PRODUCTS & GASTRONOMY AROUND THE MEDITERRANEAN

Mediterranean products are products of high quality and nutritional value, popular all over the world. They have always played an important role in the Mediterranean diet and are considered classic components of the Mediterranean diet.

Olive oil, olives, wine, fruit, vegetables, aromatic herbs, honey, cheese…

Apart from food, many Mediterranean products are also used in the cosmetics industry and in the production of perfumes and medicines.

Mediterranean products are an important part of the Mediterranean culture and tradition and reflect the natural beauty of the Mediterranean landscape. Olive groves, wild herbs, orchards and vineyards, Mediterranean products are part of the natural and cultural landscape of the Mediterranean, assets of the region with a dominant role in society, the economy and the environment.

The production of Mediterranean products requires constant effort and investment in research and innovation in order to constantly improve their quality and make them competitive. Moreover, the promotion of Mediterranean products on the world market is vital to strengthen local economies. They are an important resource in every corner of the Mediterranean and must therefore continue to be produced in a responsible manner in order to ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector, the protection of the environment and the preservation of the Mediterranean tradition and culture associated with them.

The method of production, quality and origin of the products are key criteria for consumers.

Maintaining quality and harmony between production and environmental protection are important factors to be taken into account by producers and businesses, since only in this way can they ensure the sustainability of their activities.

The trade and export of Mediterranean products occupies an important place in the economies of the Mediterranean countries and is an engine of growth for many regions.  Mediterranean products are also of great interest in the tourism sector with visitors to the Mediterranean countries preferring authentic local gastronomy and buying traditional Mediterranean products to offer as gifts on their return.

 

Mediterranean gastronomy is a food practice applied in the countries around the Mediterranean. It includes a wide range of foods with olive oil as the main ingredient!

Mediterranean diet is universally considered one of the healthiest diets in the world, as eating foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, fish, meat (especially poultry and red meat in moderation) and olive oil can reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. The Mediterranean diet has also been linked to improved cognitive function, treatment of depression, reduction of the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and improved longevity.

Mediterranean gastronomy is not just a list of foods, but a true art.
Hummus, Fattoush, Falafel, Taboule, Tzatziki, Mousaka, Eggplant Imam, Mandi and Lahmajun, İskender kebap in the Eastern Mediterranean, Couscous, Tajine, Harissa soup and Harira in the North Africa, Bruschetta, Pesto and Alio olio sauces in Italy, Paella, Pittas & Pan con tomate in Spain, Ratatouille, Tapenade & Aioli in South France.

These are just a few of the most sought-after Mediterranean dishes, but Mediterranean gastronomy represents much more than just delicious and healthy food. It is a way of life and a tradition that combines food, culture and society, and can contribute to the well-being of people living around the Mediterranean. People who follow this diet usually treat food as a social experience, shared with family and friends.

More specifically, from a social point of view, Mediterranean gastronomy represents a way of life and diet linked to the social and cultural traditions of the Mediterranean countries. It has stamped its identity and expresses the values and traditions of the people of these countries. Food is a shared experience, an event of social gathering and communication, contributing to the cohesion of the local community through food, strengthening the bonds between the members of the community.

Therefore, Mediterranean gastronomy promotes social coexistence and social justice. For example, in Mediterranean countries, it is customary for people to share their food, to offer the stranger some of it and to communicate with each other during the meal. This social dimension of the Mediterranean table is proof of how much social coexistence is promoted through the meal.

RECOMED Recipes

Greece
Turkey
Italy
Spain
Croatia
Slovenia
Morocco
Tunisia
Montenegro

Other recipies by country :
https://www.internationaloliveoil.org/monde-de-lolivier/recettes/?lang=fr