The Gold Book of Trikala | Page 55

It is a unique gastronomic destination. Sarakatsani, Pontians and refugees from Asia Minor formulated the local gastron- omy, while important is also the contribu- tion of the geographic peculiarity of the district (plain and mountain) which makes possible the production of many different products. When we ‘re talking about local products, the first to come to mind is, of course, the famous Halvas, of “soap” type, which is quite similar to the Halvas of Farsala but is made with a different recipe and is more creamy! Don’ t forget to taste it or even to take home the most renowned and traditional dessert of the area. Trikala also stands out for its dairy (which are also being exported), with most famous of all the feta of Trikala, but also galotyri (a white creamy cheese), for its fruit and vegertables, with the renowned tomato of Trikala, while, moreover, it produces different varieties of melon, watermelon, broccoli, and zucchini. Wine production is a tradition among the people of Trikala, as well as the production of tsipouro. Its spoon sweets are famous, due to the wide production of fruit and vegetables in the area, which are prepared according to traditional recipes. Furthermore, there’s honey and liqueur, especially with walnut and cherry! You can taste several pickles produced in Trikala due to the abundance in vegetables. Also, there are the famous sausages of Trikala, the excellent quality meat and also game. Parts of the gas- tronomy of Trikala are also the traditional pies with handmade pastry sheet. Most renowned are trahanopita (tarhana pie), “bajina” (zucchini pie), rhubarb pie, cheese pie etc. We must also mention the bread and the great variety in bakery goods and traditional pasta. Finally, also renowned are its aromatic herbs and spices, that are collected mainly from Koziakas, where, according to the myth, Asclepius himself found his therapeutic materials. 55