Local Products of Halkidiki and Greece
Traditional products of Neos Marmaras – Halkidiki
Local Products of Neos Marmaras
Greece is a country famous for olives and the olive oil. But there is much more about its culinary offer you should discover. As the Mediterranean country encircled by three seas, Greece is rich in fish and seafood. Plus, the geographical position and climate grant ideal conditions for the growth of vegetables and fruit. Hence, read on to discover the tasty side of the Greek culture.
First and foremost – olives and the olive oil
Halkidiki is the producer of tasty and healthy olives. You may notice that there are black and green olives. They belong to the same variety, the only difference is their harvesting time. They are delicious both fresh and dried.
The olive oil is an international trademark of Greece. In Neos Marmaras and Halkidiki, you can find olive oil that is produced locally and countrywide.
Honey
Over 2 tons of honey production annual of the best quality is sufficient to characterize Halkidiki as the center of beekeeping in Greece. Aristotle 2.300 years ago praised the honey and its benefits to man by saying that honey prolongs life.
Today the beekeepers of Halkidiki keep to the tradition and exploit the rich fauna of Sithonia and all over Halkidiki, in the most pure way by producing great quantities of honey.
Tsipouro
Tsipouro on the other hand, is the clear product of the marcs distillation, which means that it is not submitted to any scenting process. The variety and the fermentation procedures of the grapes, the distillation way, the analogy of ingredients are the determinative factors during the production procedure.
Tsipouro is colorless, and has a very high degree of alcohol, that is why it is often drunk with water and always with some “mezedes” (snacks).
Greek fish and seafood
The Aegean Sea is rich in fishes, octopuses, calamari and many other marine species. And fishing boats are every day in the open sea to provide exceptional dining opportunities. Some of the most delicious Greek seafood specialties are based on squids, lobsters, shrimps and octopuses.
Octopuses are demanding for preparation. Thankfully, Greek chefs know how to prepare them for an extraordinary dining experience. Octopus is a light meal, ideal for dinner. Also, don’t miss to try fried squids, known as “the finest Greek summer food.”
Dairy products of Halkidiki
You don’t need to go elsewhere to find top-quality Greek cheese. Halkidiki is a great producer of tasty and healthy sheep and goat cheeses. These domestic animals roam the countryside, breathing fresh air and grazing in a healthy environment. Hence, their cheeses feature high nutritional value.
Halkidiki delicacies you are going to like
Because of a healthy environment, you will see many bee hives around in Halkidiki. And that is where first-class honey comes from. Some especially tasty varieties are pine, orange and sousoura honey. Didn’t hear about the last one? No wonder since this plant is rare outside the Halkidiki region.
What else you should enjoy while here?
Tzatziki is a spectacular side dish made of cucumber, garlic, yogurt and olive oil. Ouzo and Tsipouro are traditional beverages. The former is an appetizer, the latter is a brandy.
