Traditional Cretan Food You Must Try

The rich and vibrant culinary heritage of the Greek island of Crete is known worldwide as one of the healthiest of all diets in history. It is celebrated for its freshness, simplicity and use of all-natural ingredients, which contribute to longevity and good health. The way Crete is geographically located results in the perfect climate, fertile soil and environmental conditions to create diverse landscapes across the island. This is way most foods are seasonal, from the local fruits and vegetables, to dairy products and olive oil. We bring the essence of Crete, which includes lasting flavors, pure ingredients, and traditional recipes, straight to your table with a delightful selection of foods and delicacies.

Cretan Products to Discover

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Produced from olive trees growing and maturing in the island’s ancient groves, the extra virgin olive oil is cold-pressed to maintain its original flavor and nutritional components. Combined with the unique Mediterranean climate, Cretan olives gain exceptional quality and a robust flavor. It is thus not surprising that the people of Crete claim that they have olive oil in their veins.
• Cretan Honey: A nutritious source of minerals, Cretan honey is a staple in many traditional recipes, like diples, loukoumades and the classic Greek yogurt. It is mainly sourced from thyme and wildflowers, which give it its distinct thick, velvety texture and golden color. This honey is not only sweet and delicious, but it is also packed with antibacterial and antifungal properties.
• Cretan Cheese: One must try Cretan cheese at least once in their lifetime, as its unique textures and flavors are like no other. TasteAtlas has even included three Cretan local cheeses in their 100 Best Cheeses in the world list. From the well-known graviera, a hard cheese with a slightly piquant flavor, to the creamy xinomizithra and soft white anthotyro cheese. Graviera cheese is in itself a diverse dairy goodness, as it can be found Smoked, Spicy, with 3 peppers, Oregano or Thyme. It can also be incorporated in pasta, like mizithra cheese in "makaronia skioufichta" and Goat or Sheep Kefalotiri in "makarounes". The combinations are endless and they can be paired with almost all Greek foods and drinks, like ouzo and red wine!
• Paximadia (Cretan Rusks): Paximadia are twice-baked barley rusks that play an integral part in the Cretan diet. They are nutritional, crouton-like snacks, with a crunchy texture. Enjoy them with olive oil, crumbly feta, oregano and tomatoes for the classic dakos, or savor them as a quick snack with your favorite dips, like tzatziki, and spreads, like olive paste.
• Organic Fruits and Vegetables: The Cretan garden is definitely a colorful one, as it grows an abundance of delicious and fresh fruits and vegetables. The most famous ones include citrus fruits, strawberries, avocados, tomatoes, watermelons, cucumbers, eggplants and wild greens. Most of these are seasonal, as Cretes stay true to the traditional farming and cultivation methods. It is a traditional Greek habit to add a dash of lemon juice to any dish, to enhance the flavor of the taste buds.
• Cretan Raki: Of course, the Cretan cuisine is not complete without its local drinks and beverages. Raki, the traditional spirit from Crete, is an unflavored grape pomace spirit, which means no anise or other herbs, with high alcohol content and a strong, dry flavor. It is not only a popular choice for those who prefer a more intense and authentic drinking experience, but it is also the beverage that is offered to welcome guests and to celebrate important events. This drink is deeply connected to its Cretan roots as it is found in almost every house on the island. It is also called tsikoudia by the locals, and it is PDO certified.

The Cretan environment creates the ideal conditions for food to grow and to be produced, and thus for human health to flourish! The diverse terrain of Crete, from mountainous areas to long coastlines, along with the creativity of the locals by mixing similar ingredients to make different food combinations, has entirely formed the Cretan dishes and dietary habits. The plant cultivation and animal herding occur in high altitudes and close to the sea, conditions that benefit their growth due to the close proximity to the sun and clean air, and to the iodine and sea minerals.

It is thus no surprise that Crete is considered the "Original Mediterranean Diet". So, why not try the Authentic Cretan Cuisine for yourself and witness its impeccable health benefits?