Guest Author - Katherine O. Huether
The Greeks are masters at eating seasonally. Each time of year brings with it new treasures to be found at the market. The summer markets of Greece are bursting with the vibrant colors and fresh flavors of the season. Ruby red tomatoes with intense, fresh from the vine flavor make their way into salads and other dishes. Karpouzi, or watermelon, is a popular dessert and is often served gratis at the popular restaurants. Other popular summer fruits and vegetables are the different varieties of melons, peppers, cucumbers, and eggplant.
Are you wondering how to apply this concept, even if you aren’t in Greece? Here are some tips.
Visit the Local Markets
If you are in Greece during the summer it is well worth it to find out which markets the locals shop at. Some of these markets can be found on the fringes of the areas where tourists go. Sometimes all you need to do is venture a few minutes out of the way and you will be greeted with produce that is extremely fresh. For example, the island of Santorini is known for their small tomatoes. In the summer you can find them at the markets and enjoy them in the local restaurants.
The locals in Greece shop for their produce fresh, and it is often taken from local sources. To get the benefit of this no matter where you live, try to find your local farmer’s markets or farm stands. Stick with the produce that is taken locally. You can shop for tomatoes when the farmers are bringing them to the markets and the same goes for melons, corn, and anything else that people grow in your area.
Use the Freshest Ingredients When Cooking
The Greeks have a knack for cooking with only the freshest ingredients and the summer is no exception. When in Greece, look on the menus for local specialties that rely on summer ingredients. Fresh salads (horiatiki), watermelon slices for dessert, and foods like stuffed peppers and tomatoes and “tomato keftedes” which are meatballs made from tomatoes, flour, and egg and deep fried. Home chefs use the produce that they find in the markets to cook similar dishes as those found on the menus.
To apply this concept to your own cooking, build your meals around the fresh ingredients you find at the markets and not vice versa. If the tomatoes look good, find a way to enjoy them in your food. If the watermelon is ripe, serve that for dessert. Summer eating is all about enjoying what is available at a local level.
