of Cyprus - ente nazionale per il turismo di cipro

AdvertorialFlavoursof CyprusThe Cyprus countryside is full of highlyaromatic wild herbs; wherever you go onthe island, be it in the coastal areas, themountains, or even next to roadsides many speciesof wild herbs can be found. The island has a longhistory of traditional uses of herbs for medicine,for preserving foods and of course also in cooking.Pliny, the 1st century historian and naturalistwrote: “The herbs of Cyprus are the best in theentire Roman Empire.” The climate and soil ofthe island are ideal and ensure the best qualityherbs. This is why the herbs of Cyprus havesuch a strong aroma and contain high quantitiesof essential oils.The ancients used to wrap their raw and smokedmeats in thyme and oregano in order to preservethem. The herbs also gave their wonderful aromasto these food products. Halloumi, Cyprus’ nationalcheese, is traditionally made with a generous mintgarnish, because of its antibacterial propertiesand of course it adds its flavour to the cheese.These culinary traditions of Cyprus are still keptalive to this day.Traditional Cypriot food takes full advantage ofthe aroma and flavour of both cooked and rawingredients, and marries mild wholesome cheeses,fruits and vegetables with herbs that can bringout their unique flavors and textures. Aubergine,figs, feta cheese, ground lamb, olives, sesameseeds, crisp pastry and honey work like the colorson a painter's palate, and thyme, oregano, basil,rosemary and mint help to enhance and refinethe foods of this amazing island.Even the simplest dish can take on a differentflavour and aroma, just by using a herb, andchange our appetite as well! In general, herbs areused in small amounts halfway through cookingtime. In oven dishes the herbs are usually addedright at the beginning. Herbs take a prominentplace in the Mediterranean diet and fresh herbssuch as parsley, celery, mint and rocket can evenbe the main ingredient in a dish! Apart fromtheir wonderful taste and aroma, herbs are apowerhouse of health. The father of medicine,Hippocrates, said 2500 years ago: “Let thy foodbe thy medicine”, a principle which the ancientsused to live by and which nowadays is comingback into vogue.The herbs in this specially selected organic blendare very versatile in their uses. They enhance thearoma and flavour of a great variety of dishes,such as meat or vegetable casseroles, oven-bakedpotatoes, egg dishes, grilled or baked fish, thecombinations are endless. As you use them in yourcooking, the rich aromas will trigger memoriesof the sun-kissed island of Cyprus.Kali orexi! (bon appetit!)Tip: When visiting the local shops do ask for someCyprus halloumi cheese, smoked lountza (porkloin), tahini (sesame seed dip) and olives to takehome with you. These delicacies complementevery meal when served on the side. Don’t forgetto get hold of some aromatic virgin olive oil andlocal wine for yourself and your friends!16 Time Out Cyprus | Eating Guide 2013