The Cretan kitchen of today is based on the many traditions of Crete and the locally produced ingredients.
The location of Crete is strategically situated in the Mediterranean area. One can also say that Crete is the portal to Africa. This is therefore one of the reasons that Crete was already occupied by foreign powers before 3000 BC. More recently Crete was sold to the Venetians. They realized the strategic location of Crete and built enormous harbors, which we still find today everywhere on the island. From 1669 till 1928 the Turks occupied the island. After the reunion of Crete with the rest of Greece in 1928 a discrimination of religion was evident. Especially the Islam and the Christianity were hardly tolerated here on Crete. It is obvious that due to all these occupations the Cretan people protected their traditions, their habits and their customs with their life. Especially the culinary traditions were maintained in monasteries and the villages high in the mountains. Due to the long occupation, the Turkish influence however is noticeable in many ways, even now. Through the ages this nation has learned to take care of her self and not to be dependant on other people. You will notice the difference between the Cretan people and the rest of Greece.
The Cretan kitchen is surrounded by myth of natural nourishment and herbs that conquer all modern aches and pains. Maybe therefore Crete is the place with the lowest percentage of heart and vascular diseases.
In principal the Cretan kitchen is very simple, based on olive oil, olives, fresh vegetables, bread, fish, meat and a variety of cheeses. Especially the cheeses have different names, due to the fact that in every occupation the product was given different names.
Further many Greek products and dishes have Italian names, thanks to the Venetians. Apart from that the Venetians gave a big push to the production of wine.
The Turks take their credit for products such as sesame seed and the food and drinks of for instance the "Greek" coffee, the pastries and chicken liver. Next to that many other influences can be found, such as the Jewish.
As said before, the Cretan kitchen is a simple kitchen, but should definitely not be seen as a poor kitchen. Through the ages creative minds created a very healthy and tasty kitchen.
