FIGS, HONEY, CHUTNEYS

Figs, honey and chutneys from Greece...

FIGS:
Originally figs were brought to Evia from Little Asia. Today the region around Evia is the main growing area for figs in Greece. Figs are a fruit with a very high nutritional value and have a high content of calcium and potassium, as well as vitamins A, B, C, E. The large proportion of plant fibers promotes the good functioning of the intestine. In addition to the dried figs, there are also interesting variations of processed figs:
- Fig syrup is versatile for cooking and baking.
- Fig dressing refine green salads, chicken and meat for example.
- Fig chutney gives their right aromatic note to baked meat and cheese (especially feta).


HONEY:
Even in ancient times, the Greeks regarded honey as a gift from the gods. While Hippocrates recommended honey for the treatment of many diseases, the scholar Aristotle believed that honey prolonged life. Greek beekeeping goes back a long way in history also. Honey was and is the first traditional sweetener that the Greeks have used since ancient times. Today Greek honey is considered one of the best in the world!
Of course the "raw producers" of honey are the bees, which collect plant nectar or plant exudates and make the production of this natural sweetener possible. However the main substance, sugar, contains only sucrose and is to be seen as a chemical product for harmful effects on the human organism. Instead, the honey itself at least contains 180 different substances, such as amino acids, minerals, vitamins and trace elements that are crucial for metabolism and nutrition.
This makes honey a versatile home remedy, whether used internally or externally. What is certain is that honey inhibits inflammation, acts against bacteria and fungi, relieves pain and strengthens the body's immune system. It has an antiseptic effect and optimizes, among other things, the functionality of our body.

The crystallization (sweetening) of honey is the peculiar natural development. This largely depends on the proportion of the nectar of the flowers. The best time to enjoy honey is about two years after harvest. It should be noted that honey should always be stored in a cool, dry and dark place.

Types of honey:
The flora (especially the bees) is the most important criterion for different types of honey.
Forest honey:
In northern Evia, the natural variety of regional oaks and pines, as well as aromatic plants such as mint, oregano, thyme or clover, offer sufficient opportunities for the local bee colonies. The resulting forest honey has a slightly dark color and is very aromatic. It has many trace elements and also has an antiseptic and antitoxic effect.
Oak honey:
An AUTH study published in 2015 showed that oak honey - among almost 50 different types of honey - has the strongest antioxidant effect. The typical crystallization process for unprocessed and pure honey (by the way, a quality feature for honey) is much slower for oak honey. Oak honey can be recognized by its very dark (almost black) color and in terms of taste by its own light caramel note with a strong aroma. In Greece, theregion of Evia is known for its excellent oak honey.
Thyme honey:
The beneficial properties of thyme honey have been known for a long time: Its health-promoting and strongly antiseptic components improve the general condition and at the same time protect against various diseases. Thyme honey tastes extremely aromatic and very light. It also has a high nutritional value.


CHUTNEYS:
The term "chutney" comes from Indian cuisine and includes to sauce similar products that are prepared and cooked from ingredients such as fruits, vegetables and herbs. The end result can be equated with the jam what we know. Greek fig chutneys captivate with interesting aromas that appeal (not only) to the modern gourmet palate. They are made from the (dried) high quality and special "Smyrni" figs which are harvested in the North Evia region in Greece.
Products of excellent quality have been developed - in combination with Greek mountain tea, olive paste, ginger, onion, or chocolate for example..They have a high nutritional value and are also rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin B6 and fiber.
They contain no preservatives, no glucose, but pure sugar and natural lemon juice instead.