One of the most authentic cultural elements of a place is gastronomy. The unique tastes of a destination’s cuisine are linked to the qualities and characteristics of its society and reveal an important piece of information regarding its cultural and economic history. At the same time, food is also a form of communication, a way to “speak” to someone’s heart. Greek Greece gastronomy is rich.
Greek cuisine and gastronomy, rich in authentic flavors and aromas represent an age-old cultural unity. It has a history of around 4,000 years, with special characteristics based on pure and unique quality goods of the Greek land. It was Archestratos who wrote the first cookbook in history (330 B.C.).
Despite what you may believe about Greek cuisine, it is more than just “moussaka”, “souvlaki” and the famous Greek Salad “choriatiki”. It offers a great variety of delicious and healthy dishes that can fully satisfy everyone, both vegetarians and meat lovers. Dozens of scientific studies have shown the positive effect of a balanced Greek diet on a person’s health, beauty, and longevity.
Basic ingredients
Greek gastronomy has four secrets: good quality fresh ingredients, correct use of flavorings (herbs) and spices, the famous Greek olive oil, and simplicity.
Greek olive oil deserves a special note. It accompanies almost all Greek dishes, it is used abundantly in most of them, it is of excellent quality and it is very good for your health. It is also known that artificial cultivation of vegetables is not carried out due to the mild Greek climate. Consequently, most vegetables are cultivated in natural ways and they, therefore, maintain their aroma and their flavor. You will be happy and content after tasting a Greek tomato, cabbage, carrot, onion, parsley, and garlic. At the same time, you should not forget the rich flavor and aroma of fresh Greek fruits, such as grapes, apricots, peaches, cherries, melons, watermelons, etc.
As far as flavorings (herbs) are concerned, which almost every Greek gathers from the hills and the countryside, they are renowned for their gustativeness, aromas, and curative properties. As you taste some of the many different dishes, you will be mesmerized by the amazing aroma of oregano, thyme, mint, and rosemary. Do not forget to also try the Greek cheeses, especially feta cheese. Taking as the fact that the sheep and goats are free-ranging and the pastures are especially lush and green, Greek meat has a unique taste that cannot be compared. Mediterranean
seafood is much tastier than those from the oceans. The Aegean and Ionian Seas are crystal clear and rich with fish. Fresh fish on the grill is considered to be a true delight.
Greek philosophy
The time of the day when Greeks gather around the table to enjoy a meal or various hors d’oeuvres (mezedes) with ouzo is a tradition that every Greek maintains with reverence. A deeply entrenched social custom is when Greeks share a meal with friends at home, in a restaurant, or a tavern. The Greek word “symposium” -a word that is as old as Greece itself- means “drinking with friends”.
The atmosphere in an ordinary Greek restaurant or tavern is relaxing, simple and informal. The preparation of the food on the other hand has its own sacred rules. Good amateur cooks are highly respected in their social circle, while a good housewife in Greece mainly signifies a good cook. And a good cook can spend days preparing a meal for his/her friends.
The atmosphere
Sip a glass of ouzo or wine with grilled octopus or any other Greek dish while sitting under the shade of a tree in a small tavern by the sea on an island in the Aegean. When you return home, try to repeat this experience by preparing the same meal and serving the same drink.
Wherever you try to repeat this, you will soon realize that it does not “taste” the same. It’s not that something is wrong with your palate or your culinary skills; it’s that the Greek ritual when eating a meal –mainly a combination of what you are eating and where you are eating it- cannot be repeated, extracted, or copied. It is simply something you can only find, taste, and enjoy in Greece!