Herbs Crete
produces a wide range of aromatic herbs that are available in local fruit markets
and stores:
(origanum onites), basil (ocimum basilicum), tilia cordata , marjoram (origanum marjorana), thyme (thymous sibthorpil), mint (mentha), rosemary (rosmarius officinalis), laurel (laurus nobilis), chamomile (matricaria chamomilla), sage (salvia officinalis), mountain tee ("maloteras"), etc.
All these herbs have been used since antiquity both for culinary applications and medicinal practices, with ancient texts thriving in respective references. Many of these amazing herbs of Crete (including the "dittany") grow on steep slopes and mountains while picking them requires knowledge of their habitat and physical stamina. Drying of the herbs is a natural process, usually in cool places and away from direct sun light.
No
chemical processing is involved. If you use herbs for tea or in various dishes,
you can easily find them in the local markets. You will get an additional benefit
if you prepare your dishes according to the guidelines of the famous Cretan nutrition
model. Modern packaging units exercise care in maintaining the natural aroma and
other properties (e. g. antioxidant) of herbs.
OLIVE OIL
Currently, the longevity of Cretans and the success of the Cretan cuisine is attributed to the olive oil produced on the island of Crete. Medical research conducted in Europe and the USA a few decades ago proved that the olive oil not only protects the heart from various diseases, but also promotes the function of various bodily organs or has beneficial effects on a long range of diseases.
Olive oil reduces LDL cholesterol, acts as an antioxidant and wards off cancer growths. In addition, it fosters the good function of the liver and is an ideal supplement for the diabetics.
The use of animal fats or vegetable fats, other than olive oil, is quite unknown on Crete. The average Cretan family never uses seed-oils. This is true even in cookies and pastries. The quality and properties of the Cretan and the Aegean olive oil have spread all over the world.
Olive oil is natural, not an industrial product. It comes from cold-pressing the olive fruit and the processing of the juice is also by natural methods. No additives or preservatives are used. Olive oil is good for health, light and tasty. Olive cultivation and harvesting epitomizes the love and zest of local growers who remain faithful to an age-old tradition.
The olive oil is of excellent quality and packed by small industries with due respect to customer requirements and aesthetics.
WINE The
wine industry of Crete has made very good use of traditional grape varieties and
of the knowledge passed on to the locals through the centuries. The
long tradition of Crete in wine-making is evidenced by a 3500 year-old wine press
that was found in the village of Archanes. Currently, wine-making on Crete combines
the wisdom of the old wine-makers and modern technology.
Cretan wine-makers are quite flexible in making the required changes in compliance with market demands. However, they are relactant in sucrificing quality over quantity.
Cretan wine experts are experimenting with new varieties in an effort to enhance aromas and delicate tastes that satisfy a wide range of customers. The Cretan appelation d' 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 god, Dionysus to the people.
Dionysus was the god of wine-making and merry-making, life and friendship. His name was found inscribed on tablets dating from 1300 BC. According to mythology, Dionysus' favourite companion was Ariadne, the daughter of king of Crete, Minos. 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.
HONEY Honey,
this exceptionally natural sweetener, contains precious substances and is recommended
even to people suffering from diabetes! Honey is also rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants.
Vitamin E and other useful constituents in
honey fight against harmful relieve the body from harmful substances and the effects
of smoking, radiation, and consumption of processed food that are usually incriminated
for cancer growths. The honey of Crete is completely natural and is produced in
regions of endemic vegetation. The bio-system
of Crete is rich in endemic plants, particularly herbs. This vegetation and herbs
are the favourite source of food for bees. A
tour of the bee-keeping areas of Crete is enough for visitors to understand why
Crete produces the most aromatic honey in the world: the beehives are amidst a
variegated landscape scented by aromatic bush and herbs, most of them endemic
to Crete. Since snow covers only the highest
mountain peaks, albeit for a few months a year, and owing to the protracted summer
season, wild vegetation is always available to bees for foraging.
