The Cretan cuisine is famous for its fine local products, the amazing taste of its traditional dishes and the beneficial effects to the human health. When you buy these natural and traditional products, available at local stores all over Crete, you take back home a part of your summer vacation in Greece. This is an opportunity to apply the Mediterranean lifestyle back home with main ingredients from the Cretan cuisine. It is not a secret that a Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest diets to follow which positively affects the body as well as the soul. The good news is that these local Cretan products are being sold everywhere on the island and are cheap, giving you the opportunity to bring back home this experience while staying in budget. Make sure to read more about the products below:
Tsikoudia
Tsikoudia (aka Raki) is the local version of Tsipouro, an alcoholic, grape-based drink with 40-60% alcohol. Tsikoudia is home-produced in the villages of Crete, and typically, each Cretan village has one or two residents that are licensed to distil and produce Tsikoudia. It is served cold, and it is offered as an aperitif after the meal. It has a strong taste, but after a few sips, you will love it!
Barley rusks
Barley rusks are considered superfoods thanks to the barley flour, which includes multiple vitamins, selenium, phosphorus, silicone and chromium, keeps the bowels working properly and fights cellulite. The Cretan rusks are crispy, tasteful and nutritious, and you can find them in many sizes and with a variety of ingredients, such as carob, wheat and whole grain barley. You will taste them in the traditional local dish of Crete, Dakos, but barley rusks are also perfect for your breakfast.
Honey
Honey is one of the most popular Greek products, and the Cretan thyme honey is probably the best honey in Greece. Thyme honey originates from the White Mountains and Psiloritis Mountain, regions with rare flora and fauna, it has a unique taste and flavour unlike any other honey. Its high nutritional value and its antiseptic properties guarantee you a healthy breakfast or guilt free dessert.
Flavoured sugar or salt
Flavoured sugar or salt is a culinary trend all over the world that combines the main ingredient with delicious aromas. The extensive culinary experience of the Cretan people has created these small gastronomic miracles that you can buy in shops with gourmet products all around Crete.
Carob coffee
Carob coffee is the alternative to normal coffee, and it is ideal for those who can’t drink beverages with caffeine. Carob coffee has no caffeine, it’s sweet and includes a variety of antioxidants, known as flavonoids, which are also in the green tea. It is the best drink to start your day without the disadvantages of caffeine.
Snails
Fried snails are not only part of the French cuisine, but also one of the weirdest and most popular local dishes of the Cretan cuisine. If you want to taste snails even after your visit in Crete, you can buy jars with snails in olive oil, which offer you the possibility to cook gourmet creations and reminisce your holidays in Crete along with your beloved ones.
