5 Distinctive Characteristics of Greek Cuisine

Greek cuisine is undoubtedly one of the most sought after flavors in the entire world. With a Mediterranean base, the dishes of Greece, Cyprus and the islands have really attracted many foreign visitors and tourists to try them for themselves, which usually leads to great satisfaction in the taste buds and stomach. Once you’ve tried some of the tasty dishes, you’ll probably have to read a cookbook and find out how you can make them yourself back home. Many recipes can be found, although one must ask, “What is it about Greek food that makes it so exceptional?” There are some specific qualities you’ll need to look into if you really want to determine what makes people go crazy for Greek dishes.

1. The basic ingredients of Greek dishes are usually nutritious. You’ll find plenty of vegetables thrown into the mix, with fish, vegetables and grains being some of the other main ingredients in traditional recipes.

2. Their food has much more flavor, simply because the locals use a lot of herbs and spices, such as dill, garlic, oregano, onion, bay leaves, and mint. some other options consist of thyme, basil, and persillade, which is also used to garnish other dishes.

3. The recipes are quite easy to make. In fact, many people looking for a well-balanced diet often turn to Mediterranean cuisine, simply because it’s beneficial and delicious at the same time.

4. You will not see beef added to dishes. The truth is that lamb is the staple meat in most Greek dishes. This is because the terrain and climate have made sheep and goat farming more abundant than cattle.

5. Greek dishes usually come with a few mezedes, which translate to appetizers. Each region has its specialty, which makes for a fairly diverse group that you won’t tire of easily. Known as “tapas” in Spain or “antipasto” in Italy, many of these appetizers are packed with flavor and strike the perfect balance between tradition, health, and deliciousness.

Here are five characteristics of Greek cuisine that set it apart from anything you’ve ever tried. So, if you’re aiming to take a trip to Greece, you’re sure to find yourself in for a good bite of savory delicacies.