NUTBARS - PASTELI The
"pasteli", the "Caramel Nuts" (caramelized nuts) and the original
nougat are prepared without preservatives, with little sugar, with honey and nuts
of local production. The products are highly
recommended since they are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2 and E, which are preserved,
and after roasting due to our special roasting technique without the use of chemicals.
This way all nutrients and the full taste
products are preserved making them a real gold mine for your health.
RAISINS The
cultivation of sultana grapes and production of raisins therefrom is a long tradition
on Crete that dates back to antiquity.
The hot summer sun, the choice variety of grapes and application of modern cultivation methods by experienced producers render the Greek sultana raisin the best in the world.
This variety features a golden colour, fine texture and excellent aroma.
COTTAGE BREAD In
1834 English Robert Pashley was impressed by a black loaf of bread made by the
monks of Crete.
That bread was made from wheat, barley and rye. The fiber contained in the Cretan cottage bread boost the good operation of the intestines.
Whole grain bread is rich in vitamins, particularly of the B complex that is indispensable for the proper functioning of the nervous system.
In addition, it is said that the whole grain bread possibly prevents cancer of the gastro-intestinal tube, particularly of the large intestine! Recent research confirmed the indispensable character of bread for the Cretans.
It is a kind of infatuation with deep roots in the past. The same is true for the hard bread, known also since antiquity. Having been introduced in the European Community, the Cretan hard bread swept the markets owing to its quality of ingredients and nutritional value.
The Cretan hard bread is round, like a large doughnut sliced horizontally. The sliced parts are drenched in olive oil, topped with grated tomato, feta cheese and oregano. They are served as appetizer in Greek restaurants. This is an exceptional delicacy and a much healthier alternative to western European appetizers.
Crete
produces a wide range of aromatic herbs that are available in local fruit markets
and stores: 
No
chemical processing is involved. If you use herbs for tea or in various dishes,
you can easily find them in the local markets. You will get an additional benefit
if you prepare your dishes according to the guidelines of the famous Cretan nutrition
model. Modern packaging units exercise care in maintaining the natural aroma and
other properties (e. g. antioxidant) of herbs. 
The
wine industry of Crete has made very good use of traditional grape varieties and
of the knowledge passed on to the locals through the centuries. The
long tradition of Crete in wine-making is evidenced by a 3500 year-old wine press
that was found in the village of Archanes. Currently, wine-making on Crete combines
the wisdom of the old wine-makers and modern technology.
Honey,
this exceptionally natural sweetener, contains precious substances and is recommended
even to people suffering from diabetes! Honey is also rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants.
Vitamin E and other useful constituents in
honey fight against harmful relieve the body from harmful substances and the effects
of smoking, radiation, and consumption of processed food that are usually incriminated
for cancer growths. The honey of Crete is completely natural and is produced in
regions of endemic vegetation. The bio-system
of Crete is rich in endemic plants, particularly herbs. This vegetation and herbs
are the favourite source of food for bees. A
tour of the bee-keeping areas of Crete is enough for visitors to understand why
Crete produces the most aromatic honey in the world: the beehives are amidst a
variegated landscape scented by aromatic bush and herbs, most of them endemic
to Crete. Since snow covers only the highest
mountain peaks, albeit for a few months a year, and owing to the protracted summer
season, wild vegetation is always available to bees for foraging. 
The
"pasteli", the "Caramel Nuts" (caramelized nuts) and the original
nougat are prepared without preservatives, with little sugar, with honey and nuts
of local production. The products are highly
recommended since they are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2 and E, which are preserved,
and after roasting due to our special roasting technique without the use of chemicals.
This way all nutrients and the full taste
products are preserved making them a real gold mine for your health. 
The
cultivation of sultana grapes and production of raisins therefrom is a long tradition
on Crete that dates back to antiquity. 
In
1834 English Robert Pashley was impressed by a black loaf of bread made by the
monks of Crete. 
