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Local Culture & Gastronomy – Page 5 – Experience the island of Crete in Greece

Category: Local Culture & Gastronomy

  • THE CRETAN DIET:                   A Delicious Part of Greek Gastronomy

    THE CRETAN DIET: A Delicious Part of Greek Gastronomy

    There is a lot to say on the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Cretan olive oil is among the best on the planet. Cretans consume a lot of it, along with lots of homegrown fruits and vegetables. The island’s unique biodiversity and special climatic conditions make it ideal for agriculture and myriad native wild herbs and greens. For example, there are the horta, edible greens (lapatha, seskoula, kafkalithres, mironia etc.), which make for scrumptious pies (hortopitakia). According to scientific studies also have an exceptionally high nutritional value, with plenty of micronutrients (i.e. vitamins and minerals).

    Healthy diet

    Milokopi fish with Stamnagkathi

    Locally sourced ingredients, unfussy cooking, and generations of time-tested culinary traditions add up to the healthiest of all the Mediterranean diets. According to Stefanos Pertsemlides, a leading Greek nutritionist, “the Cretan diet doesn’t differentiate much from the Greek/Mediterranean diet. In fact, the term ‘Mediterranean diet’ is based on the Cretan diet of the early 1950s. A very important study revealed the Cretan diet is a protective factor against cancer and cardiovascular diseases.” He adds that what differentiates Cretan cooking from that of the rest of Greece is that “most of the other areas in Greece do not have the variety of ingredients that Crete has. This is quite unique—especially for an island.”

    Olive Oil

    The Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Crete is one of the highest quality extra virgin olive oils in the world, being Crete one of the most important producers.
    Photo: Gabi Ancarolla

    A vast and varied coastline, largely untouched mountain ranges and fertile plains too, provide a solid backdrop for Crete’s agricultural bounty, of which olive oil has played a central role stretching back 3,500 years. Minoan palace ruins at Zakros even feature olive harvest frescoes! With 35 million olive trees, Crete produces a third of all the olive oil in Greece and ninety percent of it is extra virgin. This is a land with rugged contours and good soil. Consequently, it’s no wonder that some 18 Cretan agricultural products and at least a dozen wines have been awarded PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status. As Pertsemlides points out, “Crete has such a variety of high-quality ingredients (meat, fish, vegetables, olive oil, fruits, and herbs) that there is no need to import.”

    Cretan Cuisine

    “Antikristo”
    Anogia, Mitato Xilouri

    The cuisine and fresh food traditions of Crete are both distinct from and yet form an integral part of the whole Greek gastronomic picture. “As in most areas of Greece, the Cretan diet has specific characteristics,” Perstemlides says, “such as the wedding food gamopilafo, (the wedding risotto) or the traditional antikristo (“across the fire”) method of cooking lamb and goat meat.” And whether it is at Legacy Gastro Suites’ casual-gourmet EL43 or in the comfort of your suite, what you’ll taste here is truly a mosaic of Greek and Cretan foods and flavors. With that in mind, here is a short primer on some food items familiar in Crete:

    Cretan honey is the product of bees collecting nectar from pine and acacia trees, as well as herbs like thyme, ironwort (Cretan mountain tea), oregano, sage, and heather. In addition to its many uses in the Cretan kitchen, honey has medicinal properties as well as natural remedies.

    Other edible Cretan wild herbs include dittany, sage, and pennyroyal. Why not try some of Crete’s organic baby artichokes and askordoulaki (tassel hyacinth bulbs)? They are pickled in olive oil, salt, and vinegar mixture. Locals serve it as meze (small plates) to accompany raki.

    Local recipes

    Kapriko is slow-roasted pork with delectably crispy skin, while apaki and siglino are gourmet smoke-cured cuts of pork. Skioufikta is a tube-shaped pasta, cooked in a meat broth, topped with grated dry anthotyro cheese. Another Cretan pasta, Xinohondros made of chopped tomatoes and soft farm cheese drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. A less common kind of rusk, eftazima, is cracked bulgur wheat and fermented milk. Zucchini flowers stuffed with rice and herbs are called anthi and are quite popular.

