Monday, July 9, 2012

Greek Traditional Products







Greek salad is made with traditional Feta cheese.


Greece is famous for its Mediterranean cuisine because the warm climate makes it an ideal location to produce a range of high quality food and drink. Greek markets are abundant with home grown, locally produced traditional fare and many of these products are exported worldwide for everyone to enjoy. Eating and drinking tends to be a social occasion in Greece, and meal time can be a pleasant way to spend an afternoon or evening in the company of family or friends.


Olive Oil


The olive is a traditional, locally produced food that has cultural and historical significance for Greeks. The ancient Greeks used olives for lamp fuel and cooking. Today, Greek olives are predominantly used in the production of olive oil and Greece produces more than 430,000 tons annually. The best olive oil is the "extra virgin" variety which accounts for about 75 percent of the olive oil produced in Greece. Greek olive oil has a grassy aroma and a peppery or herbaceous, lemony taste. The Kalamata region of Greece is known to produce high quality oil because its mountainous location is favorable for growing plump olives ideal for pressing.








Feta Cheese


Cheese making has a long tradition in Greece, and feta, which is the national cheese, is Greek's most famous. Feta cheese is made from sheep or goats' milk which has rennet added to it to make it curdle. The curd is poured into molds to drain before being salted and cut into slices. The cheese is stored in barrels with salty water for two months until it is ready. Feta cheese is crumbly and white with a distinctive strong, sour flavor and salty taste. It is a common ingredient in Greek recipes including a classic Greek salad and traditional cheese pie. Feta cheese is exported all over the world.


Retsina


Retsina is a traditional white wine, produced solely in Greece where it has been made for over 3,000 years. Retsina wine is treated with pine resin and it was originally created so it could be preserved in pine barrels and shipped around the world. Retsina has a turpentine flavor. Retsina is one of the two national drinks of Greece, the other being Ouzo, a liquor flavored with anise.

Tags: Feta cheese, Greek salad, high quality, locally produced, world Retsina