The secrets of the ancient method of preparing the Abkhazian national seasoning known as ajika [adjika or adzhika; Abkhaz: аџьыка] and the transformation of hot pepper and spices on stone into a unique, fragrant and piquant ‘masterpiece’ were revealed to a correspondent of Sputnik by Alla Sabua-Chichba, resident of the village of Achandara.

Sputnik Abkhazia: Rada Azhiba.

In olden days, the Abkhazians prepared ajika on a special stone: large, flat, and of quadrangular or round shape. The stone is called ahaq^j’a (the mortar), and all ingredients are ground to a mass of plasticine-like consistency with another oblong stone called apkhnyga (the pestle).

Steve Everett | Yorkshire Daily Business -- A plucky Doncaster mother has transformed a closely guarded family recipe into a successful spicy sauce which is being sold to food lovers across the UK.

Caucasian Knot -- In January, the website “Mashable.com” published, in the article "Peoples of the Russian Empire", some photos from the stock of the library of the US Congress, including a portrait of an "Afro-Abkhazian" – a man in a beshmet and a fur hat with a naked dagger, having Negroid facial features. According to the article, these photos are from the collection of the American writer and traveller George Kennan, made in the 1870-1880s.

SUKHUM -- On December 22 the Abkhazian State Philharmonic of R. Gumba holds an evening dedicated to the final presentation of the project "Highland Abkhazia / Seasons", called "Country of the secret spirit of nature".

As fund manager of the "Highland Abkhazia" Tengiz Tarba told "Apsnypress", for the first time the evening will present a documentary feature film "Mountain Abkhazia / Winter" about winter expeditions of the project.

What do you see when hear Abkhazia? Mines? Barbed wire? Buildings with bullet holes? Encompassing gray? The war ended that only few years ago. And certainly Abkhazia does not seem to be a good place for a trip with your child? In our last post we drew a little dark picture of Abkhazia, today we will try to show you its other face. We found it to be a beautiful land right where Caucasus mountains meet the Black Sea. It’s sunny, interesting and really friendly even for the youngest travellers because full of friendly and outgoing people.