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The authentic Greek takeaway sells homemade dishes, pies and gyros. It is run by Yannis Papameletis and Maria Skarlatou.
Aerial cinematic video shot with DJI Phantom 3 by Nestoras Kechagias and Athanasia Lykoudi. Places shot include Elafonnisos, Kardamyli, Limeni, Monemvasia, Dimitrios Shipwreck, Voidokoilia and Methoni.
Each time we turn on our computers, we are bombarded with quotes, with images, with “inspirational cards” (Facebook is full of them!). We have “Life coaches” telling us to be” Mindful” to have a “Mindset”. “Mindfulness” It seems to be the “New religion” Authors are at it, Gurus are at it, it seems like every Tom, Dick and Harry is at it! Sorry to tell you this folks, but it’s all been said and done before, thousands of years before, by the Greeks, specifically, the Greek philosophers. Philosophy: The love of wisdom So search no further, just read what those wily, wise men of Athens had to say. They knew what was what! 1. Demosthenes “Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises.” What we hear today as: “Small steps”, or, ‘start small and grow”. 2. Aristotle “Happiness depends upon ourselves.” All those inspirational cards we see, telling us that: “Only you have the ability to make yourself happy, don’t depend on others” “You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honour.” Could be interpreted today as: “Step outside your comfort zone” 3. Plutarch “To make no mistakes […]
The traditional music of Thrace has touched many musicians of the world. The specific interpretation of ¨Zonaradikos¨, really touches our Thracian feeling. Shin-ya Ohno and Akito Sutou perform it exceptionally and move us! source: www.paratiritisparadosis.gr
“Greece: the cradle of Western civilization”, “Athens: the birthplace of democracy”, “Greece: home to the Olympic Games”, we’re all familiar with these quotes and sayings, right? We’ve heard, maybe, that Hippocrates is the father of Western medicine, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle are the father’s of Western philosophy, Thespis was the first recorded actor (hence The Thespians), and Homer, (The Iliad and The Odyssey) and Herodotus (The Histories), were the first historians, and surely, we all know a bit about Greek mythology. Did you know though, how many useful inventions, still in use today, have ancient Greek origins? Yes! The Greeks did it first (and better!), and here are twenty amazing Greek inventions to prove it! In no particular order 1. Alarm clock Ctesibius’ water clock, as visualized by the 17th-century French architect Claude Perrault The alarm clock or water clock (which didn’t seem to catch on with the Greeks who are renowned for their tardiness!), was used to measure time, and also to make sure speeches given in the courtroom, or by long-winded politicians didn’t go on forever! Called a clepsydra (water thief), this was the most accurate clock in the world up until the use of the pendulum. Invented […]
On Saturday 20 June 2020 the Acropolis Museum celebrates 11 years of operation and welcomes back its visitors. The Museum has undertaken all the necessary measures for the protection of the health of its visitors. On this day, the Museum will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., with reduced entry (5 euro) to all exhibition areas. Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to see the temporary exhibition ‘Chisel and Memory. The contribution of marble craftsmanship to the restoration of the Acropolis monuments’, which will continue until 30 September 2020, with free entrance. On Saturday 20 June, the Museum second floor restaurant will operate until 12 midnight (reservations for dinner can be arranged by telephone on 210 9000915). Moreover, gallery talks held by the Museum’s Archaeologist-Hosts will commence this week. Visitors wishing to participate are required to wear a protective mask (not provided by the Museum) and to use the whisper guide system headsets (provided by the Museum to participants). ‘The lost statue of Athena Parthenos’ The Acropolis Museum brings to life, digitally, the statue of Athena Parthenos. Made of gold and ivory, this masterpiece was designed by Phidias for the Parthenon. The Museum invites you on a walk […]
This device seems to have been used to cut through hard sedimentary rock at a number of sites on the Greek mainland and, according to some scholars, also in central Anatolia.
Deciding where to visit depends on your entry point, how much time you have, and the type of vacation you want.
