COOK LIKE A LOCAL Greece

Explore the rich, sun-drenched flavours of this Mediterranean country

- CAROLINA DORITI.

Eating and drinking are two of the main principles which shape Greek culture. Alcohol and food go hand in hand, and the whole concept of eating is connected to sharing and social exchange.

Greek cuisine is defined by this culture's long history, its geographic location, its landscape and the local produce. As a country prominently located on the south-east edge of Europe but also on the crossroads between three continents Europe, Asia and Africa - the Greeks have been involved in a priceless cultural exchange between numerous great civilisations including the Egyptians, the Persians, the Romans and, later, the Venetians and the Ottomans.

Greek cuisine is humble and is founded on the country's rich biodiversity and the plantbased ingredients that actually shape it namely the olive oil and olives, wine and other vine-derived products, grains and seeds, and honey. These ingredients were the source of inspiration for the chapters of my book, Salt of the Earth, which aim to portray their uses in the local cooking.