EXPLORING OLIVE OIL, FETA, HONEY, AND TRADITIONAL GREEK INGREDIENTS FOR GREEK-STYLE RECIPES
Authentic Greek cuisine relies on ingredients that provide distinctive flavors and textures. Using high-quality staples such as olive oil, feta, herbs, honey, and fresh produce contributes to traditional Mediterranean meals and supports the preparation of dishes with regional character.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Greek Cooking
Extra virgin olive oil is a primary ingredient in Greek kitchens. It is used for cooking, salad dressings, marinades, and finishing dishes. Olive oils from Greek regions such as Lakonia, often derived from the Koroneiki olive, supply consistent flavor and color. Incorporating high-quality olive oil supports balanced seasoning and enhances both simple and complex recipes.
Feta Cheese for Traditional Flavor
Feta cheese contributes texture and a distinctive tang to Greek recipes. Greek Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) feta is produced in Greece from at least 70 percent sheep’s milk, with the remainder from goat’s milk. Purchasing feta in blocks stored in brine maintains its moisture and flavor. Feta is used in salads, pies, and as a topping for roasted or baked dishes.
Greek Herbs and Oregano
Greek oregano differs from other varieties, offering a concentrated herbal profile suited to traditional recipes. It is commonly used in salads, roasted vegetables, meat dishes, and marinades. Other Greek herbs, such as thyme and rosemary, support layered flavor development and complement fresh produce without relying on processed seasonings.
Thyme Honey as a Culinary Ingredient
Greek thyme honey is used for its characteristic texture and mild herbal notes. It pairs with yogurt, desserts like baklava, and cheeses. This honey is valued in Greek cooking for both its flavor and its role as a natural ingredient, contributing sweetness while maintaining traditional Mediterranean profiles.
Kalamata Olives and Legumes
Kalamata olives are a common Greek pantry ingredient, offering a briny and slightly fruity taste. They are added to salads, spreads, and baked dishes. Legumes such as gigantes beans and fava beans provide plant-based protein and are often prepared with tomato sauce or puréed to accompany meals in Greek cuisine.
Phyllo Dough and Fresh Produce
Phyllo dough is used in savory and sweet dishes, including spanakopita and baklava. When stored properly, it can be used across multiple recipes. Fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and lemons, alongside Greek yogurt, supply texture and acidity needed for balanced flavors in traditional dishes.
Spices and Seasonings
Common Greek spices include sea salt, cinnamon, and cumin. These are incorporated to enhance flavor profiles in dishes such as moussaka, gyros, and stews. Combining these seasonings with staple Greek ingredients ensures recipes retain authentic taste characteristics.
Discover the True Essence of Greek Olive Oil
Crafted in Lakonia, Greece, Truly Greek olive oils are rooted in family tradition and village pride. The olives, Athenolia and Koroneiki, are harvested from local groves to preserve their fresh flavor and naturally low acidity. The result is a collection of oils that reflect the soul of the Mediterranean: pure, balanced, and unforgettable.
Truly Greek Premium 0.2 Extra Virgin Olive Oil — 100 Percent Athenolia Olives
This internationally recognized olive oil is crafted exclusively from Athenolia olives grown in Lakonia. Cold-pressing within one to four hours of harvesting the olives gives our premium olive oil an acidity level of just 0.2 percent (a rarity in olive oils). Truly Greek Premium 0.2 delivers a smooth texture, buttery richness, and refined complexity. Ideal for salads, warm bread, or as a finishing touch, this olive oil reflects the finest expression of cold-pressed Greek tradition. This olive oil can be used for stovetop cooking at temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Truly Greek Classic Extra Virgin Olive Oil — 100 Percent Koroneiki Olives
Made from Koroneiki olives, known as the “queen of olives,” this bold and balanced olive oil features a naturally low acidity of 0.5 percent. Truly Greek Classic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is cold-pressed and offers a high polyphenol content. Use this robust olive oil for marinades, roasted vegetables, or everyday cooking to bring a true taste of Greece to the table.
