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What fruits and veggies are in season right now in Greece?

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nm1999

nm1999

Active member
I need to know what I should be getting from the laiki! What is the best of the best right now? Thanks :)
 
Here are the fruits and veggies that I always eat every time I go to Greece (in the Summer):

- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Peaches
- Grapes
- Watermelon
- Melon
- Peppers
- Figs

There are some that I can think of that are amazing!


Laiki-Markets-720x405.jpeg
 
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You can't go wrong with anything fresh that is from Greece! My absolute favorite are the fresh, perfectly ripened tomatoes.
 
Grapes, figs, plums, pomegranates...

Some of my family just went to the village to make tsipouro from the grapes we grow around my house.
 
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ellinasgolfer0320 said:
Grapes, figs, plums, pomegranates...

Some of my family just went to the village to make tsipouro from the grapes we grow around my house.
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Omg I had no idea that tsipouro was made from grapes...wow, what is that process like?
 
nm1999 said:
Omg I had no idea that tsipouro was made from grapes...wow, what is that process like?
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I have no idea. I've never made it, but the iconic anise smell and taste that ouzo and tsipouro have doesn't happen naturally, the anise smell and taste are added to the drinks after they're made. Most Greeks (except for people around Volos) don't like ouzo or tsipouro that tastes like anise, so they prefer the drink without the anise which tastes and smells more like tequila.
 
ellinasgolfer0320 said:
I have no idea. I've never made it, but the iconic anise smell and taste that ouzo and tsipouro have doesn't happen naturally, the anise smell and taste are added to the drinks after they're made. Most Greeks (except for people around Volos) don't like ouzo or tsipouro that tastes like anise, so they prefer the drink without the anise which tastes and smells more like tequila.
Click to expand...
@nm1999 This is what I found on Youtube

 
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JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

How does your family season dolmades?

I’ve been thinking about how much dolmades can vary from one family to another, especially when it comes to seasoning. Even when the basic ingredients are similar, the flavor can be completely different depending on which herbs and spices are used.

How does your family season dolmades? Do you use mostly dill and parsley, or do you add mint as well? I’ve also seen recipes that include green onions, oregano, or even a little cinnamon, especially when meat is part of the filling.

I’m curious whether you season the rice mixture pretty heavily before rolling the grape leaves or keep it simple and let the lemon and olive oil provide most of the flavor. Does your family add lemon juice directly to the filling, or only during cooking and serving?

I’d especially love to hear about any regional or family traditions. What gives your dolmades their distinctive flavor?

Do You Put Cinnamon in Your Keftedes?

I’m curious how everyone here makes keftedes, especially when it comes to cinnamon. I know some Greek families add a little cinnamon to the meat mixture, while others would never think of putting it in.

In my experience, even a small amount can change the flavor quite a bit. It gives the keftedes a warmer, slightly sweeter spice in the background, but I can also see how it might not be for everyone. I’ve had versions that lean more heavily on oregano, mint, parsley, garlic, and onion instead.

Do you put cinnamon in your keftedes? If you do, how much do you usually use, and was that something your family always did? I’d also be curious to know if it varies depending on what part of Greece your family comes from.

Would love to hear how everyone seasons theirs and what you consider essential for really good keftedes.

Is lamb or beef more traditional for giouvetsi?

I've been looking into traditional Greek giouvetsi recipes lately, and I'm curious about which meat is considered the most traditional. I've seen recipes that use lamb, others that call for beef, and even some that use chicken.

I love the idea of slowly cooking the meat in a rich tomato sauce with orzo until everything becomes tender and flavorful. However, I'm wondering whether lamb or beef would be the more authentic choice.

Is one traditionally preferred in certain regions of Greece? I've read that lamb is often associated with older Greek recipes, but beef seems to be very common in modern versions of giouvetsi.

I'm also curious whether the choice of meat changes the way the dish is prepared. Does lamb require different seasonings or cooking times than beef?

For those familiar with traditional Greek cooking, which version do you prefer, and which would you recommend trying first?

Do you make your pastitsio with a thick or thin layer of krema?

I've always preferred my pastitsio with a nice, thick layer of béchamel on top. To me, that's one of the best parts of the dish! I love when the krema is rich, creamy, and thick enough to hold its shape when you cut into the pastitsio.

The problem is that I've been having trouble getting my krema just right. Sometimes it comes out too thin, and other times the texture isn't quite as smooth as I'd like. I've tried adjusting the amount of flour and milk, but I still haven't found the perfect balance.

I'm curious how everyone else makes theirs. Do you prefer a thick layer of béchamel or just enough to cover the pasta? Does your family add eggs or cheese to the mixture?

I'd especially love to hear any tips for making a thick, smooth krema that sets beautifully when baked!

My Family’s Keftedes Recipe

Keftedes are one of those foods that always remind me of family gatherings. Everyone seems to make them a little differently, but this is the basic version my family has always used.

For about a pound of ground beef, we add one small grated onion, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, a little fresh mint, one egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, oregano, and a small splash of red wine vinegar. Sometimes we add a little grated garlic as well.

The important part is mixing everything well and then letting the mixture sit in the refrigerator for a little while before shaping the keftedes. We make them fairly small, roll them lightly in flour, and fry them in olive oil until browned on the outside and cooked through.

We usually serve them with lemon, potatoes, salad, or tzatziki.

How does your family make keftedes? I’m especially curious about which herbs and seasonings everyone uses. Thought I'd share!
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