3 Greeks are among the 100 most influential people in world shipping for 2019, according to the annual Lloyd’s List International Maritime Inspection. John Angelicoussis, who is in the 7th place in the overall ranking, is the 1st Greek for yet another year. First in the world is COSCO President Xu Lirong, along with Li Jianhong, Head of China Merchants Group, two Chinese groups with presence in Greece, both in the ports of Piraeus and Thessaloniki respectively. In 2nd place overall is South Korea’s (IMO) Secretary-General Kitack Lim, while in the 3rd, two Danes, AP Moller Holding’s CEO Robert Uggla, and AP Moller-Maersk’s CEO Soren Skou. In 4th place are two Chinese bankers, Zhao Jiong of Bocom Financial Leasing and Zhao Guicai of ICBC Financial, and in the 5th the American official Andrea Gacki who heads OFAC, the agency that imposes US sanctions on companies that violate the embargo on countries like Iran and Venezuela. In the 6th position is the Saade family, which controls the shipping CMA-CGM, which together with COSCO and Maersk are the three largest shipping companies on the regular shipping lines. After John Angelicoussis, in 7th overall position, the next Greek in Lloyd’s List Top […]
Born Margarita Ibrahimoff in Los Angeles, Wilson is the daughter of Greek parents. Her father Halilov Ibrahimoff was born in a Pomak village near the town of Xanthi in Northern Greece. He relocated to the United States and in 1960 he changed his name to Alan Wilson, inspired by his street of residence. Her mother was born in a Greek traditional village, currently located within the frontiers of Albania. Rita was brought up to love Greece and she’s a devout member of the Greek Orthodox Church. Actor and producer Wilson appeared in popular screen films, like Runaway Bride and Larry Crowne and in television series, like Girls and Good Wife. She has also worked as an executive producer in the blockbuster My Big Fat Greek Wedding and as a writer of Greek interest issues in the Washington Post blog. After coming to realize her passion for music, Wilson decided to take a chance in singing and released her debut solo album AM/FM in 2012. “I have never dreamt of becoming a star. I just wanted to keep up the good work”, she mentions in an interview. Rita met Tom during the shooting of the film Bosom Buddies in 1981, but they got romantically involved after meeting again in 1985 for the film Volunteers. They got married […]
The gold medal was awarded to the student team of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki at the MIT World iGEM Competition in Boston. Greek students competed among 5,000 research teams from top universities (such as MIT, Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, etc.) from 40 countries, won the iGEM Thessaloniki Student Team and won a gold medal in the iGEM 201 iG World Biology Competition. Evaluation was done by 120 world-renowned judges with fairly stringent criteria. The Dean of the School of Health Sciences of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Professor Theodoros I. Dardavezis, was welcomed and congratulated on Tuesday by the Dean of the School of Health Sciences. The team has recorded a strong presence in the world competition, as 2017 won the gold medal, while in 2018 it won the silver medal powered by the Rubicon Project POSEIDON, the “gold” project. The student team designed and developed POSEIDON (Programmable Orthogonal Systems Engineered Into DNA Oligo Networks), the first DNA computer capable of quantitatively and quantitatively identifying the interactions between DNA and proteins. Proteins are important biomolecules of particular importance and interest in scientific research, both in the study of various biochemical pathways and in the treatment of a variety of pathological […]
The Greek delegation returned with four medals and three awards from the World Robot Olympiad 2019 Finals in Gori, Hungary, with the theme of rebuilding the cities of the future. The Greek teams scored the best of this year’s event – along with Russia – by collecting three silver, one bronze and three awards (fourth, seventh and ninth) among 423 teams from 73 countries, a global distinction of great importance to Greece. The Greek students who traveled to Gyor competed in the creation and planning of robotic constructions in the fields of urban transport, water supply and waste management, lighting and building heating, with the theme “Smart Cities”. In detail, in the Open category, silver medals were awarded to: the Infinite Code team at the Elementary School (Athens Arsakeio) presented the project “Alex Bear”, a smart fluffy teddy bear intended to support hospitalized children, and the SMARTBIRDS Gymnasium (Experimental of Lagoura & 2nd High School of Patras) with the project “Thalis”, a robot that navigates the streets of the city, providing important metrics in real time and providing the help needed by the people he meets after having a dialogue with them. In high school, the fourth place in the […]
Carvel Ice Cream is among the best known brands in the U.S., with over 500 stores and a broad online business profile. For decades, its founder, Tom Carvel, was a household name. And like many great stories, it all started by accident. Because of a flat tire, to be specific, back in 1934.
