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paharo45

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I love Kalamata olives but I am trying to branch out to different ones. Which Greek olives do you like best? I did some research about the different types:

Kalamata Olives: Perhaps the most renowned Greek olives, Kalamatas, are recognized by their dark purple color and almond shape. They are often preserved in wine vinegar or olive oil, which further accentuates their rich and fruity flavor.

Halkidiki Olives: These are large, pale green olives from the Halkidiki region of Northern Greece. Known for their crisp flesh and slightly peppery taste, Halkidiki olives are commonly stuffed with various fillings, from feta cheese to almonds, making them a good choice for appetizers.

Amfissa Olives: Cultivated primarily in Central Greece, near the ancient oracle of Delphi, Amfissa olives can range in color from green to black, depending on their ripeness. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a meaty texture.

Throumba Olives: Unique to the island of Thassos, these olives are naturally sun-dried on the tree. They have a wrinkled appearance and a savory taste with a hint of vinegar, due to their natural fermentation.

I have never had any of these olives other than Kalamata and I am sure there are others, too.

greek-olives.jpg
 
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I love Kalamata olives but I am trying to branch out to different ones. Which Greek olives do you like best? I did some research about the different types:

Kalamata Olives: Perhaps the most renowned Greek olives, Kalamatas, are recognized by their dark purple color and almond shape. They are often preserved in wine vinegar or olive oil, which further accentuates their rich and fruity flavor.

Halkidiki Olives: These are large, pale green olives from the Halkidiki region of Northern Greece. Known for their crisp flesh and slightly peppery taste, Halkidiki olives are commonly stuffed with various fillings, from feta cheese to almonds, making them a good choice for appetizers.

Amfissa Olives: Cultivated primarily in Central Greece, near the ancient oracle of Delphi, Amfissa olives can range in color from green to black, depending on their ripeness. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a meaty texture.

Throumba Olives: Unique to the island of Thassos, these olives are naturally sun-dried on the tree. They have a wrinkled appearance and a savory taste with a hint of vinegar, due to their natural fermentation.

I have never had any of these olives other than Kalamata and I am sure there are others, too.

View attachment 1248
My personal faves are Throumbes, the wrinkly, squishy kind! Thank God my mom makes them!
 
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For me it’s Kalamon (kalamata)but you can’t go wrong with Throubies!
 
I keep forgetting about Throumbes olives! I love them - the texture is so cool and they taste delicious. I truly haven't met an olive I didn't like, but my favorite is kalamata - and also the Greek green olives - I don't remember what they're called but I buy them whenever I see them. Does anyone know what they're called?
 
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I keep forgetting about Throumbes olives! I love them - the texture is so cool and they taste delicious. I truly haven't met an olive I didn't like, but my favorite is kalamata - and also the Greek green olives - I don't remember what they're called but I buy them whenever I see them. Does anyone know what they're called?
I'm not sure, but here in Greece we just call them green olives, I think.
 

Preserving Fresh Herbs Options?

I have fresh herbs growing beautifully in my yard right now, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, and a few others I use all the time in my Greek cooking. I dry oregano every year, but I’m wondering what other methods people use to preserve fresh herbs beyond just drying.

For example, can you freeze dill without it turning brown or losing flavor? What about mint, has anyone had luck preserving it in ice cubes or oil? I’d love to have a supply that still tastes vibrant when I cook things like yemista, dolmades, or spanakopita in the winter months.

Are there any Greek-style herb pastes or traditional methods that people still use? I’ve heard of storing parsley in lemon juice, but I’ve never tried it. I’d really love to keep the flavor of summer going year-round, especially since these herbs are such a big part of how I cook.

Good Meze for Outdoor Barbecue?

I’m Greek and love to cook traditional food, especially when the weather’s nice and we can eat outside! I often host outdoor dinner parties with a grill going and a table full of friends and family. I’m looking for ideas for meze that hold up well outdoors while everyone’s mingling and waiting for the main meal to be ready.

I usually do the basics like tzatziki, olives, and pita, but I’d love to add a few more options that can sit out for a bit without wilting or drying out. Ideally, things that don’t need to be piping hot or refrigerated immediately—especially since I like the relaxed, come-and-go vibe during grilling.

What are your go-to Greek starters or finger foods for an outdoor setting?

Frying Saganaki the Right Way?

I love saganaki. There’s nothing better than that golden, crispy cheese with a squeeze of lemon. I always order it at Greek restaurants, but I’ve never actually tried making it myself at home. I’m finally ready to give it a shot and could really use some tips!

What’s the best type of cheese to use? I’ve heard of kefalograviera and kasseri, but I’m not sure which gives the best result. Also, how do you keep it from melting into a puddle or sticking to the pan?

Do you dredge it in flour or something else? Olive oil or another type of oil for frying? And how do you get that perfect crispy edge without burning it?

Homemade Gyro Meat?

I absolutely love gyros, but I’ve never been a fan of the store-bought meat—it always tastes a bit too processed for me. I’m thinking about trying to make my own gyro meat at home, but I’m not sure where to start. Is it as simple as roasting a leg of lamb and carving thin slices? Or is there a better way to get that classic texture and flavor?

I’ve seen some people use a mix of lamb and beef, ground and packed tightly into a loaf pan. Others say the key is in the spices and pressing the meat after cooking. I’m open to experimenting, but I’d love to hear what’s worked for others.

Understanding Greek Condiments

I’ve noticed that condiments in Greece can vary quite a bit depending on where you are. For example, when I visit Crete, there’s always fresh lemon on the table, and people use it on everything, from meat to greens. In other places, I see a lot of vinegar being used, especially with salads and fried foods.

It got me wondering, what are the most common condiments across different regions of Greece? Do Greeks ever use things like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise at home, or is that mostly in tourist areas?

I know olive oil and lemon are staples, but sometimes I see things on tables that surprise me. Just curious if there are certain traditional uses for these “modern” condiments or if it’s more regional/custom-based. Would love to hear your thoughts or family traditions!
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