GASTRONOMY & LOCAL PRODUCTS
“And even if you plant umbrellas here,
they will flourish”, Charilaos Trikoupis said
once for the Messinian land. Indeed, this
is a blessed area, as if it has been touched
by something divine. The place is rich in
products that define the pyramid of the
Mediterranean diet, like the universally
famous Kalamata olives, and, of course,
their “juice”, the golden-green oil, which is
a valuable treasure with dozens of indus-
tries promoting it all over the Earth.
Who hasn’t tasted dried or stuffed figs
made in Kalamata, raisins, delicious fruits
and vegetable, as well as plenty of ag-
ricultural products that, among others,
support the local economy? Products that
thrive due to the excellent climatic condi-
tions which, combined with the know-how
of local businesses, manage to triumph
internationally for their quality and dietary
value.
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The Messinian table is filled with all sorts
of delicacies, from the popular “lalagia”
or fried batter that are always present
in every house in feasts, the fine cheese
“sfela”, produced from goat- and sheep
meat, the famous “pasteli” with sesame
and honey, which is renowned for its nu-
tritional claims, and, of course, the honey
produced in areas that are rich in aromatic
plants, the vinegar and the balsamic vin-
egar for a special taste...Dishes and local
delicacies accompanied with the fine, and
excellent-quality wine, as well as ouzo
and raki, the quality of which is no inferior
to those of famous labels. Sweet spirits,
such as liqueurs made of rich essences like
lemon and sour orange flowers have also a
prominent place. Last but not least, don’t
forget to get the wonderful herbs growing
in Taygetos and not only there, containing
all the nature and its beneficial ingredients.