Each culture of the world is characterized by special traditions, and this can be said about Greece. This is due to two factors, that is, the history of the country and its geographical location. The country is located on the sea coast, where mountain terrain, that’s just the dishes of the Greek people living on mainland, varies greatly with the cuisine of the islands. After all, exactly there the sea was able to influence the Greek culture.
Greek traditions
The formation of the main traditions of local cuisine was spent a tremendous amount of time over three millennia. All this time she continued to incorporate traditions inherent in many others peoples who once came to the lands of Greece for the implementation of hostilities or, for peaceful purposes.
True, the cuisine of local peoples did not stand in one place, but continued her journey throughout the Mediterranean and eastern countries. She was also scattered all over the globe, where they always exchanged culinary secrets with representatives other nations. Despite the fact that in Greek cuisine appeared various innovations, she still kept her traditions, that appeared back in the period of the origin of mankind. These modern inhabitants try to keep culinary features Greece.
Food is a tribute to tradition
The Greeks always considered the meal something more than just a welcome food. Often, only at the dining tables begins the most active life of the greek people. Not only the whole party is invited to the table family, but also all my friends, so that together for a few hours forget about business and trouble.
At this time, they actively communicate and enjoy their vacation, as well as favorite treats. It’s important to clarify that the duration Greek meals can not be less than one hour. Such a tradition was known back in the days of Plato or Homer, which generous feasts, as well as gourmet dishes and the drinks. In past centuries, such a meal was often decided political fate and ruled the history of the world.
Greek cuisine is very simple
Now you need to understand in more detail the concept of Greek cuisine, which, in fact, is quite simple. This land cannot be considered very generous, therefore residents are able to appreciate all the herbs and fruits for which you will always find your own application. For example, with the help of mountain herbs that differ in their delicate taste, you can perfectly complement various dishes that, certainly will please the soul and stomach.
Everything that is grown in Greece is always served in fresh, and to a greater extent this applies to vegetables. They always occupied a special place in Greek cuisine, as their constantly served at every meal. It could be simple salad or as a side dish to some dish. Greek people consumes a huge amount of vegetables, which far exceeds indicators of other European countries.
The most important fruit crop in Greece is called olives, but Eggplants are considered their favorite vegetable. Without such an ingredient Greeks do not cook casseroles and various salads. In addition, they can just put it out, bake or stuff. Greeks do not represent their dishes without tomato, beans, artichokes and carrots. No less popular are grape leaves stuffed with certain foods. As for your favorite spices and spices, then the local population prefers onions, celery, garlic and cinnamon.
Seafood is an important component
Everyone knows that Greece is located on the coast, which can be seen from any part of the island. Thanks to such geographical features, Greek cuisine has enormous amount of different seafood. For example, eel, mullet, swordfish, squid, octopus, mussels, shrimp, lobster, and cuttlefish many other seafood. In order to taste a fish dish, you should visit one of the taverns, which are located directly on sea coast.
The most popular types of meat are lamb and pork, and the latter is eaten a little less. This is due to the fact that under the Turkish government, the entire menu of national cuisine is practically completely lost such a product as pork. Greeks also prefer only chicken meat from poultry. Any traditional meat dish consists of chopped or chopped meat. This is due to the fact that before the country was not refrigerators, so the Greeks chopped meat, which allowed them to as soon as possible to bring it to a ready state.
Most of the national Greek dishes are cooked with adding olive oil. In the role of seasoning is also very common favors fresh lemon juice.
The Greek people are famous for their excellent cheeses, and their love for such a product was able to get around even the inhabitants of France. Each Greek eats more than 20 kg of cheese each year, and this figure is the highest in all European countries. Usually local producers independently provide the population with cheese, and they have already managed to create about 20 types of product.
But the most popular types of cheese are kefalotiri and feta, which are available in all restaurants country. Feta is made from sheep’s milk and has a white color, but tastes is salty. Kefalotiri is characterized by a white-yellow color and attribute such a variety to semi-hard cheeses. To other less famous cheese can be attributed to manuri, engraving, digging, and so on. Further.
Kitchen Features
Greek people drink large quantities of coffee, but almost completely refused tea. Greeks, of course, can drink tea, but it is significantly different from what is considered familiar to the whole world. 1974 is tragic for everything the population of the island of Cyprus, since it was at this time that the Turks staged massacre of local residents. As a result, began spread ” Greek coffee ”, or rather, just The name of the famous Turkish variety has changed. With coffee always consume various sweets, which the country knows a lot quantity, as well as a glass of plain water.
Local residents especially respect bread with water. Their It is customary to serve with each meal. Most important thing is bread always was only fresh, and for each dish they came up with their own suitable varieties of such a product. Greeks perceive water as a symbol of hospitality, so it is served immediately when meeting new guests. For this reason, in any public institution Greece, anyone can just ask for a glass of water and they will not take money for it.
For each meal, plates of small sizes that are distinguished by their color scheme.
All Greeks consider wine the dominant product of every meal. food, but this tradition has gone since ancient times. For production This drink uses only those grape varieties that grown in the country. Greek wine has become popular on the whole world thanks to a rich assortment. Traditional recina called white wine, which is not recommended to withstand a long time. Of the red wines known varieties that differ rich taste and rich color. One of varieties of Greek vodka tsipuro, with which you can perfectly enrich the whole meal.
A classic sweet offered not only in rural locality, but also in large cities, consider jam. As seasonal fruits consider cherry, peaches, quince, chestnut fruits and oranges. To preserve their special taste and quality granulated sugar is used.
All Greek culinary specialists in every corner of the country are trying to reveal the taste of all products with which it is possible to maintain unique national traditions.
