The Republic of Dominican Republic for tourists is a country of paradise pleasure. It is located in an exotic corner of our planet, where the sun warms year round and the sea pleases with its warmth. Recreation and numerous excursions are varied. Spending your holidays on these hot islands located in the Caribbean is a dream of many people. Well, if you still managed to translate it into reality, then there is a need to find out what they bring from the Dominican Republic as a gift to friends and relatives? Indeed, everyone, no doubt, wants souvenirs to reflect the essence of the country itself, its traditions and culture.
Tobacco products
The Republic of Dominican Republic is the undisputed leader in the production of cigars. Many believe that they are significantly superior in quality to popular Cuban brands.
Dominican cigars are twisted only by hand. In their production, three types of tobacco are used. For light and soft cigars, olor dominicano is required. This is a local tobacco brand. Strong and unusually fragrant cigars are obtained from Cuban piloto cubano. Tobacco products are also produced from the san vicente variety, which is a variation of piloto cubano.
As for the cover sheet, its Dominicans import from Ecuador, Nicaragua, Mexico, Honduras and Indonesia. It also distinguishes them from Cuban cigars, which use local raw materials.
The most popular brands are Davidoff, Juan Clemente, Avo, Knockando, Carlos Fuente. In the last form of cigarettes, exotic tobacco from Cameroon is used.
Manufacturers from the Dominican Republic have exclusive options for true connoisseurs. Since 1986, customers are offered an unusual set. It is called Courvoisier. Its difference is that cigars are aged for one and a half years in barrels of cognac drinks before packaging. Then they are packed in glass vessels and packaged in beautiful gift boxes.
In the event that you decide to visit the Dominican Republic, it is worth going on an excursion, during which there is the opportunity to visit tobacco plantations. Next to them are factories, as well as shops selling finished products. Before buying a cigar, you can taste it, and only then choose and purchase it.
Alcoholic drinks
If you do not know what to bring from the Dominican Republic, then pay attention to rum. This famous pirate drink is very popular among locals. It is believed that rum in the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, appeared due to African immigrants. It was they who brought sugarcane with them. The sweet and thick juice of this culture, if it stood in the sun for a long time, began to ferment. In the event that a small amount of water was added to the resulting product, an invigorating and tasty drink could be obtained. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, rum was an important export component in the countries of the Antilles.
The production of this drink in the Dominican Republic has been going on since the end of the nineteenth century. Three Dominicans with Spanish roots created their own process for refining and tasting rum. Their drink compared to the traditional one turned out to be softer and sweeter.
Dominican rum varies in color and taste. These characteristics are directly dependent on the exposure of the drink. The bottles into which it is poured have appropriate labels. Dominican Republic rum may have a sweet, mild flavor and have an aging of one to four years. A light label will be pasted on the bottle with such a drink. Rum is produced with herbal supplements. The bottles will have dark labels. In this case, a drink popular in the Dominican Republic can have colors from light amber to dark. The tone of the rum will depend on its aging and the type of herbal supplement. The most popular brands are Bermudez, Barcelo and Brugal.
It should be said that in pure form by local residents this pirate drink is not consumed. It is included in the recipe for a variety of cocktails.
What else is brought from the Dominican Republic? If you visited this exotic country, then pay attention to the alcoholic drink "Mamahuana". It includes rum and the collection of special herbs, as well as honey. In addition, the production of this drink uses wine. Locals "Mamahuana" is used as an excellent remedy for colds.
Coffee
What is brought from the Dominican Republic as a gift to their relatives and friends? Of course, coffee. It is grown in this country for almost three hundred years. At the same time, Dominican coffee is highly regarded throughout the world. It is used by the most famous manufacturers of Western Europe, the USA and Japan. They add to the blends of grains of coffee grown in the Dominican Republic. This can significantly improve the taste of the product.
In the Republic of Dominican Republic, arabica is grown. This is the highest grade of coffee. It has a complex, intense aroma, reminiscent of a combination of honey, chocolate, fruits and flowers. At the same time, Dominican coffee is very strong. It is always served with sugar in a small cup.
Coffee in the Dominican Republic is a source of national pride. Almost everyone drinks it. Refusing this drink is considered impolite. The best brand in this country is Santo Domingo.
Cocoa
What is brought from the Dominican Republic as a treat? The answer is simple. Cocoa. This is one of the main agricultural products of the country. Having brought cocoa from the Dominican Republic, you will be sure of the naturalness of the product, which is grown without chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Cocoa is processed manually. The quality of the product allows the Dominican Republic to be among the ten largest world exporters.
If you brew cocoa, which is sold in bags in this exotic country, the drink will bring you true pleasure. This product is much better than those sold by us.
What to bring from the Dominican Republic? The taste of even the most demanding gourmet will satisfy the drink, which will be made from cocoa balls. This product in an exotic country is sold in transparent jars. Cocoa drink made from balls, rich, fatty and very tasty.
Coconut oil
This product is the second most powerful moisturizer. Bypassed him only avocado oil. Locals use coconut oil for burns. He is rubbed into his hair. Good coconut oil nourishes the skin. It creates a thin film on it, preventing the loss of moisture. In addition, the aroma of coconut has a calming effect.
When buying, remember that the oil must be clear and colorless. If you are offered a yellow product, then know: it has impurities. As a rule, enterprising traders dilute it with palm or sunflower oil.
Jewelry
If you happen to be in a fabulous country called the Dominican Republic, what should you bring as a present to your loved ones? Many tourists are happy to buy a variety of jewelry made of amber. Dominican jewelry made of expensive blue stone is famous. It is called larimar.
Amber from this country is considered the best in the world. It comes in different colors and, according to local residents, brings luck to the owner. The price of jewelry made of this stone ranges from four hundred to six hundred dollars.
Only in the Dominican Republic can a semiprecious larimar be found. This stone is framed by silver and gold. Bracelets, amulets, rings, necklaces, etc. are made from it.
Memorable souvenirs
There are a large number of products that are offered to tourists in the Dominican Republic. These are beads and amulets from shark teeth, paintings, shell jewelry, hand-woven carpets, etc. Often, fancy ceramic dolls without a face are brought from this country - a lima.
They are dressed in national clothes and reflect the original local lifestyle. Souvenirs from the Dominican Republic will surely please your relatives and friends.
Where is the best place to buy gifts?
On the territory of hotels this is not worth it. There all products have very high prices. Coffee and cocoa, as well as coconut oil, are best bought on excursions. Cigars are available at tobacco factories. There you will certainly want to go on an excursion. The remaining souvenirs are recommended to be purchased in Dominican markets. There they are cheaper.