Tag: Mediterranean cooking

Historically, the ancient Egyptians cultivated chicory as a medicinal plant, a tradition that continues today alongside its prominent culinary uses. So, what do you use chicory leaves for? The versatile greens can be enjoyed raw in salads to add a bitter, crisp bite or cooked to mellow their flavor for warm dishes and side plates.

Historically used by the Greeks and Romans as a symbol of happiness, marjoram is a fragrant herb with a delicate, sweet flavor that has a myriad of practical applications. From culinary enhancements to potential wellness benefits, the most common uses for marjoram make it a prized ingredient around the world.

With Greece being one of the world's top producers and consumers of olive oil, it is no surprise that this "liquid gold" is the cornerstone of Greek cooking. But what oils do Greeks use to cook with for different purposes, and how does this tradition impact their culinary style and health?

Artichokes are low in calories and packed with fiber, but many are intimidated by their spiky exterior. This edible flower bud, belonging to the thistle family, has several delicious parts for you to enjoy once you know how to prepare it correctly.

For millennia, olive oil has been a central pillar of the Mediterranean diet, valued for both its rich flavor and powerful health benefits. This guide explains how to eat olive oil on a Mediterranean diet to maximize its flavor and nutritional value.

Oregano is a staple herb in many cuisines around the world, from Italian to Mexican and Greek. It is the leaves of the oregano plant you use most frequently for their strong, aromatic, and pungent flavor. Different parts of the plant offer varied culinary and practical uses.

While traditional pesto is famously green and basil-based, the key ingredients in tomato pesto (also known as pesto rosso) swap the color base to create a rich, red-hued sauce with a distinctly different flavor profile. Depending on the regional variation, this savory Italian condiment relies on either sun-dried or fresh tomatoes, providing a delightful and versatile alternative for pasta, bruschetta, and more.

According to a 2018 study, adherence to a Mediterranean eating pattern was associated with lower markers of inflammation in the blood, highlighting the health benefits of its core components. The rich, vibrant flavors of this cuisine are built upon a foundation of simple yet powerful typical Mediterranean ingredients.

Historically, rosemary has been used for centuries not only for its distinct flavor but also for its medicinal properties. This aromatic evergreen herb holds up remarkably well to heat, concentrating its essential oils and savory taste, which is why understanding what cooked rosemary is good for is key to unlocking its full potential in your kitchen and for your health.