The National Museum announced recently it will be bringing together to the Australian capital next year a major exhibition of artefacts from ancient Greece, capping off a series of shows from the British Museum. In keeping with the Olympic theme of 2020, Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes will feature 170 objects exploring the theme of competition through sports, politics, drama, music and warfare. National Museum director Mathew Trinca said many of the works in this show had never travelled to the southern hemisphere. “I think it would be fair to say that the British Museum places particular store on its ongoing relationship with the National Museum,” he said to Canberra Times. He said among the standout objects would be a marble study of one of one of the best-known Greek athletic statues, Dior Dionis, a bust of the playwright Euripides, and a terracotta vase with finely drawn depictions of athletes. Trinca said the vase was been the ancient equivalent of today’s Olympic gold medal. “This would have been filled with olive oil and given to the victor of the Athenian Games as a prize, and it dates from the 4th century BC,” he said. “We are delighted to bring Ancient […]
Traditional delicatessen prepared in Thrace. Beef with a little fat, the crab consists of boiled pieces of meat mixed with their broth. It looks a bit thick, but its texture is more compact. Make cylindrical sticks. Store in the refrigerator for 7-10 months if not opened. It is eaten raw cut into small cubes and uniquely accompanied by a sour-red wine.
It turns out there was divorce in ancient Greece too. In fact, the divorce could be demanded not only by the husband, but also by the wife. If the spouse wanted to divorce, he should have returned the dowry to his wife, which he received by her wife, and to ensure the financial survival of the spouse during the first few years after the divorce. If there were children, the husband left them with his mother, and if he entered the remarriage with his new wife, he could not appear with her in people until his ex-wife joined the remarriage. If the divorce was requested by the spouse, it should have proved to the local elders the right evidence that there are serious reasons for the dissolution of the marriage. The most serious reason the elder has always hosted was the material insolvency of the spouse’s life. Also in the legislation of Σολώνειο Νομοθεσία it is said that divorce is accepted if a man does not make love with his wife at least three times a month. The law freed the husband from the fulfillment of marital duties within one week a month, due to […]
Giannis Antetokounmpo gives a good example to the younger generation, proving that perseverance, faith in God and love for what you do can only guarantee success. He, like every young person in modern greek society, was trying to survive in the harsh conditions of everyday life. But Gannis did not allow the difficulties of life to deprive him of the right to dream. In 2007 Giannis began to work on basketball and until 2009 he began to play professionally in the group of teenagers of the Philharmonic. On 27 June 2013, he was selected at NBA with number 15 and signed a contract with Milwaukee Bacs. At the NBA Awards 2019 in Los Angeles, the well-known athlete has been named the Kia NBA Most Valuable Player for the 2018-19 season. Antetokounmpo joins Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the only players in Bucks history to earn MVP honors. At the award ceremony he expressed his thoughts openly, saying: First of all I want to thank God for blessing me with this amazing talent. I wouldnt be in this position that I am today. Everything I do, I do it through him. I want to thank my team. First of all I want to thank […]
Is lying on a beach and splashing around in the shallows too tame for you? Would you rather feel your heart thumping in your chest and the wind rushing past your face?? Greece has the potential to thrill you. The extreme sports that you’ll find here will give you a huge rush of adrenaline. Unpaved roads of varying levels of difficulty link wild mountains leading you to another Greece, to isolated villages and dense forests, to gorges and cloud-shrouded peaks, to lakes and rivers of unparalleled ecological value. Extreme sports in Greece? A unique combination of adventure and beauty that promise incomparable experiences. Extreme sports: Off road holidays in Greece Even in the most isolated places you’ll find locals willing to offer directions, treats and even hospitality in their homes. Discover the treasures of the Greek countryside along the forest roads in regions and mountains such as Agrafa, Evrytania, Parnonas, Taygetos, Parnassos, Crete, Olympus, Zagori and northern Pelion. Your adventures in Greece have just begun! Perhaps there are fewer dirt roads in Greece now than there were last century but even the present network retains the ability to amaze. The tracks that cut through mountain forests and bare rock lead to less well-known parts of […]
During the dawn of the Cycladic Bronze Age, a gleaming white monument rose up out of the Aegean Sea. A manmade network of terraces and buildings constructed out of more than 1,000 tons of imported white stone, the massive monument took up practically every inch of the Dhaskalio promontory that was once connected to the Greek island of Keros.
