Olive oil

Olive Oil

By the end of 1950's, when American nutrition experts came to Crete to investigate the causes that were responsible for the longevity of Cretans, they could not believe their eyes! "My God, how much oil do you use!," exclaimed Dr. Ancel Keys, as he was looking at a plate of green salad virtually floating in olive oil. In fact, Dr. A. Keys' observation was subsequent to similar remarks/observations made centuries earlier by travellers from other regions of the world, who were also interested in scrutinizing the daily life and habits of Cretans.  Today it is believed that the secret for a long and healthy life lies in olive oil, the principal ingredient of Cretan diet. Past and present research conducted in the USA and Europe supports the view that olive oil not only shields the human heart from diseases, but also increases the good operation of other organs or protects the human organism from a long range of diseases. For one thing, it reduces cholesterol3; it has excellent antioxidant properties and wards off all forms of cancer; in addition, it supports the operation of liver and is ideal for those people suffering from diabetes and other diseases!  The quality of Cretan and Aegean olive oil enjoys wide reputation all over the world. This is because it is not an industrial but a natural product received by crushing the olive fruit and is free from preservatives and chemical additives. It is pure, light and tasteful; in short, it is the best olive oil in the world. The olive trees are cultivated with love and care, with due respect for tradition, while the juice is packaged pure by small packaging units that respect themselves and their consumers.  Try pure olive oil instead of butter in your breakfast ... just dip country hard-bread, or a slice of whole-kernel bread in it! You may find this an excellent and tasteful alternative to your normal breakfast. Olive oil can be flavoured by mixing it in the bottle with a combination of herbs or those of your choice. www.cretan-nutricion.gr

Wine

Wine

Cretans are very well aware of the health benefits from moderate wine consumption; it is part of their culture: good wine is a perfect accompaniment to every dinner but should be taken moderately. Consumption of wine is not a solitary practice; it goes hand in hand with social events, good company and comradeship.  Modern wine industries of Crete have exploited the traditional grape varieties and the centuries old accumulated knowledge of wine-making. The oldest wine-press found on Crete, in the village of Archanes, is 3500 years old. In this sector, also, tradition is in harmony with technological progress. Cretan wine makers combine traditional ways with modern technology and marketing strategies. Qualified enologists experiment with succulent grape varieties to produces wines that are distinguished for their bouquet and taste that satisfy a wide range of consumer demands.  The Cretan "appellation d'origine" ("designation of origin") wines constitute an invaluable heritage of traditional selections absolutely harmonized with the climatic conditions of the island. Let us not forget that viniculture is a 4000 year old practice on the island of Crete.  In Greek mythology, wine was the present of a great god, Dionysus, to the people. Dionysus is the god of wine-making and merry-making, life and friendship. According to mythology, Dionysus' favourite companion was Ariadne, the daughter of Minos, king of Crete. Dionysus . . . wine . .the Minoan civilization . . .nutrition as a way of life... these are concepts intricately woven in the fabric that constitutes our culture. Areas distinguished for their wine varieties: Archanes, Peza (province of Pediada), Dafnes, Monofatsi, Province of Siteia, Province of Kydonia and Kissamos. www.cretan-nutricion.gr

Aromatic Plants

Aromatic Plants

Another important Cretan tradition. Ancient authors (e.g. Aristotle) recorded the following observation: a wild goat wounded by a hunter's arrow would try to find a certain plant, origanum dictamus L., the king of the endemic flora of Crete. As soon as the wild goat consumed this plant, the arrow would fall off the wound by itself!  In antiquity dictamus was considered a form of panacea (cure-all natural medicine).  Hippocrates, for example, recommended dictamus that facilitated labour and delivery in pregnant women. Cretan pickerf of aromatic herbs offer a wide variety of products as oregano (origanum onites), basil (ocimum basilicum L.), tilia cordata mill., marjoram (origanum majorana), thyme (thymus sibthorpil benth.), mint (mentha), rosemary (rosmarius officinalis), bay (laurus nobilis L.), camomile (matricaria chamomilla L.), sage (salvia officinalis), a.o. All these herbs have been used as medicinal plants since antiquity and numerous texts by ancient authors attribute to them excellent therapeutic properties. Many of these Cretan herbs (among them dictamus) grow on steep slopes on the island and are usually gathered by experienced people.  Today these herbs are used for tea preparations and as a condiment; they can be found in most local markets and supermarkets. The herbs are dried under natural conditions and then packaged by modern packaging units without any form of chemical processing.  www.cretan-nutricion.gr