    The cheese spread called Xygalo is made from goat’s and/or sheep’s milk, is low in fat and is a bit sour to the taste. Speaking of Cretan cheeses, they often find their way into traditional pie recipes that can be sweet or savory (salted); you’ll see names for these like kaltsounia, mizithra, sfakianes, lichnarakia, and others. Cretan graviera and three other kinds of cheese have been awarded PDO designation.

    The traditional hard Cretan bread rusks, made from barley and called dakos, are served as an appetizer. Snails, or hohli, are a much-treasured Cretan delicacy and you taste them fried up with vinegar and rosemary (a dish called boubouristi) you’ll understand why for yourself.

    Cretans also like to nibble on dried figs, carob, and currants, all both healthy and tasty, and exported in significant quantities.  And let’s not forget about organically grown fruits like oranges, grapes, apples from the Lassithi Plateau, sweet cherries from Gerakari and bananas from Arvi. And then, of course, we could talk about Crete’s amazing wines … some of which we definitely recommend you try during your stay at Legacy Gastro Suites!

    Author Anthoine de Grand

  • Celebrating the Holidays in Crete

    Celebrating the Holidays in Crete

    December is one of the quieter months to visit Crete. Orange and lemon groves blossom adding a touch of color to the landscape. The island is not as packed with tourists as it is during the summer season, leading to a rather relaxed atmosphere. The island’s mild weather combined with the authentic atmosphere still surviving in this corner of Greece, have turned Crete into the main alternative for those looking for an escape during Merry Season. Here are some ideas for those celebrating the holidays in Crete.

     

    Festive Dinner at Brillant Restaurant.
    Festive Dinner at Brillant Restaurant.

    Christmas’ Eve Dinner

    Those who choose to spend Christmas’ Eve in Crete can opt for a refined dinner. Our Lato Boutique Hotel, in the center of Heraklion, is presenting a dedicated Christmas Dinner at Brillant. A gala made of unique Greek dishes (like pork ribs marinated in lavender & potatoes with thyme) made from the best local ingredients. The venue will feature the live music of Julie Naoum  giving an exciting kick-off to the festive nights. Kids can count on a special menu for them too. Here it is possible to book and take a look at the gourmet proposal.

    Our 626 All Day Longe and City Garden, in the premises of the Olive Green Hotel, also celebrates Christmas’ Eve with live saxophone and enchanting traditional dishes such as lamb and crispy bourekakia, and the best Christmas signature cocktails in town! You can check out the menu and book a table here.

    Those guests booking the special Christmas package can also take advantage of a free room upgrade, free late checkout, free brunch and more!

    Music evenings in heraklion
    Olive Green Hotel.

    On Christmas’ Day

    One would usually realize Christmas is approaching in Crete quite late during December. The holiday is celebrated with songs all around the paved neighborhoods of the historical center and events occurring all day long on the streets and cafes! Visits to smaller towns and mountain villages can reserve surprises such as life-size nativity. Wonderfully decorated boats are also typical of the season.

    Renting a car and traveling to small hamlets close to bigger towns will allow visitors to discover a side to the Christmas season that has sadly been lost elsewhere.

    New Year’s Celebrations

    Locals are well-known for the joyful celebrations of New Year all over the island. Greeks exchange presents around New Year’s Day, according to the tradition. This makes it one of the most special nights of the year, both for adults and kids!.

    As a matter of fact, Saint Basil (the Greek Santa Claus), visits every Cretan household on New Year’s Eve. However, the fun does not start there. Since very early in the morning, kids from every corner of the island go around their neighborhoods singing the local carols (known as Kalanda) and getting coins or home-made sweets as a treat.

    New Year’s Eve is a lucky day for Greeks. Don’t be surprised to find locals playing cards in bars, as well as very busy betting shops.

    Dinner with family and friends is also part of the feast. If you visit the island during this special moment of the year, you cannot miss the outdoors music events, the colorfully decorated streets of the capital nor a dinner in style.

    Music evenings in 626 All Day City Lounge and Garden.
    626 All Day Lounge and City Garden.

    For a sophisticated evening, guests can enjoy the music of Julie Naoum in the unique atmosphere of Brillant. For a charming experience, piano and guitar will animate the evening in the 626 All Day City Lounge and Garden. Both venues present exclusively dedicated menus for adults as well as for children.