Greece has been famous for many years not only due to art, architecture and philosophy, but also due to talented scientists. But why did the residents of Athens manage to make such a big push in development? How did the process of transforming the primal into antique civilization pass? The premise of the development of scientific thought in Greece Geopolitical factors have a huge impact on the development of Greek culture and science: a close neighborhood with ancient civilizations like Egypt and Babylon contributed to the exchange of knowledge obtained from past generations. Most of our ancient Greek scientists have spent a significant part of their lives on travel. Pythagoras, for example, spent his youth in Egypt, where he studied mathematics, geometry and natural sciences. The First Greek traveler, the records of which remained and reached our days, was Gannon. The Expedition with him led by the Senate of Carthage. The goal was very difficult, but necessary – the colonization of new lands in the western part of the African continent. After sailing the Gibraltar Strait, a lot of galleys with more than 30 internally displaced persons on board reached the tropics. When the expedition began to feel […]
Traditionally in the villages of Greece in the morning used a large number of animal fats to withstand the load at work in the day, so what is now called the most important food intake during the day, was in the rural residents and the most hearty. In Chania for traditional breakfast ate eggs with a pack to endure all day at work, and in Epirus and in Macedonia breakfast with cheese and butter. A large piece of bread with olives, wrapped in a clean handkerchief, took with you to work on the fields or to the city work to snack this day. Modern Greek breakfast options Today, when we discovered the richness of the Greek diet and the precious of something freshly baked, homemade, truly delicious, breakfast became different for the Greeks. In the hotels of the country, which are constantly developing and updating, you can have breakfast differently than usual: you can enjoy the traditional Greek breakfast. Homemade pies with the filling of seasonal local products, milk pie and spinach pie and cheese, a piece of cheese of the island production or from some mountain area, which smells like real milk, Antotiro, cashier or gruyère, […]
The local flavor of an unusual country like Greece is very brightly expressed in its kitchen and, including in its drinks, the production of which is here a whole milestone of culture. A large variety of alcoholic beverages can be found in almost any greek restaurant or bar. Alcoholic beverages are only a component of fun and effortless communication with friends. Despite the fact that today in the world Greek wines are not as popular as French or Italian, this country has the ancient traditions of making a fragrant alcoholic drink. Today in Greece is more popular white and red wine. The most famous wine producers are Rhodes and Samos Islands, as well as Lesvos, Chios and Santorini. The Island of Samos by the way, in addition to its beautiful nutmeg and light dry wines, is glorious also with delicious liqueur. In Greece there are interesting, specific greek varieties of wine, usually having great popularity among tourists. This is, first of all, the famous white wine variety of retsina, which is distinguished by its taste of the resin of the aleppo beer. In the ancient times, the open amphora with wine have been purchased, so that the drink […]
This lamb-and-eggplant casserole is the national dish of Greece. It’s a great recipe for entertaining. Serve the moussaka with a Greek salad. Ingredients LAMB MIXTURE: 1 1/2 pounds lean ground lamb or beef 2 cups chopped onion Cooking spray 1/2 cup dried currants or raisins 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 4 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained 1 large garlic clove, minced SAUCE: 2 cups 1% low-fat milk, divided 1 tablespoon butter or stick margarine 3 large egg whites 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt REMAINING INGREDIENTS: 2 (1 1/4-pound) eggplants, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided 1 pound peeled baking potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices 1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided Oregano sprigs (optional) How to Make It Step 1 To prepare lamb mixture, cook lamb in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until browned; stir to crumble. Remove from pan; drain. Set aside. Wipe skillet with paper towels. Step 2 Add onion to pan coated with cooking spray; sauté 5 minutes. Add lamb, currants, and next 7 ingredients (currants through garlic); bring to a boil. Cook until […]
Greece ranks 30th among the countries of the world. The data are presented in a report on child protection. In particular, the Save the Children report addresses a number of factors. The assessment of the well-being of children and young people under the age of 20 years in this study was based on indicators characterizing the situation in five areas of life activity: material well-being, health and safety education, behavior and risks living conditions and the environment. The composite index of well-being was calculated as an average of five positions. The review includes 29 industrialized countries. As it turned out, Singapore is the best country for the formation / development of a child, followed by four countries located in northern Europe, such as: Scandinavia, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Cyprus is ranked 13th in the list. It is noted that Turkey occupies the 66th place in the ranking, and on the latter is the Central African Republic. According to the study, despite roughly equal opportunities, some rich countries managed to achieve better results than others on the way to eliminating child poverty and creating favorable conditions for the development of children. The undisputed leader of the ranking is the Netherlands – […]