Fruits

Fruits That which distinguishes the Cretan diet from any other type of Mediterranean diet is the significantly higher requirements for fruit consumption. It has been estimated (A. Keys, 1970 and D. Kromhout, 1989) that the average Cretan consumes four times more fruit than the average southern European and six times more than the northern European (e.g. the average Dutch).   Oranges are typical winter crops widely produced in various parts of Crete. 19th century travellers on Crete extolled their rich taste and large consumption. When oranges are in season, they are purchased in large quantities by families and are consumed raw or squeezed for juice. Oranges are particularly rich in vitamin C, while vitamin B12 is distinguished for its hematopoietic action, and vitamins A, C and E for their antioxidant properties. That which distinguishes the Cretan diet from any other type of Mediterranean diet is the significantly higher requirements for fruit consumption. It has been estimated (A. Keys, 1970 and D. Kromhout, 1989) that the average Cretan consumes four times more fruit than the average southern European and six times more than the northern European (e.g. the average Dutch). Oranges are typical winter crops widely produced in various parts of Crete. 19th century travellers on Crete extolled their rich taste and large consumption. When oranges are in season, they are purchased in large quantities by families and are consumed raw or squeezed for juice. Oranges are particularly rich in vitamin C, while vitamin B12 is distinguished for its hematopoietic action, and vitamins A, C and E for their antioxidant properties. Again, tradition plays a major role in the cultivation of citrus crops. The trees are completely adjusted to the temperate climate of the island and produce fruit of excellent taste. Processing units (mainly for orange and citrus juice) are modern with methods that balance harmoniously international standards and tradition.  Grapes are the par excellence fruit of the summer season and considered ideal for a balanced diet. As mentioned earlier, the antioxidant elements contained in their skin protect against cancer while other trace elements are indispensable for the good operation of the human body.  The grapes grown on Crete are distinguished from those grown elsewhere in the Mediterranean for their excellent aroma and taste. In recent years we have witnessed the extensive cultivation of special traditional varieties, which are free from pips and, therefore, can safely be consumed even by little children.  Greek mythology says that Gaea (the goddess of earth) gave Zeus and Hera citrus fruit as wedding presents. These presents were guarded in the Garden of Hesperides, far from the inquisitive eyes of mortals. Today, citrus crops are cultivated widely in the province of Chania, while others can be found in the valley of Messara, at Fodele (Heraklion area), at Mylopotamos, and elsewhere. www.cretan-nutricion.gr

Garden produce

Garden produce

One more basic feature of the Cretan diet is the large consumption of vegetables and other products of vegetable origin. On average, Cretans are at the top of the scale in terms of vegetable consumption. In fact, they consume three times the amount of vegetables than Europeans! That, too, is part of their secret for a long and healthy life. This dietary habit provides the average Cretan with an abundance of fibers, vitamins, and other nutrients required for human sustenance. At the same time vegetables contain trace elements many of which are essential in metabolism or for the production of essential compounds, while deficiency in those elements causes metabolic syndromes. Vegetables promote the good operation of the intestines and ward off cancer of the large intestine. Their contribution to the operation of the digestive system is remarkable, and they are rich in vitamins necessary for the metabolism of various tissues. Much of the vegetables consumed in large quantities on Crete are rich in fatty acids which prevent cardiac diseases and most forms of cancer. The linoleic acid contained in the variety of vegetables consumed by Cretans is a true shield of health! It protects the heart and the circulatory system. Some of the most common garden produce of Crete originates from other regions of the world, e.g. the tomato, which revolutionized the Cretan cuisine and shaped the character of Cretan diet as we know it today. Cretan tomatoes are naturally ripened and free from hormones. Other agricultural products of Crete, cucumbers, marrows, etc., are cultivated in the lush valleys of the island under the most favourable weather conditions -- no snow during winter and moderate temperatures at the heart of the summer. Areas that are considered most favourable for vegetable production are mainly found in the south of the island, in niches where even the swallows do not need to migrate further south, to Africa. The garden produce of Crete grows in a natural environment, under the moderate temperatures of a slanting golden sun and within a naturally scented environment. Cretans have a particular affection for the soil that provides them with the means for a good, long life. Technology is good as long as it does not violate and debase their dietary codes the observance of which gave Cretans the title of the lowest heart-attack risk, the lowest death rate, and the greatest life expectancy in the Western world. Garden produce is cultivated in the southern, coastal regions of Crete, mainly at Ierapetra, Messara, south of Rethymnon, in the coastal area of Selino, of Kisamo and elsewhere. www.cretan-nutricion.gr

Raisins - Dried Fruits

Raisins - Dried Fruits

In Crete, raisins and must, along with honey, constitute the most important traditional sweeteners. Viticulture on Crete dates from prehistoric times. Raisin production is an ingenious way to preserve in dehydrated (dry) form a product that thrives in the long summer season. The vines of Crete produce ideal varieties of grapes that can easily by turned into raisins. The drying of grapes is a natural process, under the hot summer sun. Since Cretans consume significant amounts of raisins, they also reap the benefits of their rich in vitamins content (A, B1, B2, B3, B6, etc.). Raisins are consumed either raw or mixed in various other preparations, e.g. cakes, rolls, pies, or in combination with dried fruits. These delicious pastries and bakery products contain the minimum in fatty substances and no cholesterol. Dried fruits are one more favourite source of food for Cretans. They are rich in linoleum and linoleic acid and thus a perfect shield for the heart. The dried fruits of Crete come from trees, which receive no form of care or cultivation! Walnut trees, chestnut trees and almond trees are not systematically cultivated! Ohey grow and bear fruit as they have been doing for centuries now! Their fruit is absolutely natural and free from chemical substances, thus complying fully with the Cretan prototype of nutrition. www.cretan-nutricion