    The Weather on the Island

    Temperatures are of course lower during December, and usually rainfall increases, however, sunshine still dominates the local weather. The sea temperatures are cooler now but some people still swim each day throughout December.

    Very pleasant temperatures allow for walks on the imposing Venetian walls surrounding the old city of Heraklion and from the Venetian fortress to the lighthouse, just with a light jacket instead of heavy winter wear.

     

    Shopping and Other Activities

    During the holidays, shops in every town extend their opening hours even to Sundays. This makes it easy to get the last minute present almost anywhere on the island.

    For those who prefer cultural activities instead of shopping, museums and cultural venues are also a great alternative in December.

    The capital, Heraklion, but also other cities, boast incredible archaeological museums. with unique pieces of Minoan history. Most museums are open during the season, except -of course – on the actual Christmas and New Year’s days.

  • Christmas Traditions from Greece

    Christmas Traditions from Greece

    Christmas Traditions from Greece

    The festive spirit of the holidays is very much alive in a country with strong religious traditions and a deep sense of family such as Greece. Christmas is one of the most heartfelt celebrations in the Orthodox year and, of course, Christmas Traditions from Greece are nothing but unique to the local Christmas experience.

     

    Christmas Traditions from Greece
    Christmas Traditions from Greece (Heraklion, Crete).

     

    Christmas Traditions from Greece
    Legacy Gastro Suites.

    The Christmas Boat

    Maybe one of the most important symbols in Greek Christmas remains the karavaki. This is a small boat has lights as the main decoration. And is normally in the main square of any town or village. The more international and better-known Christmas tree has also been adopted by locals, but the little boat tradition remains pretty much alive.

    This boat is related to the traditions of a country which has always maintained a unique relationship with the sea. As a matter of fact, the Christmas boat is the most beloved ornament of the season on many islands. 

    Christmas Traditions from Greece
    To Karavaki, Greek Christmas Traditions

    The Kallikantzaroi and the Twelve Days of Christmas

    The universal myth of evil spirits also has its own Greek version. This tells us that there is a tree which connects our world to a darker underworld beneath us. These evil spirits, locally known as kallikantzaroi, spend the year under that tree. They try to saw their way to reach our world.

     

    Christmas Traditions from Greece
    Olive Green Hotel.

    And these evil elves manage to succeed during the Twelve Days of Christmas (from December 25 to January 6) since Jesus Christ has not been baptized yet.

    The legend tells us that the spirits wander freely. They also create distress and people manage to keep them away by burning wood.

    Sometimes people even burn old shoes in their fireplace.

    Greek Santa: Saint Basil

    Christmas Traditions from Greece
    626 All Day Lounge and City Garden.

    Santa Claus is not Saint Nicholas in Greece. It is known, instead, as Saint Basil, (Agios Vasilis). This saint does not deliver his presents on the Christmas morning but visits the Greek households a week later. In fact, it is on New Year’s Day that the Greeks traditionally exchange their presents.

    There is a traditional dish related to the arrival of Saint Basil. Vasilopita is a sweet cake that moms cook for the first day of the year which would hide a coin inside. The lucky one receiving the portion with the coin is believed to start the year with a touch of fortune.

     

    Christmas Traditions from Greece at the Table 

    A table gathering family and friends could not be missing as a key part of local celebrations. Being food an important cultural trait, dishes have gone from generation to generation. Now they are classics of any Greek holiday dinner.

    No dinner can start better than with a selection of sauces and soups from different areas of the country. From the rustic skordalia, a sauce made of potatoes and garlic to the more traditional avgolemono chicken soup.

    Christmas Traditions from Greece
    Brillant Restaurant.

    Lamb is the favorite meat to for Christmas on Greece, and in Crete especially. A roasted lamb that has spent over 6 hours in the oven, absorbing the mountain aromas of thyme, rosemary, and oregano is a delicacy that cannot miss on any Christmas table.

     

    Greek Christmas Cookies

    This classic duo of the Christmas traditions from Greece is among the favorite treats both for locals and travelers. Kouriabiedes and Melomakarona are part of any Christmas menu and add a sweet taste to the end of any meal.

