Facts about Greek Foods

There are many things to learn about Greek food and Greek cuisine that sets it apart from other countries.

The history of Greece has had a great impact on traditional Greek meals, from rich affluent times to poor frugal times when beans and legumes were relied on for substance.

Certain foods, such as olives, garlic, lemons and herbs have become the main ingredients or seasonings to a lot of foods which give greek food its unique flavour.

Religion plays a large role in the lives of the people of Greece, with most of them being christian orthodox and most celebrations, festivals, foods and traditions originate from religious holidays.
There are alot of great things about Greece but food is their specialty and boy do we love it and were very thankful that we get to experience a small taste of Greece.

A Holiday in Greece !

The traditional meat at Christmas is pork or stuffed turkey or chicken with stuffing that includes ground meat.

At New Year's, it's the traditional stuffed turkey with a "dry" stuffing (often chestnut and raisin stuffing).

And there is a selection of fabulous traditional sweets during the Christmas and New Year season as well.

Easter, which is the biggest holiday in the lives of Greek Orthodox, the meat is lamb, and traditional recipes abound!

The holiday table, whenever planned, involves a pretty standard format that incorporates the traditional dishes of the day:

soup, several salads, appetizers, and dips, 2 - 3 main dishes featuring different meats cooked in different ways, 2 - 3 hot side dishes, cheeses, olives,sweets, and coffee.

Whether you plan a traditional Greek holiday table for Christmas, Easter, or other holiday or special occasion, remember to check your recipes to see what can be made ahead of time, and do some advance planning. This article about keeping the stress down at Easter applies to any holiday table.

Foods Originating from Greece.

Greece's main industry is grape wineries/wine. One other crop is olives.

To get food people fish and farm.  Most people in Greece rely on farmers to supply them with food. Usually most food is bought at a market. Feta cheese is popular among Greeks.    

Grapes and olives originated from Greece. 

Seafood, cheese,and red or white wine are also some foods we in America love to enojy that originated from Greece.

And people in America love to cook up some delicious Greek food, such as spinach pie or dolmades avgolemono (wrapped and stuffed grape leaves).

Basil, salt and pepper are some spices Greeks like. Greeks use the same utensils as Americans do[ fork, knife, and spoon.

Even through were far apart we all agree on the same foods, tastes, and flavors. YUM.

A Typical Meal in Greece

When you find yourself in the mood for a party that's just a little bit exotic, one that conjures up a dreamy, romantic, sunny place, I suggest hosting a Greek dinner party. You can't help but smile when thoughts of sun-splashed, bright white buildings and azure seas come to mind.

When you are beginning to plan your meal many of the appetizers include; olives,feta cheese chunks, hummus dip, Greek eggplant dip, pita bread wedges, stuffed grape leaves, spanakopita.

Main course dishes include;

Lamb Souvlaki with Tzatziki - Much of the work for these savory lamb, pita sandwiches can be done in advance.

Greek Orzo and Shrimp Salad - This is a satisfying accompaniment to the lamb that can also be prepared ahead of time.

An assortment of Greek wines and beer.

And after the meal, who isnt ready for dessert?

Up for grabs is baklava, who can resist this classic honey and nut Greek treat?

Meal Schedule of Greece

Breakfast is the first meal served and is usually from 7:00 to 10:00.

Lunch sometime between 12:00 to 2:00 or 3:00pm.
Dinner in is served around 7:00 to 10:00 pm.
Now if your schedule includes supper. possibly is in distinction to dinner, and most likely is some snack . People in Greece tend to have dinner late at night and it can stretch as far out as 12:00 or 1:00 am. Especially at weekends you will see restaurants packed till very late at night by people who enjoy a late meal.

Seasonings, Spices, Sauces and Herbs.

Herbs used in Greece include:

Rigani (oregano) is used a lot in Greek cooking appearing in most meat dishes, baked vegetables, sauces and of course on Greek salads. This is the most widely used herb. Among the other herbs which grow on the hillsides of the Greek mainland and the islands

Dendrolivano (rosemary) is used sparingly.
Thymari (thyme) is used in some meat dishes and for flavoring some olives as well as some of the best Greek honey.
Faskomilo (sage) can be smelled all over the mountains and is used in a tea. Diosmos (mint) is used to flavor keftedes (meatballs) and in some pies and salads.
Vassilikos (basil) which is one of my favorite herbs is actually not eaten in Greece though you will see it grown ornamentally or for good luck in gardens, apartments, rooftops, restaurants and even on boats.
Anitho (dill) is used in pitas (pies), salads and dolmadas.

Maidanos (parsley) is used as a garnish as well as in some meat and vegetable dishes.

Dafnofila (bay leaves) are used in some soups and stews. Selino is actually wild celery and is used in some stews, particularly the hirino me selino which is served in the winter.

Spices used in Greece:

Garifalo (cloves) are an important ingredient in stifado and is also used in breads and sweets.

Kumino (cumin) is used in soutzoukakia, the spicey meatballs served in tomato sauce.

Sousami (sesame seeds) are used on breads and in halva and with honey to make a sweet called pasteli.

Kanela (cinnamon) is used in many sauces and deserts and is sprinkled on apples for a desert after a big meal.

Sauces used in Greece:
Greek sauces do not dominate Greek cooking. They don't add sauces to their foods to change the taste and they don't like to cover their meat or fish in a thick, smothering sauce like ketchup or gravy!Having said that, there are a few Greek sauces that are used, some distinctly Greek, others adopted and integrated into Greek Cuisine.

Common Cooking Methods of Greece.

Greek cooking offers an incredibly rich and diverse array of foods and beverages that are the culmination of literally thousands of years of living, cooking, and eating. While each Greek meal is fresh and inviting, it is also a trip back through Greece's history. Greece is a nation of small farmers who produce an incredible array of mainly organically produced cheeses, oils, fruits, nuts, grains, legumes, and vegetables, supplemented by an array of greens and herbs that grow in the wild. The traditional diet and method of cooking food in Greece has not changed since the ancient times, the original flavours and ingredients are still used along with the crucial basic ingredient of all - olive oil.

Location and Climate of Greece.

Greece is located in Southern Europe, on the southern end of the Balkan Penninsula. The country ranges approximately in latitude from 35°00′N to 42°00′N and in longitude from 19°00′E to 28°30′E. Greece's climate is divided into three classes: A Mediterranean climate features mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Temperatures rarely reach extremes, although snowfalls do occur occasionally even in Athens, Cyclades or Crete during the winter. An alpine climate is found primarily in Western Greece. A temperate climate is found in Central and Eastern Macedonia as well as in Thrace with cold, damp winters and hot, dry summers.