The Cretan diet : Tradition and taste from the Mediterranean
The genuine traditional Cretan diet has been researched in depth and results indicate that it is, indeed, the healthiest diet in the world! The island of Crete is the only place on earth where one can find all the elements of the Mediterranean diet together. The traditional Cretan cuisine is based on the consumption of cereals, dried fruits and nuts, wild greens, herbs, dairy products, honey, fruits, vegetables, pulses and beans and, of course, wine, while the presence of meat on the table is relatively rare due to the long periods of fasting. The main ingredient of the Cretan diet is none other than the miraculous virgin olive oil.
Olive Oil
It is nowadays believed that olive oil is the biggest secret of the Cretan diet, as well as, of the longevity of the locals. The quality of the Cretan olive oil is known across the world since it is produced with natural means without any additives. It is the most tasty and the lightest olive oil produced in the world, sourced and bottled with great care and absolute respect to the product itself and to the consumer.
Wine
Winery in Crete dates back to the ages when the Minoans produced their own wine well before 1600 BC. During the Roman Era, Crete was known for its sweet wine that was exported to Italy. In the Middle Ages, from the 14th to the 16th century the wines vino di Candia and Crete were much appreciated in Western and Northern Europe.
Dairy products
The consumption of dairy products in Crete is the largest in a world scale! Delicious tastes such as the cheeses of “graviera”, “kefalotiri”, sweet or sour “mizithra” and other fresh dairy products. Cheese plays the protagonist role in the Cretan diet as a valuable source of calcium and saturated fats, but without causing the elevation of cholesterol levels probably because the dietary combinations in the overall Cretan diet present the perfect balance.
Honey
Crete has been unstoppably producing its own honey since the prehistoric years. In the passing of the ages, perhaps the cell structure has greatly improved but everything else remains unchanged and pure. The bees, the herbs, the environment. The locally sourced honey eliminates bacteria and viruses, it strengthens the circulatory system, the heart and nerves. It solidifies the body's defenses against infections and other diseases and it relieves from stress and intense pressure and anxiety.
Herbs
The island presents the widest selection of wild herbs and spices across Europe which are greatly used in cooking for extra added flavor, aromas and variety for the daily dishes. Herbs such as oregano, thyme and marjoram are used frequently. Most of the herbs are used for making tea varieties. The Cretan dictamus tea is very popular but most people prefer a drink of chamomile, lemongrass and basil.
Dried fruits and nuts
Raisins are very much appreciated for their high levels of concentration in vitamins Α, Β1, Β2, Β3, Β6 among other, but all of the dried nuts constitute a favorite source of tastiness for the Cretans. Rich in linoleic and linolenic acid they are highly essential for cell functioning and a true shield for the smooth beating of the heart. Nuts sourced from trees in Crete, are self grown without special cultivation processes!
Fruit
The Cretans consume large doses of fruits on a daily basis as the island presents a wealthy production of fruit of all kinds. From the tropical bananas from Arvi, to the Chania avocado, the figs and dates from the island’s southern valleys and the vast cultivation of all types of citrus trees in the area of Maleme to the watermelons from Messara and the sweet grapes of the area of Arhanon.
Vegetables
Another significant feature of the Cretan diet is the consumption of large quantities of fresh vegetables and herbal products, where according to statistics, the inhabitants of the island eat three times more vegetables compared to other Europeans! This, too, is a great part of their secret to a healthy lifestyle. This significant dietary habit gives Cretans large quantities in fibers, vitamins and other important nutrients.
Cereals
Last but not least, the consumption of a variety of cereals which are naturally sourced without any traces of additives play a vital role to the longevity of the Cretans. The Cretan crisp bread called ‘dakos’ has become worldwide known and usually substitutes the consumption of bread.
“Kali orexi”....