    Christmas Traditions from Greece
    Kourabiedes

    Kouriabiedes are a variety of shortbread cookies. They are rather soft and have a layer of confectioners sugar. Melomakarona, instead, has from olive oil and honey among the main ingredients. Sometimes it also contains cinnamon. These two biscuits can be great if accompanied by krasomelo, the local mulled wine, or even better, with rakomelo a strong spirit made from Cretan raki, with added honey and spices.

     

    Celebrate with Family and Friends

    Christmas Traditions from GreeceTo spend a wonderful Christmas Eve, nothing better than a festive table in the company of our loved ones. Make it a romantic Christmas dinner for two, in the most refined environment, such as our Brillant, you can check our proposals in this link. Or go for a more relaxed gathering with friends, maybe sharing a table in the trendy 626 All Day Lounge and City Garden. Here you can take a look at the festive menu.

    Both venues have their special festive menu as well as a dedicated proposal for children. Book a table with us for this Christmas season, avoid the stress of cooking and enjoy the special atmosphere of Christmas on the Greek island of Crete.


    Merry Christmas… or, as we say in Greece, Kαλά Χριστούγεννα!

  • Crete in October is Rakokazana

    Crete in October is Rakokazana

    Crete in October is Rakokazana

    Every year, from the end of October and until December, a custom takes place on the island of Crete. It is a joyful occasion full of grapes, aromas of raki and local dishes seasoned with traditional music and dancing. Crete in October is Rakokazana, this period, also known as kazanema (raki boiling), sees locals producing the Cretan spirit raki, or tsikoudia by the distillation of grapes, more precisely pressed strafyla (pomace) initially used for the production of wine.

    Crete in October is Rakokazana. Raki flowing from the cauldron, Heraklion. (Photo by Gabi Ancarola)
    Crete in October is Rakokazana. Raki flowing from the cauldron, Heraklion. (Photo by Gabi Ancarola)

    Origins of Raki

    Originally named Tsikoudia, during the Turkish occupation of Crete, tsikoudia became known as raki. Cretans use both names, but the raki now served in Turkey has a different taste than the Cretan spirit.

    Pomace fermentation (Photo by Gabi Ancarola).

    Rakokazana represents ritual naturally belonging to the Cretan culture. Cretan raki is more than a spirit. It is a synonym of the island and its people. The ritual involving the moment of sharing a glass of raki also stands for friendship and hospitality. Raki is the essence of Crete and its culture.

    Back in the 1920s, Greek Prime Minister, the Cretan Eleftherios Venizelos instituted the custom of distilleries. Farmers received special permits or licenses to distill raki and get an extra income. There is at least one inhabitant in every village with a license to produce the drink.

    Any Cretan welcome always includes a glass of raki, you can experience this greeting when staying in the Olive Green Hotel. There is always a bottle of raki on the table when Cretans have long conversations in traditional tavernas.

    Distillation of Cretan Raki

    Raki distillation is a process following an ancient method, part of the Cretan tradition. The crushed leftovers of grapes ferment for more than forty days in barrels. After fermentation, the pomace boils in special cauldrons while locals gather to enjoy local food and to sing mantinades. Music, dance, and joy mark the celebration of the new and fresh raki.

    Raki cauldron, Heraklion.
    Raki cauldron, Heraklion. (Photo by Gabi Ancarola)

    Almost every Cretan village has a cauldron to produce raki. Producers put the pomace in the cauldron with water and light a fire to make it simmer. The fire should not be too strong so as not to burn the pomace. Yet a fire that is too low is neither enough. There must be a balance in the intensity of flames. A pipe goes out of the boiler and it is usually externally cooled, in that way the steam turns into the liquid that becomes tsikoudia.

    After a while, one drop after another, raki begins to flow. Protoraki (the first raki) is the first distillate and it is extremely strong. But balance, again, is the key to reach a characteristic taste and intensity.

    Visit and Join a Rakokazana

    Raki, part of the welcome experience in a room of our Olive Green Hotel.
    Raki, rusks and olive oil, part of the welcome experience in a room of our Olive Green Hotel.

