If there is anything Greece is more famous for than its rich history, fascinating mythology or breathtaking views, it is surely its regional rarities we can’t get anywhere else, but even if we manage, they won’t be as tasty as at roots. What makes regional, native products so inimitable? It consists of lots of factors a. o. superior climating and natural conditions, e. g. long growing season, mild climate or flat cultivated sites. We cannot forget about magnificently developed agriculture – Greeks are extremely developed in food industry because greek research institutions and universities mainly focus on supporting it. Greek products gained recognition of chefs around the world because many of them are embraced with protected designation of origin (PDO).
Greek’s diet is considered to be the pioneer among Mediterranean diets because it has been recognised as one of the healthiest and most nutritional. Now let’s get to the point – what products does the everyday Greek diet consist of?
Talking about Greek cuisine we need to point that it is a paradise for seafood enthusiasts. In seaside towns it is obligatory to try dishes made of fresh-fished products. Generally Greeks value freshness, as it follows according to local principle, seafood should be eaten as fast as possible and prepared within 15 minutes since entrapping. That is why you had better avoid ordering seafood in restaurants located in central part of country, far away from sea. The most popular sea delicacies are tuna, perch, sardines, shrimps, shellfish and octopus.
Greeks are the champions in their field – producing feta cheese (cheese made of pasteurised sheep and goat milk). Many other nationalities constantly try to come up to Greek feta, but unfortunately noone has achieved it so far. Its secret isn’t anything else but the nature because it is forbidden to add any preservatives or artificial colouring. We can find feta prepared for many ways, from warm to refreshing combinations.
If you often reach for salty kinds of cheese available in Polish shops, at least once go for an authentic Greek feta cheese. You will feel the difference from the first bite. That’s why Greeks have reserved the name ‘feta’ for their local products.
We left the best for the last – something Greek cuisine wouldn’t exist without. It’s certainly olive oil. In ancient Greece people appreciated its natural wealth and Hipocrates even considered it as a medicine. It’s an universal product – it can be used both as the base and an addition to any dish prepared in a Greek household. Depending on the region its flavour, shade and consistency can vary. On the shop shelves we can often find olive oil with additions e. g. oregano, garlic, chilli flakes but these products aren’t often used by Greeks. They prefer a basic version.
While travelling to Greece let yourself enjoy the trip to the fullest – indulge yourself in the richness of its cuisine and experience the famous Greek way of feasting. Celebrate every meal together because in this Balkan land it’s impossible to feel lonely. During every meal here you’re able to feel Greek hospitality, freedom and sociability. We guarantee that with every bite of traditional Greek rarities every worry fades away.
Article written by the crew of Żeromska Odyseja: Olga Leśniowska, Weronika Grudzień, Ignacy Leśkiewicz, Karolina Zalewska, Patrycja Miśkiewicz, Milena Miziała