Archaeologists have made an incredible discovery in the heart of Rome, bumping into the 2000-Year-old marble head of Dionysius, the ancient Greek God of wine, wine, fertility and theatre. Archaeologists believe that the head belongs to the great statue of God related to the imperial era. As the excavations of the medieval wall were carried out, to the greatest surprise of archaeologists, they noticed the marble head, which, in their opinion, represents the ancient Greek God of Dionysius. “Archaeologists dug a medieval wall when they saw a white marble head hidden in the ground”, the statement of the archaeological park of Colosseum, which covers the Roman Forum, says. ” The face is sophisticated and grace, young and magnificent. All this makes us think it could be a statue of god dionysius “. According to reports, the marble head will be cleaned and ultimately displayed. Dionysus was the son of Zeus and Semely, the mortal daughter of the king of Thebes. He was worshiped by ancient Greeks as one of the 12 Gods of Olympus and he was known to Romans as bacchus. Author: Elena Benaky Traslation: Katerina Gavra Источник: https://1gr.tv/poslednie-novosti/interesnyie-faktyi/category/v-samom-serdcze-rima-najdena-2000-letnyaya-golova-drevnegrecheskogo-boga-dionisa/
The fall of Constantinople, which happened on may 29, 1453, was the last phase of the Byzantine-Ottoman Wars (1265-1453) and the darkest page in the history of Greece and the orthodox church. The day of may 29, 1453 is undoubtedly a turning point in the history of humanity. It means the end of the old world, the world of Byzantine civilization. During the eleven centuries on the bosphorus there was a city where the deep mind was the subject of admiration, and the science and literature of the classic past was carefully studied and kept. Without Byzantine researchers and censuses, we would know now not much about the literature of ancient Greece. It was also a city whose rulers have been promoting the development of the school of art, which has no analogy in the history of humanity for many centuries, and has been an alloy of the immutable Greek common sense and deep religiosity, which has seen the embodiment of the Holy Spirit and the consecration of material. In addition, Constantinople was a great cosmopolitan city, where together with trade flourished free exchange of ideas and residents considered themselves not just some people, but the heirs of […]
Venetian baroque church at Moni Arkadiou The Arkadi Monastery (in Greek: / Moní Arkadhíou) is an Eastern Orthodox monastery, situated on a fertile plateau 23 km (14 mi) to the southeast of Rethymnon on the island of Crete in Greece. The current catholicon (church) dates back to the 16th century and is marked by the influence of the Renaissance. This influence is visible in the architecture, which mixes both Roman and baroque elements. As early as the 16th century, the monastery was a place for science and art and had a school and a rich library. Situated on a plateau, the monastery is well fortified, being surrounded by a thick and high wall. The monastery played an active role in the Cretan resistance of Ottoman rule during the Cretan revolt of 1866. 943 Greeks, mostly women and children,[1] sought refuge in the monastery. After three days of battle and under orders from the hegumen (abbot) of the monastery, the Cretans blew up barrels of gunpowder, choosing to sacrifice themselves rather than surrender. The monastery became a national sanctuary in honor of the Cretan resistance. 8 November is a day of commemorative parties in Arkadi and Rethymno. The explosion did not […]
<< Anyone in this island feels a mysterious power, warm, good to be branched into his veins, and grow his soul>> Reference to Greco, Nikos Kazantzakis Crete is the largest island in Greece and for many people the most beautiful. We found and present to you the 20 beaches of the island, to visit in which prefecture you are, in order to experience its unique beauty. Enjoy!! Prefecture Chania 1.Seitan Limania Beach. The wider area is named Seitan Limania, after the wild landscape, the steep cliffs and the strong sea streams which are considered dangerous. Here are situated three parallel narrow coves, well protected from the waves. In the northern cove a tiny fantastic beach is shaped, with deep azure waters, namely the beach of Stefanou. http://mygreekheart.com/en/item/seitan-limania-krhth-2/ 2. Elafonissi Beach. The beach has white sand and turquoise waters, reminiscent of exotic landscape from an exotic Caribbean. Sand in many places gets pink colors from the thousands of broken pillows. At the point where the peninsula breaks the water does not exceed half a meter and creates a small lagoon with warm waters, ideal for children. It has joined the Natura Protected Area network, as it is an ecosystem of exceptional ecological […]