    Visitors to the island can witness the production of one of Crete’s most popular products. And also experience the traditional festivity. Besides tasting and receiving their own raki, when attending a rakokazana, guests will eat, dance, and socialize while sipping raki!

    So what are you waiting for to visit Crete during the rakokazana? Join us for a toast at the joyful shout of Gia Mas (Γεια μας!), “for your health”, the Greek way to say cheers.

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Crete

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Crete

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Crete

    Have you ever wanted to taste olive oil coming directly from the press? Have you ever wondered how many different olive varieties exist? And which ones are better for extra virgin olive oil production? The Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Crete is one of the highest quality extra virgin olive oils in the world, and Crete the most important island for the industry.

     

    History of Olive Oil

    The Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Crete is one of the highest quality extra virgin olive oils in the world, being Crete one of the most important producers.According to archaeologists, the true origins of the olive tree go back in time as long as 60,000 years. The oldest equipment for storing olive oil dates back to 3,500 BC. It was found on Crete which suggests that it is there where everything started.

    Olives have always been important for their nutritional value. In old times, both the oil and the wood served fuel, building material and more. The crushed olives remaining after the pressing were most likely food for the domestic animals.

    Iconic tree

    The Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Crete is one of the highest quality extra virgin olive oils in the world, being Crete one of the most important producers.Olive trees are such precious trees that they naturally turned into an icon. In Ancient Greece, it was common to make offerings of olives to the Gods. Also, a wreath of olive twigs was a present for athletes competing in the Olympic Games. 

    There is a widely spread religious tradition of respect and worship of olive trees. Olive oil is a key element in burial ceremonies, baptisms, harvest festivals.  In Greece, sailors sprinkle the oil on stormy seas and newborns still receive a new olive tree as a gift.

    Olive Oil in Greece

    The production of olive oil in Greece is currently based on small farms. There are 17 Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) regions, each producing olive oil with distinct characteristics. Greece holds the world’s highest annual consumption: About 32 pounds per year. Besides, Greece is the world’s largest exporter of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

    The Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Crete is one of the highest quality extra virgin olive oils in the world, being Crete one of the most important producers. Olive Tree on CreteA superior quality and excellent organoleptic properties grant an unparalleled taste and aroma. These have further increased Greek exports thanks to the increasing importance of the Mediterranean diet. Consumers all over the world have learned value olive oil and the unique virtues of Greek olive oil.

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Crete

    Crete is the second national producer of EVOO with 30% of the national production. Endless fields of olive trees have naturally led to the registration of 9 PDO regions. Being Koroneiki the most predominant variety, while some other local varieties, such as Tsounati, Throumbalia, and Hondrolia. Each of them accounts for the distinct flavor of every region.

    This all-natural food is the single most important element of the world-famous Cretan diet. Extra virgin olive oil from Crete is abundant in monounsaturated fats, vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients of exceptional value. Cretan olive oil is associated with longevity and overall health.

    The Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Crete is one of the highest quality extra virgin olive oils in the world, being Crete one of the most important producers. Olive Tree on CreteOlive oil is not just another ingredient of the island’s diet. It is probably one of the most important elements of the local culture. Cretans consume olive oil in any possible way. They pour it on toasted bread for a snack, but also fry, cook, roast, and to condiment breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The population also use it medicinal and cosmetic purposes, to soothe or moisturize both skin and hair.

    A perfect balance in terms of flavor, aroma, color, and acidity level give value to extra virgin olive oil. In fact, its delicate consistency makes it perfect for dressings as well as for cooking.

    Olive Oil Tourism

    The Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Crete is one of the highest quality extra virgin olive oils in the world, being Crete one of the most important producers. Olive Tree on CreteHigh-quality extra virgin olive oil is present in the kitchens of local hotels such as Karatarakis hotels & its restaurants. Especially the guests of the Olive Green Hotel are eager to learn more about Crete’s green gold as the hotel is named after it and its concept and policy is built on the protection & preservation of nature.

    It is possible to visit local producers to sample the varieties, but also to witness the process of production, from the harvest to the mill. If you are staying in one of our hotels, we will be happy to arrange a visit to one of these family factories producing one of the best Extra Virgin Olive Oils from Crete.