Greek cuisine has a long tradition; as early as 330 BC, a Greek gourmet wrote the world's first cookbook. After obtaining residency by investment in Greece, you will discover that Greek food is significantly different from that of other countries. Greek dishes typically incorporate olive oil, which imparts a unique aroma that cannot be found elsewhere. There is a wide variety of Greek food, catering to both meat lovers and vegetarians alike. A typical Greek meal consists of hot soup or wine, a lettuce salad, a hot meat or seafood dish, and a small basket of bread.
The secret to Greek cuisine lies in fresh ingredients, seasonings, and olive oil. Renowned worldwide, Greek olive oil is highly beneficial to health and of exceptional quality. Greece's mild climate nurtures delicious fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, lettuce, peaches, curry, strawberries, and watermelons. As for seasonings, they grow abundantly across the Greek landscape.
Olive Oil
Nothing is more iconic than the olive groves that grow wild across the mountains and plains of Greece. Olive oil is undoubtedly Greece's most important agricultural product. It is also a form of cultural heritage, reflecting the history and traditions of Greece over thousands of years.
Greece is a major producer of olive oil, ranking second in the world. However, more than 80% of top-tier extra virgin and organic olive oil is produced in Greece, a percentage far higher than that of other Mediterranean olive oil-producing countries. Merchants, consumers, and chefs around the world benefit from the added value of the high-quality olive oil produced in Greece.
Feta Cheese
Undoubtedly, Feta cheese is Greece's most famous dairy product and iconic delicacy abroad, making it a superb table cheese. Greeks consume Feta cheese constantly, pairing it with a variety of other foods. Under European Union law, Feta cheese has been recognized as a Greek product, and only Greece is permitted to produce it.
Ouzo
Ouzo is a famous Greek specialty and is often recognized as the national drink of Greece. Like Tsipouro, it is closely linked to the optimistic outlook on life held by the Greek people. The difference between these two spirits lies in the regions where the anise used for brewing is grown, as well as the auxiliary ingredients added for flavoring, such as aniseed, cardamom, cinnamon, or coriander. These spices are also used in making bread, biscuits, and other traditional dishes. Ouzo has been recognized by European Union law as a specialized Greek product. Today, there are approximately 300 different Ouzo manufacturers in Greece, with annual exports reaching 2.4 million Euros.