Greek cuisine is one of the most popular ethnic foods in the country and even the world. Most cultures and religions revolve around food so it’s no wonder that Greeks are very passionate about their food. Its spread around the world is what is fascinating. Why is it that Greek food is so popular?
Health
One reason is that The Mediterranean Diet is one of the healthiest diets in the world. A good part of the world is becoming increasingly health-conscious (of course there are regional exceptions, but for the majority, this holds true).
The Food Pyramid of a Greek/Mediterranean Diet:
The following is a food pyramid constructed to specifically show the proportion of foods that Greeks have in their diet. It is not an official food pyramid, but rather a visual representation illustrating why the Mediterranean Diet is so healthy. As can be seen, grains, fruits, and vegetables are eaten the most. Then protein sources such as fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, and poultry are secondary. Olive oil is used a lot to cook because it has “healthy fats.” Lastly, red meet and sweets are in moderation. This balanced diet is what attracts people to Greek cuisine.
A Self-Constructed “Food Pyramid” to Illustrate the Healthy Nature of the Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean Diet is also high in fiber, healthy fats, omega-3, leafy vegetables, and spices (ex: oregano, dill, thyme, mint, rosemary, and garlic) that are good for both your heart and your brain.[1]
Taste and Aesthetic Appeal
Of course, an ethnic food wouldn’t become popular if it tasted terrible. Thus, it makes sense that the tasty ethnic foods of Greece have become so popular throughout the rest of the world. Greek food is also very colorful and aesthetically pleasing and people are drawn into things that look good. Greek fruits and vegetables are more colorful than those of other cultures so people are more likely to want to eat them.[2]
Some Tasty Greek Dishes:
Greek Salad: Tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, onion, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, salt, oregano, and olive oil.
Taramosalata: Cod roe, breadcrumbs, olive oil, and lemon juice.
A swordfish dish – fish is very popular in Greek cuisine.
Kotopoulo Me Ryzi: Chicken with rice.
Manouri: A Greek semi-soft, fresh white whey cheese made from goat or sheep milk as a by-product following the production of feta. It is produced primarily in Thessalia and Macedonia in central and northern Greece.
Spetsofai: A dish with country sausages, peppers, onions and wine that originates from Mt. Pelion.
Pastitsio: A baked pasta dish with a filling of ground meat and a Bechamel sauce top.
Status Symbol
Greek food has also become a “status symbol” of the wealthy. For example, Greek yogurts, such as Fage, cost more than regular, generic yogurts. The most famous “Greek” yogurt, Chobani, is actually Turkish, not Greek.[3] The fact that these Greek yogurts (Chobani included) cost more and are healthier makes people more inclined to purchase them as almost a “luxury.”[4]
Fage Yogurt: One of the most famous Greek yogurts.
Diversity and Variety
There are many regions in Greece so there are many different types of Greek delicacies. It’s actually interesting that most people in America think of the “big 6” Greek foods when they think of Greek cuisine: hummus, spanakopita, tabbouleh, gyros, dolmades and falafel. They also often think of Greek salads and feta cheese. In truth, there is a large variety of Greek foods out there. Fish, fruits, vegetables, and cheeses are very popular in the different Greek regions.
Fruits and vegetables, rich in phytonutrients, play a central role in the diet. There are many different types of Greek fruits and vegetables. such as Tuscan kale, mustard greens, tart purslane, spinach-like lamb’s quarters and black chard. There is also a variety of herbs and spices such as basil, marjoram, oregano, mint, cilantro, caraway seed, celery seed, cloves, cumin, curry powder, fennel seed, ginger, marjoram, dry mustard, paprika, peppercorns, poppy seeds, crushed red pepper flakes, rosemary, sage, saffron, savory, sesame seeds and thyme. Fish is also popular (ex: Fish and shellfish are eaten often because they have hear-healthy fatty acids). Lastly, there are whole grains and legumes such as couscous, bulgur, chick peas, kasha, millet, quinoa, basmati and brown rice, black beans, cannelini, and brown and red lentils. Overall, this great variety attracts people to Greek food.[5]
All pictures are taken from:
“Greek Cuisine.” Photograph. Wikipedia. 3 May 2014. Web. 7 May 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_cuisine>
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