Certain spices are common in Greek cooking.
Ancient Greeks used spices not only to season their food and give it a pleasant aroma, but also for medicinal purposes. Today, Greek cooking uses certain spices that give the food a distinctively Greek feel. Some spices grow naturally in Greece; others come from import. To successfully give your food a Greek flair, you need to know the different spices used in this ethnic cooking.
Oregano
In Greek cooking, oregano, also known as rigani, is the most commonly used spice. The word oregano means "joy of the mountain" in Greek. According to Greek Products, this may be because oregano roots help keep the sides of the mountains from quickly eroding in heavy rains, or because the locals enjoy the strong aroma the plant emits. Oregano is used in Greek salads, sauces and stews, as well as for seasoning fish and other meats.
Mint
Several varieties of mint grow wild in Greece, such as spearmint and peppermint, also called diosmos. The ancient Greeks used mint for many purposes, including scenting their baths, making tea for digestive concerns and cooking, as well as for Greek Orthodox blessings. Mint is used in many dishes. Commonly, it can be found in meatballs, pies, salads and lamb dishes. One popular dish that utilizes mint is tzatziki, a cucumber salad with a mint-yogurt sauce.
Anise
Anise is a common Greek spice that is also known as glykaniso. The spice has a licorice flavor. Originally, the ancient Greeks used anise to make a tonic that was supposed to ease the nerves. Today, one of the most common Greek uses for anise is in ouzo, a licorice-flavored liqueur. In cooking, the spice is added to tomato sauces, pastries and different meat dishes.
Saffron
Saffron comes from the dried stigmas that are hand-plucked from the center of the saffron flower. Because of its rarity, it is the most expensive spice in the world today. The red threads of saffron will dye food yellow, and were used by the ancient Greeks to dye clothing for nobility. Today, one of the most common uses for the spice in Greece is in saffron cheese pie, an Easter specialty.
Imported Spices
Certain spices are common additions to Greek cuisine but are not native to the country, including cinnamon, cloves, allspice and nutmeg. Since ancient times, the Greeks have imported these spices. They can often be found in baked goods such as cakes, cookies and other desserts, as well as in drinks. Other applications include tomato sauces, meats and macaroni dishes.
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