Mastiha is a product that comes from the mastic tree. The sticky secretion, the resin, has the color of old wax and might not seem very special, but it has become a product that is known and wanted all over the world. Mastic has not only a unique taste but it has also been shown by scientific research that it is beneficial for the health. When a mastiha tree produces the resin, locals often refer to it as “tears”, or the “crying mastiha tree”!
It is nearly Christmas and preparations have begun. We decorate our house, and we buy or make sweets. In Greece, there are two kinds of cookies you can buy or taste all over Greece, during the Christmas Holiday season: melomacarona and kourabiedes. Maybe you would like to bake those delicious cookies yourself? Below you will find our recipe.
Whether you are living in Greece or just visiting, you will quickly notice that food has an important role in Greek society. Greeks consider a meal as quality time with friends and family. It is their way to socialize, to discuss various topics and concerns, to make fun and to offer hospitality.
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It’s been over two years since I first visited Kythira. I got to know the olive oil of this beautiful Greek island through a friend in Holland. The moment I tasted it, I wanted more. While I have been to Greece over the last 20 years, I had never visited Kythira. It was early October when I checked the island out on the internet. To my surprise, I read that it was possible to go to Kythira and pick olives right then. Albert and Anita, (also former Omilo-students and the Dutch owners of Fos ke Choros guesthouse**), apparently organized olive picking holidays. I found the idea of a holiday that blended work and pleasure immediately appealing.
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Let’s go for a coffee! Πάμε για καφέ! Drinking coffee is a vital part of the Greek culture. It is not just about drinking “a coffee”, a whole ritual goes with it. Coffee breaks in Greece are serious affairs and last long! When a Greek tells you: “Let’s go for a coffee”, make sure you don’t have any plans for the next few hours.
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In winter, also in Greece, everyone’s looking for ways to keep warm! Cooking warm Greek food might be a good idea? In most of your countries the winter and cold last many months, so what could be better than a hot, tasty dish from Greece’s great culinary tradition?
