While filming Odyssey in Messinia, Matt Damon discovered a traditional Greek dish that stole his heart: fava (yellow split pea puree). After savoring the dish at a local restaurant in Gialova, he was so impressed that he asked for the recipe. Now, you can recreate the Hollywood star’s favorite Greek dish at home with this easy recipe!
Tag: Mediterranean diet
“Learn how to make an authentic yellow split pea dip with simple ingredients like yellow split peas, olive oil, and onions. Perfect as a starter, mezze, or side dish, this creamy dip can be topped with fresh lemon juice, capers, or olives for added flavor.”
A new study has reinforced the health benefits of olive oil, showing a significant reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes among those who consume it regularly.
For over 2,500 years, the olive tree of the Acropolis has remained a worthy symbol of Athens, an undying and ancient representation of prosperity, peace, hope, and resurrection. Planted by the Goddess Athena herself, as Greek mythology would have it, the tree has suffered many fires and mutilations as invaders have come and gone. But a sprig was always saved to be planted later.
A specific olive oil from Corfu, Greece, is being studied for its potential to fight colon cancer. Researchers at Louisiana State University found that compounds extracted from this oil, including oleocanthal, significantly reduced tumor size and recurrence in animal studies. These findings support previous research and suggest that high-phenolic olive oil may play a role in cancer prevention and management.
A recent global study by GitNux revealed the average hip sizes of women across 17 countries, with South Africa topping the list at 41.73 inches. Greece ranked fourth, with an average hip size of 40.74 inches, while the U.S. came in sixth. The study also highlighted potential health risks, linking larger hip sizes and waist circumferences to an increased risk of colon cancer. Factors such as genetics, obesity, diet, and plastic surgery trends are believed to influence these rankings.
Dakos received the most positive ratings, with Greek salad (Horiatiki) coming in third. Following the…
Boiled greens, or Horta vrasta (HOR-tah vrah-STAH), are a staple in any Greek household.
Horta, or χόρτα, is a traditional Greek dish of leafy green vegetables that are simply steamed or boiled. Once thoroughly drained, the greens are seasoned with salt and pepper and drizzled with a little olive oil and lemon juice.
Greece, once renowned for the world’s longest-lived men in the 1960s, now ranks 35th in global life expectancy. While Greek men and women live an average of 79.29 and 84.33 years respectively, nations like Hong Kong, Japan, and Switzerland lead the way. Insights from these countries point to factors like community ties, healthy diets, physical activity, and robust healthcare systems as keys to longevity—lessons Greece could embrace to reclaim its legacy of healthy living.
A recent European Social Survey reveals alarming health trends in Greece, placing the country at the top of the EU for smoking and second for binge drinking. With nearly 30% of Greeks smoking more than 10 cigarettes daily and young adults reporting the highest rates of weekly binge drinking, the findings highlight significant public health challenges. Adding to the concern, Greece ranks last in daily vegetable consumption, despite its rich agricultural heritage. These results raise urgent questions about lifestyle habits and public health priorities in the country.
Greek cuisine has emerged as the world’s best according to Taste Atlas, surpassing popular culinary traditions with a score of 4.60. With nearly 480,000 reviews highlighting its exceptional flavors and health benefits, Greek gastronomy continues to capture the attention of food enthusiasts globally. Key dishes like moussaka and souvlaki exemplify Greece’s rich culinary heritage.
The growing importance of wellness in luxury travel is highlighted by a new survey which reflects a rising trend in wellness tourism, with Greece emerging as a key player in this sector.
The renowned Sfakianopita, a unique pie from the southern Crete region of Sfakia, is being promoted for inclusion on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Celebrated for its delicious blend of thin, unleavened dough and soft whey cheese kneaded into the mixture, this traditional Cretan delicacy is a symbol of local hospitality. Drizzled with thyme honey and traditionally served with cold tsikoudia, Sfakianopita showcases the rich culinary heritage of Crete and aims to gain international recognition, further enhancing Crete’s cultural visibility.
The rising cost of olive oil is attributed to climate change’s adverse effects on production. Prolonged droughts, heatwaves, and pest infestations challenge olive farmers in the Mediterranean and beyond. However, innovative farming practices offer hope for sustainable adaptation in the face of these challenges.
Feta cheese, a staple in Greek cuisine, has become a global sensation, with sales increasing by an incredible 700% over the past ten years. Known as Greece’s “white gold,” feta is now a leading export, generating €1 billion (about £840 million) annually.
In a unique initiative, the Municipality of Thessaloniki has begun harvesting olives from the trees spread across the city to produce its very own municipal organic olive oil.
Health advocate, author and speaker Dr Fay Karpouzis talks about Lifestyle Medicine, an area which is becoming increasingly popular.
What makes Greek food so special? It’s the ingredients—simple, unpretentious, and full of flavour. To cook Greek food at home, it’s essential to have the right staples in your pantry. Let’s take a run through some of the essential ingredients you need to start your journey into Greek cooking with confidence.
Olive oil is inextricably linked to the Mediterranean diet and is famous all over the…
The Perfect Meal, directed by Alexandros Merkouris, takes us from Greece and Cyprus to Italy,…