The Cretan Diet: 120 Authentic Recipes For Long, Healthy And Happy Living

Often described as the soul of the Mediterranean, the Cretan diet has ancient roots which can be traced back to the Minoan civilisation more than 3,000 years ago. It has survived the influences of the many colonising forces over the millennia - the Romans, the Byzantine Empire, the Venetians and the Turks, preserving and adapting the islands culinary traditions to be enjoyed by modern lovers of fine, healthy cuisine. The Cretan diet is regarded as one of the healthiest diets in the world. In the 1950s, American dieticians came to Crete to explore the reasons of longevity among the local population. They documented the islanders meagre diet, mainly consisting of wild greens, fruits, legumes, bread and barley rusks, little protein and plenty of olive oil. While the scientists were appalled at what seemed like a diet of utter despair, they were equally surprised to find out that the islanders were uncannily healthy. Extra virgin olive oil, traditionally cold pressed, is the centerpiece of the Cretan cuisine and has been medically proven to be heart healthy as well as extremely efficient to combat numerous diseases. The philosophy of the Cretan cuisine is simple: local ingredients, in-season fruits and vegetables, generous amounts of olive oil, straightforward method and slow, patient cooking. Dishes adapted to season and weather, with hearty, filling food for the winter months and light, refreshing combinations to fight the summer heat make the Cretan diet a way of living long, healthy and happy.