Gastronomy: The Cretan Diet
Don't search for the pill to substitute for the Cretan diet. There is no such thing.
Serge Renaud, 1998
Recipes for Living
The excellent health and longevity of Cretans is attributed to their traditional diet.
A person's health is not only the result of inherited traits, but also of other influences mainly attributed to the environment. In contrast to other factors, e.g. smoking, toxins, physical activity, etc., the role of nutrition in people's lives is of vital importance given the constant need of people for food.
Crete is famous for its rich agricultural production and excellent quality of its products. Local preparations, home dishes and wines have built a name for Crete, while the descriptive term "Cretan Diet" has been the standard for the Mediterranean Diet.
The Minoan civilization that flourished in ancient Crete bequeathed us with the traits of a culture refined even in matters of nutrition.
Excavations at the palace of Knossos brought to light large jars which were used to store olive oil, olives, cereals, wine and honey. Murals provide testimonies to the extraordinary world of the Cretan flora (plants and herbs), while frescoes on vases suggest that olive oil and wine were consumed daily.
