“Honey honey”: Greek Honey In gastronomy

“Honey honey”: Greek Honey In gastronomy

Since prehistoric times people knew how to make honey and use it in their diet. According to scientists, bees appeared on our planet 65 million years ago. Up until the 15th Century, honey was the only sweetener in the then known world. Τhe history of honey in Greek gastronomy might be richer than we believe, join us as we begin a new journey exploring what honey really means to Greeks!

Read more: Greek Christmas Food: The Ultimate Guide

Honey in Ancient Greece

The relationship between Greeks and bees begun in the distant past of the mythical era. The gods of Olympus used to consume nectar and ambrosia. In ancient Athens, beekeeping and the production of honey were extremely organized. In fact, Solon (640-558 BC), one of the first legislators, defined by law the distances that should exist between beekeepers. This was the only way they could avoid misunderstandings about ownership of flocks.

In fact, Aristotle’s writings on animal stories reveal to a great extent the importance of honey. Bee society can be a model for the design, structure, and hierarchy of an ideal state, with the great Greek philosopher proceeding to make glass flock in order to find out how the bees work and live.

Τhe history of honey in Greek gastronomy is obvious through the Iliad and Odyssey and other great works of ancient Greeks. Actually, a number of ancient gastronomical treats with honey emerge. From the “mitotos”, a pie with cheese, oil, honey, and garlic, to “melikraton”, milk and honey alloy, and the very well-known “loukoumades”, pancakes fried in oil and covered with honey. This sweet golden liquid was one of the basic ingredients of nutrition for the ancient Greeks.

Honey in Greece today

Greece is today the 7^th country with more production of honey every year in the European Union. It features a number of honey products with protected designation of origin by the EU, such as “Pefkothymaromelo Kritis”, a particular blend of thyme and pine honey produced in Crete. Crete boasts the highest density of bees in the world.

After our journey through the history of honey in Greek gastronomy, follow us as we take a stroll through Greece’s hidden cookbooks and discover delicious honey recipes! And if you haven’t tried our most recent recipe yet, what are you waiting for?

Honey in Greek Cuisine

Greek Honey is a staple ingredient in Greek cuisine. It is used to sweeten food in Greece, as well as to add flavor and texture. Honey is also used in some traditional medicines. There are many different types of honey, each with its own unique flavor. The most common type of honey in Greece is thyme honey, which has a strong flavor and is often used in pastry recipes. Other popular types of honey include orange blossom honey and lavender honey. Greeks typically use honey that is produced locally, as it is believed to be the most potent and flavorful. Honey is a versatile ingredient that can be used in sweet or savory dishes. It is an essential part of the Greek culinary tradition.