Our team found and present to you the 15 best beaches of Lakonia. Enjoy ? ! 1. Simos Beach, Elafonisos http://mygreekheart.com/…/simos-and-sarakinikos-beach…/ 2. Panagia Beach, Kastania http://mygreekheart.com/…/panagia-kastania-beach-lako…/ 3. Almyro Beach, Mani http://mygreekheart.com/…/item/almyro-beach-mani-lako…/ 4. Valtaki Beach, Gythio http://mygreekheart.com/…/valtaki-beach-gythio-lakoni…/ 5. Pouda Beach, Vigklafia http://mygreekheart.com/en/item/pounta-beach-lakonia-2/ 6. Plitra Beach, Monemvasia http://mygreekheart.com/en/item/plitra-beach-lakonia-2/ 7. Neapoli Beach http://mygreekheart.com/…/item/neapoli-beach-lakonia-2/ 8. Gerolimenas Beach, Mani http://mygreekheart.com/…/gerolimenas-beach-mani-lako…/ 9. Panagia Beach, Elafonisos http://mygreekheart.com/…/panagia-beach-elafonisos-la…/ 10. Maganos Beach, Monemvasia http://mygreekheart.com/…/item/maganos-beach-lakonia-2/ 11. Marmari Beach, Mani http://mygreekheart.com/…/marmari-beach-mani-lakonia-2/ 12. Mavrovouni Beach, Gythio http://mygreekheart.com/…/mavrovouni-beach-gythio-lak…/ 13. Charakia Beach, Monemvasia http://mygreekheart.com/…/it…/charakia-beach-lakonia-2/ 14. Archangelos Βeach, Monemvasia http://mygreekheart.com/…/item/archangelos-beach-lako…/ 15. Vathi, Gythion http://mygreekheart.com/…/vathi-beach-gythio-lakonia-2/
Sunday before Easter 2018, in city of Corfu. Joint appearance from the three philarmonic orchestras of the city : The Philharmonic Society of Corfu, the Mantzaros Philharmonic Society and the “Kapodistria” Philharmonic Association with more than 500 musicians. (Header image Photos © Stamatis Katapodis Photography)
Peloponnese Wine Festival 2018 Hellenic Motor Museum hosted this years show organized by the Union of Peloponnese Wineries and Winemakers. Friends of Peloponnese wine, met again for this years festival, to enjoy their passion for good wine in a magnificent place full of 4-wheel history. MyGreekHeart was there to bring our friends all over the world, a video from the show. (Turn on the sound and share on Facebook)
Tsipouro and tsikoudia distillates have long history, starting in ancient times according to Isiodos (7th century BC), Hippocrates and Aristotle (5th and 4th century BC, respectively) and in Egypt during Hellenistic (Alexandrian) years. Their distillation process was further developed during Byzantine years by Greek monks on Mount Athos, Constantinople, and Smyrna. Qualified by geographical indication Tsipouro is produced in continental Greece from different grape varieties along with seeds of aromatic plants (e.g. Pimpinella anisum, Foeniculum vulgare), whereas tsikoudia is produced in Crete (R. 1576/89, according to European legislation) without adding aromatic plants. Similar distillates are also produced from mulberry tree fruits and koumaro (Arbutus unedo fruits). According to European and National legislation these marc distillates, when produced by professional distillers, can be qualified by geographical indication. Thus, we have tsipouro from Macedonia, Thessaly and Tyrnavos, and tsikoudia from Crete. What are they made of? Both distillates are made of a pomade of white and red grape varieties, which is vinificated without pressing, containing an amount of 30-40% wine. The fermentation process may last 2-4 weeks, depending on the vinification process, and takes place in barrels of 500-1000 litres (1). What do they contain? In a chemical analysis of Soufleros et […]
It is a custom that takes place every year on the 30th of January in Tinos town, celebrating the anniversary of the Icon finding. The celebration with people gathering from every corner of the island, relives the day the Holy Icon was discovered and the news about its finding were spread. The people started coming, bearing lit lanterns in order to worship the Icon of Virgin Mary. Since then, in the evening of January 30th the city brass band, the students of every school level, but also small children and adults of every age, each holding a lantern, gather around the church. These little lanterns are especially hand-crafted usually by the children themselves, using wooden sticks and colorful transparent membrane. Everybody starts from the church of Virgin Mary and, while marching through the narrow alleys, chant joyous songs referring to this big celebration of Tinos, such as: “Come and gather here, Tinian people To celebrate the finding of our Virgin Mary Icon and Let us all praise Her Grace”
Greece has won the Reisgraag Award for best destination in the category of Gastronomy. With an average of 8.3, Greece achieved the highest score from all the reviews that arrived in 2017. This is the fourth time in a row that Greece has won a Reisgraag Award. Every year Reisgraag.nl awards awards to travel organizations and destinations within different categories of holidays. This year is already the seventh time that the awards will be presented. No fewer than 15,000 reviews have been received about different destinations and travel organizations. All reviews are manually inspected in advance and based on these approved reviews the award winners are chosen. Only customers’ reviews are decisive. This makes the Reisgraag Award the only real audience prize in the travel industry in the Netherlands. Source: https://www.reisgraag.nl/vakantie-griekenland/nieuws/griekenland-wint-reisgraag-award-2018/
50 Christmas and new years eve, holiday songs, from Greece and Cyprus. MyGreekHeart wishes you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !
