in a festive citrus-spiced syrup!

The water caltrop (Trapa natans) is an aquatic plant native to Eurasia, recognized for its floating leaves and horned fruits. In Hungary, it’s a protected species, while in other regions, it’s considered invasive for forming dense colonies that obstruct water flow and alter aquatic ecosystems.

What many don’t know is that water chestnut is edible and contributes to water purification through shading and nutrient absorption. Once common in Lake Balaton, it now thrives mainly in the Kis-Balaton area.

Conservation issues surrounding it remain a topic of debate even now: should it be eradicated, or should its spread be welcomed? Decisions on this matter must be based on thorough research conducted in both the Kis-Balaton and Balaton areas.

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