DK Travel : Crete : Herbs

Crete : Herbs

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1. Dittany

Taking its name from the Dikti mountains, this variety of oregano is unique to Crete and has long been credited with restorative powers.
2. Sage

Sage from the Cretan mountains is a favourite medicinal tisane , and is said to cure fever, chills, sore throats and rheumatism.
3. Saffron

Deriving from the crocus flower, costly saffron is used sparingly to add colour and flavour to soups and stews.
4. Thyme

Sweet-scented thyme, with its deep purple flowers, grows wild on Crete’s roadsides and hillsides.
5. Coriander

Coriander is used fresh as a flavouring and garnish for stews, grills and salads.
6. Cinnamon

Cretans acquired a taste for spices during the Turkish and Venetian trading eras. Today, cinnamon flavours desserts like rizokalo (rice pudding) and sweet pies.
7. Cumin

Another exotic import, cumin is essential in the slowly cooked casserole stifado .
8. Rosemary

Growing in abundance, rosemary is used by Cretans mainly to flavour fish dishes.
9. Mint

This ubiquitous wild herb scents the air on rural walks and flavours dozens of dishes.
10. Fennel

Growing profusely in the countryside, this member of the aniseed family is used to flavour ouzo , the national drink.