Guide To Greek Food And Wine

The world boasts of diversity, and that is what makes life beautiful and interesting. We each have our own nationality, language, culture heritage and foods music and customs which are instantly recognizable. For the Greeks, what makes them distinct is their long-standing love affair with food and wine, a practice they have inherited from their ancestors. Still, in olden times, food was not only just for consumption and nutrition. It was often used as sacrifice during special events, and is eaten after the ceremony. Foods that were believed to be unsatisfactory to the gods were immediately rejected. These days, much of Greek cuisine and food practices are still based on ancient traditions. Different interpretations of Greek cookery is currently enjoyed by many, particularly since more people are now aware about Greek food, a phenomenon that was launched due to the ever-increasing fame of Greece as a tourist destination and the growing trend of using gastronomy to market a destination. So, if you want to know more about Greek wine and foods, here are some delightful fares that you can hopefully try out.

Most Greek cooking uses top quality ingredients like olive oil, fresh seasonal vegetables and meats, such as lamb. The unique gastronomy of Greece is known for being fresh and full of flavor, making use of high quality meats and seasonal vegetables, and being infused with just the right amount of spices. As with other societies, the Greeks hold that good food have the power to cure ordinary illnesses. This dish is often prepared for those who want to keep colds at bay, or for persons who may have the sniffles. Most Greeks also have a sweet tooth. A Greek celebration is not so without the proper dessert and an element that is always present during events is the Loukoumades, or traditional honey puffs. These mouthwatering sweets may be topped with honey, cinnamon or sugar. Native to Greece is the Baklava, a sweet dessert which often makes use of the wafer-thin filo pastry.

The Moussaka is another very popular Greek recipe. A Greek casserole recipe, the Moussaka oftentimes makes use of eggplants, potatoes, onions, red wine and a type of meat, too. Meat is incorporated into many main Greek meals and dishes such as Souvlaki, which is similar to a skewered kebab, are favored by many Greek tourists. The Greeks love their vegetables and greens in season are often included in meals or as refreshing sides to heavy courses. An example is the Horiatiki, which accompanies many types of main preparations. Unlike the common practice in the west where lettuce is mainly used in salads, the Greeks, on the other hand, rarely do so. Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta cheese, olive oil and some seasonings are frequently used in Greek salads, which is unlike regular salads. Lettuce is not generally used in making Greek salads. Aside from fresh greens, another common side dish is pita bread. The bread is usually served with a selection of dips, such as: yoghurt, garlic and cucumber.

Wine is another major part of Greek gastronomic culture. During the ancient times, it was acknowledged as the beverage of the gods. Now, wine is a staple in Greek cuisine. Hence, it is not surprising that the wine selection in Greece is varied. There are more than 300 types of Greek wine. It ranges from white, blanc de gris, to the darker tones and richer flavors of reds all are adored in varying degrees by locals and tourists alike. The Retsina, also known as white or rose wine, is one of the most known wines in Greece. It is liked by locals but not by some tourists because the resin in it gives it a certain taste. Red wines are generally very appealing to Greeks. Two of the more preferred reds are the Brusco, a dry red house wine, and the Xinomavro or acid black wine, which is a product of northern Greece. The wine ages well and gives a spectrum of aroma and flavor. Agiorghitiko, a wine named after St. George, is popular in the Greek isles. This grape generally grows in the Peloponnese region and it has a distinct cherry taste with a tinge of spice.

Greeks are people who love the ultimate pairing of food and wine. Their gastronomic culture is full of delicious, interesting and enduring meals. Greek food is not only about filling your stomach; it is also about filling your heart and mind with the rich history and customs of this proud people. Hence, when travelling to Greece, you will become in awe, not only of its impressive architecture or powerful history, but also of its wonderful gastronomic surprises that can make an impact on all kinds of palate.