Greek Herbs
Herbs found in Greece and used in Greek Cuisine
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~ Basil (Vasilikos). ~ Is one of those Herbs that is found grown in pots in almost every Greek house. ~ Not only for using it in certain dishes but also for the aroma when is being waved by hand or yet by the air. ~ According to the Greek Orthodox Religion it is believed that the aroma of the Basil is what drove St. Constantine and Helen to discover the Holy Cross. ~ Where the Holy Cross was found there was a large growth of Basil. ~ Fresh Basil is being used in many Greek dishes, among others in salads, boiled vegetables, soups and tomato sauces. |
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~ Oregano (Rigani). ~ is another Herb being used very much in the Greek Cuisine. Oregano adds flavor to many meat dishes like the traditional Greek Easter Roasted Lamb, Hot and Spicy food, olive oil and lemon sauce used over barbecued fish and meat. ~ It is also used in every Greek salad and some casseroles. ~ The Greek Oregano is believed to be the best in the Word. ~ It is grown in rocky places in the wild, picked and dried. |
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~ Parsley (Maitanos). ~ Is a Herb grown in every Greek garden. ~ There are two kind of Parsley. ~ The curly and the flat leaf. ~ The curly is mostly used as a garnishment and the flat leaf is used in food for it's stronger flavour. ~ Parsley is being used in many Greek dishes and in salads. ~ It is also used over cubed tomato with olive oil. |
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~ Bay Leaf (Dafni). ~ Mostly dried Bay Leaves are used in many Greek dishes like Roasts, soups, stews, vegetable and fish dishes. ~ In the ancient Greece, branches of Bay Leaves were used to crown the winners of the Olympic Games. ~ According to the Greek Orthodox Religion Bay Leaves are also called Vagia in Greek and are used on Palm Sunday. |
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~ Mint (Diosmos). ~ There are many kinds of Mint. The most common are the Peppermint and Spearmint. ~ Home grown Mint should be contained because of it's speedy growth and take over the whole garden. ~ It is suggested to have some (contained of course) grown in the garden among any pepper plants and tomato plants. ~ Mint attracts wasps and repels unwanted parasites. ~ Mint is also being used by a lot of people (Dried or fresh) as a good tea refreshment. ~ It is also used to enhance the flavour of candies, syrups and ice cream. ~ Fresh Mint should be used as needed and if any left should be placed in a plastic bag and refrigerated. ~ Dry mint should be kept in a sealed jar, preferably in a cool dry area. |
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~ Dill (Anithos). ~ Dill is an annual Herb. In the Greek Cuisine Dill is being used in salads, some home made soups, some sauces and especially in those delicious and famous home made spinach pies. ~ In the ancient Greece game winners were crowned with flowered Dill and with Dill oil they were rubbing them selves because they believed it was good for muscle relaxing. |
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~ Flowering Rosemary (Dendrolivano). ~ Rosemary is a bush that one can find in many Greek gardens as a decorative bush. It is used in some Greek Religious events and celebrations as decoration of buildings and churches. ~ Rosemary bush does not need much water and it can be found growing in rocky places all over Europe. ~ It is being used in many Greek dishes among them in roasts, barbeque, in oil and lemon sauce over lamb and fish, pastries and in some home made fruit preserves. |
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