14 Greek superfoods that we all have in our kitchen and that will boost our immune system. Do you really avoid crowded places so as not to get sick? Do you stay up till late at night or travel a lot? Do you feel exhausted, having no energy at the end of the day? Do you have a constant sore throat or sniffle all autumn and winter long? So, you have one more reason to enhance your body defenses, in any way you can. However, how would you choose the appropriate (Greek) nourishment? What should it contain to be able to reinforce immune system function? Meet a powerful antioxidant Several vitamins and minerals have favorable effect on immunological function, as being glutathione synthesis cofactors (1). Glutathione is a tripeptide, made of three different amino acids: glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. It is the main endogenous antioxidant produced by cells; it participates in free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, whereas it preserves ingested antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C. Glutathione affects metabolic and biochemical reactions including DNA synthesis and repair, protein synthesis, prostaglandins production, amino acids transportation, as well as enzymes activation (1). Studies indicate that adequate glutathione production […]
What do you prefer, white of red wine? Do you usually have a glass with your meal or one to calm down in the evening? Whatever your choice might be, wine is perhaps the most beneficial alcoholic beverage for your body. However, do not be dazzled by the high prices and the impressive bottles of foreign brands, our little country has always been making wines rich in flavor, body and smell. Something that can be scientifically proven, as you will further read. How is wine made? Wine is made by fermenting grape juice; grapes are gathered, crashed and placed in buckets or tanks to ferment. Natural grape sugars are turned into alcohol by fermentation, either naturally or by adding yeast to control the process. The crashed grapes are pressed, so that the skin and whatever sediment is removed. Whether the grapes are pressed before or after fermentation, along with the color of the grapes used, determines the type of wine produced. In order to make white wine, the grapes are subjected to pressing prior to fermentation. On the contrary, when red wine is to produce, grapes are let to ferment before that. After this, the wine is put into stainless […]
Our forefathers used to gather mountain greens for salad or side plate. Not surprisingly, we now consider their food poor and humble. However, it is proven that they lived proportionally longer and also had better health. Can we assume the same of our modern westernized nutrition? “A cap for pitcher” One of the more sought after Greek edible potherbs is Cichorium spinosum, commonly named “stamnagathi”. It was named after its thorns, which we ‘ve used for creating a cap for water crocks. In time, the edible part of Cichorium spinosum ended up being called crock-thorn (stamna–agathi, in Greek). Wild or cultivated, it is very nutritious Cichorium spinosum germinates mainly in Crete Island and it is consumed either raw or cooked. Recently, we have started cultivating it so as to meet the increasing demand, throughout the year. “Stamnagathi” is a nutritious green leafy vegetable with high water content (88.7-93.7%); it is also poor in fat (0.2-0.4g/100g) and calories (23.8-36.3 kcal/100g) (1). Its nutritional value depends on cultivation conditions and surrounding ecosystem; thus is appears with high heterogeneity among different species (2). However, cultivated Cichorium doesn’t have fluctuations in nutritional content due to similar cultivation methods (3). Nutritional value : a Greek […]
We consider split peas a perfect shared dish for party, and not just a hummus like cream topping on our bread. Split peas or fava beans (Lathyrus clymenum) are very nutritious legumes containing large amounts of fiber, plant protein, vitamins and metals, whereas are poor in fat. Thus, they are considered beneficial to cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems, as well as helping indirectly to control body weight. Fava beans of Santorini originate from a specific plant named Lathyrusclymenum L. that is cultivated on the island. These legumes have a distinct bright yellow color and unique taste, as a result of Santorini’s special climate. Nutrient content and health effects Specifically, fava beans are good source of thiamine (vitamin B1), iron, copper, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium; thus providing about 10-19% of daily energy needs in each 0.25 cup of cooked product (1). Just bear in mind that thiamine is essential for neurological health, and iron is crucial for oxygen transport to tissues, whereas copper along with iron participate in red blood cells formation. Phosphorus and magnesium have significant role in maintaining bone health, as well as magnesium and potassium help to control blood pressure (1). In addition, fava beans are rich in folate which […]
