GREEK CUISINE:

A blend of gastronomy, taste and high nutritional value

by the e-Twinning group

of the 3rd High School of Ymittos

Bread, olives (and olive oil), and wine have been the triptych of the Greek diet for many centuries.

Greek gastronomy has recorded a history of around 4,000 years, with special

characteristics based on pure and unique quality goods produced on Greek land. In

fact, the first cookbook in history was written by Archestratos in 330 B.C.

What is it about Greek food that makes it so exceptional?

Good quality fresh ingredientsCorrect use of herbs and spicesThe famous Greek olive oil and Simplicity. 

The basic ingredients in Greek dishes are usually nourishing. You'll find a lot of vegetables combined with fish or meat as well as legumes and cereals being some of the other main ingredients in traditional recipes.

As you taste some of the Greek dishes, you will be mesmerized by the amazing aroma added by herbs and spices. The variety of herbs and spices that grow in the Greek nature are known not only for the flavor they give but also for their therapeutic properties.

Greek olive oil deserves a special note. It accompanies all Greek dishes, it is used abundantly, it is of excellent quality and it is very good for your health.

Lamb and goat are the main meats of most Greek dishes and the traditional meats of holidays and festivals. Poultry, beef, and pork are also in plentiful supply.

Fish and seafood are a popular part of the Greek diet and it is well known that Mediterranean seafood is much tastier than those from the oceans.

•Vineyards cover much of Greece’s hilly terrain and our country has become known for its variety of wines and spirits, most notably ouzo and tsipouro.

•We should not forget Greek cheeses, especially feta cheese as well as our hard cheeses such as graviera or kefalotiri.

•Also, we need to mention the rich flavor and aroma of fresh Greek fruits, such as grapes, apricots, peaches, cherries, melons, watermelons, etc. 

•Greek dishes generally come with a few “mezedes”, which are small plates of food served with ouzo or wine since in Greece it is customary to eat while you drink. The kind of meze depends on where you are. If you are by the sea it will be seafood. If you are in the mountains you may eat cheese or lamb. In different areas of Greece the mezedes are different too.

Greek cuisine or a “fusion” cuisine Greek cooking traditions date back thousands of years. Greeks

today eat some of the same dishes their ancestors did in ancient times.

The Greek diet has been influenced by traditions from both the East and West.

In ancient times, the Persians introduced Middle Eastern foods, such as yogurt, rice, and sweets made from nuts, honey, and sesame seeds.

In 197 B.C. , when Rome invaded Greece, the Romans brought with them foods that are typical in Italy today including pasta and sauces.

Arab influences have left their mark in the southern part of Greece. Spices such as cumin, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves play a prominent role in the diet of these regions.

Strong culinary influences have also come from the Ottoman Empire. So dishes like tzatziki, pilafi, dolmades, imam baildi and sweets such as loukouli and baklava are familiar to both of us.

Greek cuisine and Christmas Christmas is not the biggest holiday of the year in

Greece (it's Easter), but it is an occasion to enjoy a traditional "holiday table" with friends and family. Preparing a "holiday table" means a soup, two or three main meat dishes, several salads, a couple of side dishes, lots of bread, cheeses, and of course, wine.

Pork is a traditional meat at the Christmas meal, as well chicken and rice soup. Sometimes we also make stuffed turkey or chicken.

Melomakarona (spiced honey cookies with walnuts) and kourambiedes (butter cookies with icing sugar and almonds) are the traditional Christmas sweets.

Greek cuisine and Easter Easter is the most important religious celebration

in the Greek Orthodox faith. Preparations and customs remain some of the most traditional in modern Greek life. Traditional foods of the day are:

Mayiritsa: Traditional Greek Easter Soup Lamb or kid: spit-roasted or oven-roasted Red eggs Tsoureki Paschalino: sweet Easter bread. Kokoretsi: hearts, lungs, liver and kidneysOf lamb wrapped around intestines and

seasoned with salt, pepper and oregano.

Eat Greek get noisy It's hard to imagine a Greek meal without noise. When

families and friends sit down to eat, the decibel level goes up. Meals are social occasions, and foods are often shared by all at the table. After all, the Greek word “symposium” literally means “drinking with friends”.

To those unfamiliar with traditional Greek meals, the sights and sounds of people talking, clinking glasses, and reaching across the table from all different directions can be alarming, but it is this traditional Greek way of serving and eating food that turns everyday meals into celebrations of tastes and people.

Greek food is simple and elegant, fresh and timeless, nutritious and healthy. Preparing and enjoying Greek food is an adventurous journey into the cradle of civilization. and the land of the Gods of Olympus. Discovering, tasting, experiencing Greek food: truly one of the joys we can all share.

Sites consultedhttp://www.visitgreece.gr/en/gastronomygreekfood.about.com/http://www.foodbycountry.com/Germany-to-Japan/Greece.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_cuisinehttp://ezinearticles.com/?5-Distinguishing-Characteristics-of-Greek-Cuisine&id=7280568