MMM STORIES: THE STORY OF FRŽEK: MORE THAN JUST A BEAN
Oh no, this is not your run-of-the-mill story about an ordinary little bean. This is the story of Fržek, which sprouted in a cosy home kitchen during a cook-off gathering of friends. Over eight years, fuelled by the passion, decisiveness, and care of Tina—the heart and soul behind Fržek—and by a community that shares her love for the planet and all its creatures, this little brand has grown roots as strong as the legendary magic bean in the old fairy tale. It’s taken root and climbed high, reaching for the sky, and it’s only getting started. Fržek is about bringing people together around food that’s truly good—and we mean good in every sense of the word. It’s good because it is tasty, top-quality, healthy, locally sourced, and environmentally-friendly. It’s good because it is crafted from plant-based ingredients chosen with care and respect for the Earth so that it nourishes the body and soul. It’s good because it leaves behind nothing but happy smiles and memories of moments shared. It’s good because, like the best fairy tales, it teaches us, with a light-hearted and tender touch, the values that matter most: kindness, connection, responsibility, respect, and inner peace.
© Suzan Gabrijan
Who are the protagonists of the Fržek fairy tale authored, among others, by Tina Bor Perpar Samsa? The heroes are the spreads, crackies (savoury crackers and sweet cookies), tofu, patties, and other goodies lovingly made from legumes and local organic plants in the small, sustainable Fržek workshop near Brezovica, just outside Ljubljana.
Their heroism isn’t loud or flashy—because the world already has enough background noise. Instead, their quietly powerful message speaks volumes. It is precisely their calm tone, echoing far and wide, that reminds us of what truly matters: quality time with loved ones and the mindful attention we give ourselves and each other.
Fržek’s story is about what unites us, not what divides us. Everyone’s unique—different strokes for different folks, right? But we share one universal truth: none of us can live, grow, or thrive without food. And happiness? That’s fuelled by laughter, conversation, sharing ideas, and feeling part of something bigger than ourselves. So where is our common ground? At the dining table, of course!
Fržek’s tale unfolds around the table—where who’s there matters more than what’s on it. But if Fržek’s wholesome, nutrient-packed, legume-based delicacies, paired with local organic plants and packaged in stylish returnable/reusable jars, are on the table, everyone feels right at home. Whether you’re all about clean eating, zero waste, or plant-based living—Fržek is the right fit for you. Those who fit a little bit of all the above, and those who simply enjoy good food without feeling the need to label their eating style. The story of Fržek is truly magical because it unfolds in a place where nobody has to be perfect, where everyone can just be themselves, surrounded by their favourite kind of people.
Perhaps now we can finally grasp the kind of heroism behind Fržek products. Because they are healthy, nutritious, local, organic, packed in returnable containers, and even made from ingredients that someone not part of Fržek’s story might discard—they are perfect. Perfect for us to simply be human in those moments when we enjoy them.
© Suzan Gabrijan
© Suzan Gabrijan
© Suzan Gabrijan
© Suzan Gabrijan
© Suzan Gabrijan