PELOPONNESE CUISINE: DISCOVER THE BEST PELOPONNESE PRODUCTS

Authentic Greek Flavours from every corner of the Peloponnese

The Peloponnese region of Greece is a culinary goldmine, as its rich culinary history and rich ecosystem offer diverse gastronomic delights. From endless olive groves to sunny coastlines, this famous Greek region offers high-quality, traditional foods that capture the essence of Greek cuisine. Explore the Peloponnese products and bring Greece to your table.

Peloponnese products you must try

The Peloponnese region produces many healthy agricultural products, which are shipped and delivered all around the world on a daily basis. Some of the most popular products are:

1. Feta Cheese: A dairy product so rich in calcium, protein and essential vitamins, that it should definitely become a part of your healthy diet. The Peloponnese is perhaps the most famous feta-producing region of Greece, as one can find all types of feta cheeses, from soft and buttery to hard textures and tangy flavors. The PDO, 100% authentic feta is exclusively made from 70% sheep’s milk and max 30% goat’s milk. Some of the feta's that people love to add in their traditional pies, like spanakotiropita, or the typical Greek salads, are the premium ones that are aged in wooden barrels from Pyrgos, Erymanthos, Kalavryta and Vytina. Barrel aged feta's are a unique kind of feta, as they mature in wooden oak barrels for many months, in order to gain that earthy flavor, extra "spicy" aftertaste and sturdy texture.
2. Kalamata Olives: The history of the olive tree begins 7000 years ago and is intertwined with the daily life and habits of the Mediterranean people. Olive trees thrive in countries like Greece, and especially in the Peloponnese area, because of the close proximity to the Mediterranean sea, the sun and the extremely drought-resistant soils that allow those trees to grow and bear fruit at the age of 7. Produced from the ancient Koroneiki variety, these olives have an oval shape with shades of brown, and a crunchy, bitter taste. The Greeks still use the traditional way of preparing the olives by curing them in brine for at least three months. Though a lengthy process, it is the best way to ensure that the fruit keeps its many nutritional qualities, like magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.
3. Handmade Pasta: There is a twist when it comes to pasta from the Peloponnese, as they are mostly made from wheat semolina, and have a high nutritional value, while remaining low in calories and fat content, compared to other types of pasta. One of the most traditional pasta of Greece is Kritharaki Manestra, which can be perfectly combined with beef and tomato sauce to make giouvetsi. Trahanas is also beloved by the Greeks, especially during the cold winter days. Its rich and full content makes for a small yet satisfying meal. For more unique looking plates, we suggest the Large Chilopites, made with flour, eggs, water or sheep's milk, olive oil and salt. The dough is cut in stripes or small rectangles, dried under the Mediterranean sun and then stored away for consumption. They go well with every dish, from chicken with myzithra cheese to feta with olive oil. The recipes are endless when using Peloponnese pasta!
4. Citrus Fruits: When visiting Laconia, Arta and Achaia, one will immediately notice the endless acres of citrus trees that primarily grow oranges, lemons and bergamot. These citrus fruits get their unique, sweet taste from the fertile land of the Peloponnese, which give your meals that extra flavor or can be consumed as a freshly squeezed juice to start the day.

The Local Wines

Greek wines are to be found in every restaurant and taverna across the country. Especially in the Peloponnese, some wines have received lots of praise due to their unique taste and history:

• Retsina: Corinth produces the white retsina, a type of wine that gets in contact with pine resin, which results in a bolder, stronger flavor that cannot be compared to the classic wine. 
• Mavrodaphne: The Mavrodaphne grape is mostly found in Patra, and the grapes are dark-skinned, highly aromatic and strong in flavor. This high in alcohol wine is paired best with sweets and desserts due to its medium to high acidity.
• Classic Red Wine: The best wines are those that can be easily paired with multiple and complex dishes. Therefore, wines like Red Nemea PDO with their dominant aromas of cinnamon, cloves, pepper and licorice spices, combined with cherry and dried plum notes, will enhance the culinary experience of any wine lover.

One does not have to go far to enjoy the Peloponnese cuisine and benefit from its multiple health benefits. Greek Flavours has compiled a list of the best Peloponnese products and food for you to enjoy and be able to dream of the Mediterranean lifestyle.