Greek Legend Says
Athenian Amphora
In all probability though, it was the Minoans from Ancient Crete who introduced the olive tree to the Athenians and the rest of the Greek people since the Minoan Civilisation existed for centuries before the Athenians. They were farmers and powerful seafarers, trading their wares throughout the Mediterranean and possibly beyond.
They were the first people in the World to press olives for oil and one can still see remnants of olive oil and wine production in Minoan ruins around Crete.
Olive oil had such value in those times that it has been referred to as “liquid gold”.
In modern Greece, the most common greeting word is “yiasou” (Ghia soo). Literally translated it means – Good health to you.
Good health, family and quality of life has always been very important to the Greek people. The Greek philosophy is to enjoy and celebrate life with people you love and appreciate. That is why Greek dining is normally associated with dancing, song and socialising in groups. The breaking of plates during dancing is not some crazy act of vandalism or saving on dishwashing, it is a way of saying that material things and money do not matter when you are happy!!!…….. Perhaps this is why the Greek economy is suffering now. Too much celebrating life and not enough work.
As it is widely known, the Mediterranean diet is amongst the healthiest in the world and none more so than the Cretan diet due mainly to a very high consumption of fresh natural products, including copious quantities of Cretan extra virgin olive oil and a reasonable?? amount of traditional Cretan wine.
Now you too can have some Good Health in a bottle from the original place of healthy eating, Crete, Greece at a price you can afford.
