Traditional local products

These are agricultural or cottage industry goods produced locally and with a century-long tradition behind them. They are timeless ingredients of the local cuisine and they make a complete Mediterranean menu, the diet that helps extend lifespan and improves our health and physical well-being.

Kalamata PDO Extra Virgin Olive Oil

One hundred percent extra virgin olive oil that has received a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). It is at least 95% of Koroneiki variety and is produced by olive extraction with the use of mechanical means only. Kalamata PDO extra virgin olive oil can be green or green/golden, of medium fruity flavor with an aroma of green olive fruit, of slight bitterness and of slight to medium pungency. Thanks to its consistency, it protects against coronary artery disease and it benefits the homeostasis within the human body.

PDO Kalamata table olives

World-famous for their tasty flavor, the olives of Kalamata have been certified as a PDO product and are the highest-quality black edible olives. They are handpicked when ripe and they are cured with the use of natural means. When preserved in brine with olive oil they become a delicious “meze” of the highest nutritional value, high in oleuropein, a substance that contributes towards good health. The perfect accompaniment of several dishes.

Dried black raisins (currants)

Dried black raisins (currants) have been a local diet ingredient ever since Homer’s time. It’s one of the region’s basic products since the period of the Venetian rule and its trade thrived towards the end of the 19th century, bringing the unique fruit of the Messinian land all the way to the European salons. Today, it is a standardized product, packed according to all health and safety regulations in order to retain its full aroma and flavor when it reaches consumers. It is of the highest nutritional value, a rich source of vitamins andminerals.

Vinegar

Just a hint of vinegar brings out food flavour. The “Glykadi” (sweet), as vinegar is called in the local dialect, is produced from local grapes and is of excellent quality. The sweet, viscous and aromatic balsamic vinegar made from black raisins and aged in old wooden barrels, is also associated with the region of Kalamata.

Local wines

The vineyards of Messinia are mentioned by Homer, while Pausanias the traveler (2nd century AJC) says that Dionysus first exclaimed “Eviva!” when he tried Messinian wine. The tradition continues until today with the production of top-quality wines that have won awards in national and international competitions. The local climate and the use of modem means, together with the use of the best vine varieties, and the love, care and passion of the local vine growers and wine makers, are all responsible for this excellent result.

Alcoholic beverages

Ouzo and Tsipouro are famous for their quality and for being served with “meze:. Liqueurs, produced by the local distillers of Kalamata already since the 19th century, are also well-known; they blend tradition with up-to-date trends in order to create interesting flavors and aromas.

Sfela

A semi-hard, really salty cheese of fabulous aroma. It is a PDO product made from a mixture of sheep and goat’s milk, with no color additives or enhancers. Sfela has a pepperish hint and can be consumed plain or with crispy lalaghia, in the form of saganaki (prepared in a frying pan), in pies or as a side to many dishes. Additionally, Messinia produces PDO feta cheese and top-quality graviera, kefalograviera etc.

Dried figs

One of the best-known products of the region. They are naturally sun dried, toothsomely sweet and of the highest nutritional value. Their healing properties have been known ever since Hippocrates’ time. They are a good source of energy for our body, and rich in vita- min A, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. It is also a high-fiber food.

Honey

A top-quality, 100% natural product. Long periods of sunshine, the mild climate and the presence of various aromatic plants in the region benefit its production.

Aromatic plants and herbs

St Johns wort, oregano, bay laurel, thyme, tea plants, sage, mint, chamomile, rosemary – just a few of the plants used for adding aroma and flavor to food or for their medicinal properties.

Pasteli

Honey and sesame being its basic ingredients, pasteli is a source of vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, iron and more. Its medicinal properties have been known ever since Herodotus’ time; amongst everything else it lowers cholesterol levels, it strengthens our immune system and it has antiaging action.

Cured meats

Deli meats, favored by the Messinians, with a distinctive taste and aroma. Sausages with orange zest or smoked and salted pork are both known since antiquity and the Middle Ages, and they are still prepared in a traditional way.