Which is worse as practice: not eating breakfast or consuming whatever is available in your fridge or cupboards? Is it really better to choose something from the bakery shop? Although we are proud of having “the best cuisine” in the world, we are not known of having a breakfast of equal value. Be careful though; don’t stick with pancakes and pies (made of cheese, ham or milk), so as to avoid needing a cardiologist before turning 50 years old. So, does a proper Greek breakfast mean, using only products farmed and grown on our land? As you will read, I chose 8 Greek products due to their health benefits and capacity of providing energy throughout the day. Eggs Eggs are actually one of the best choices for breakfast. I am obviously not referring to fried or scrambled eggs. Studies report that consuming eggs as breakfast increases satiety and restricts energy intake in the next meal, as well as assists blood sugar and insulin control (1, 2, 3). Eggs also contain significant amount of choline, which is essential for brain and liver health (4). Despite their high cholesterol content, eggs don’t raise blood cholesterol levels. In fact, eggs reduce cardiovascular risk […]
THE CORFU CHALLENGE REAWAKENS THE ANCIENT SPIRIT OF SAILING Corfu, Greece: July 3 – 8, 2017 This summer, the usually quiet waters of the Ionian Sea will once again roil with ancient energy—a dauntless fleet of sailing ships racing toward the shores of Corfu. A vision straight from the pages of Apollonius, it could easily be Jason and his Argonauts outracing the Colchian fleet in their famous arrival at the island. The name of Jason’s ship, Argo, means “swift,” and these vessels are all worthy of the name. They are the world’s top, state-of-the-art Maxi 72 class racing yachts, each crewed by a team of modern-day Argonauts vying for victory in the inaugural “Corfu Challenge, July 3-8, 2017”. The concept of the race was inspired by two good friends, George Sakellaris and George Courmouzis, who conceived the idea of a Maxi72 Class race in Greece. Their goal was to bring new challenges to the sport—new experiences that would at the same time reconnect sailing to its oldest historical roots. Together they shared this vision with top racing yacht owners and were able to convince them over a period of six years to come to Greece. The 2017 Corfu Challenge is […]
Header image source http://axiosdelta.gr/en/national-park/photo-gallery/ Drone footage by “Haanity”
“Tinos Food Paths 2017” : promo event at McAthur Glen Athens Watch the video
You are always welcome Tom ! This photo is not real and is simply hosted to celebrate April fools day 2017.
Pogoni, a unique, magical place with great tradition and history. Pogoni is in the northwest of the prefecture of Ioannina , extends to 701 square Km. and consists of the villages of Agia Marina, Agios Kosmas, Upper Ravenna, Argyrochori, Areti, Vassiliko, Vissani, Vrontismeni, Geroplatanos, Delvinaki, Dimokori, Dolo, Doliana, Psilokastro, Drymades, Ieromnimon, Kakolakkos, Kalpaki Kastaniani, Katarraktes, Lower Merope, Lower Ravenna, Kerasovo, Kefalovriso, Kouklioi, Krioneri,Ktismata, Lavdani, Limni, Mazaraki, Mavropoulo, Chrysodouli, Merope, Negrades, Xirovalto, Palaiopyrgos, Parakalamos, Peristeri, Pontikates, Pogoniani, Repetisti, Roupsia, Sitaria, Stafroskiadi, Stratinista, Teriachi, Faraggi, Chrysorrachi, Haravgi, and Oreokastro. It is said that got its name from the Emperor of Byzantium Pogonatos who lived here around 700 AD. Part of Pogoni now belongs to Konitsa prefecture and another part to Albania. Famous for its rich nature and tradition, is a mainly troubled region rspecially during the Second World War as well as during the Civil War but also because of emigration that was experienced intensely by its inhabitants. The pain of exile became the stimulus for Pogonisian songs and especially the polyphonic songs which are an excellent example of a unique phenomenon of the Greek traditional music. Pogoni is famous for its strong tradition through the centuries. The Pogonisian festivals are the […]
Local festivals in Pogoni are an important part of its tradition. They are a reunion of all Pogonisians from every part of the world and a return to their homeland. The festivals are held here for over 100 years and if the visitor wishes to really come into contact with the culture of the region then must attend at least one of them. Usually festivals take place for 2 days, from morning till late at night. The preparation of the festival starts 3 days before and the food preparation just starts the night before, from people who know the traditional recipes. The recipes are inherited from generation to generation intact and are prepared in the same traditional way: in large cauldrons in the same respectful way every time. During these festivals other dishes are also served as well as a lot of local wine and raki, always under the sound of Pogonisian music. For each village this event is a great celebration and that is why all inhabitants help: the young and the older. The festival always starts with the “Lament” and continues with the song in honor of the festival’s cooks. Then the dishes are served: the first day […]
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