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Cereals and grains in Crete, from seed to flour
Grain cultivation in Crete was hard work, requiring careful planning, cooperation from fellow villagers and coordination of efforts and resources. The cycle started with the plowing of the fields and ended with the milling of the grain with many steps in between, all rich in custom and tradition. Fields hosting olive groves were plowed right…
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Traditional bread making in Crete
Besides her mission to birth and raise children, the Cretan village woman was involved in most farming activities and was responsible for all the tasks related to the wellbeing and nourishment of her family. The making of bread was one of those important tasks. The bread making process was tiring since it was done in…
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Tsikoudia and distilation
Tsikoudia or raki is synonymous with Crete and Cretan hospitality. It is a clear spirit produced by many agricultural co-operatives, wineries, distilleries, and families all over the island. Every guest or visitor to a Cretan home is offered a shot glass of tsikoudia as a welcoming gesture. Restaurants offer it to their patrons after they…