Bergamot Orange (Citrus aurantium subsp. Bergamia), is a small spiny tree, native to South East Asia, with fruit that resembles large lemon. Latest genetic research indicates that it is rather a natural cross between the sweet lemon (Citrus limetta) and…
The Bread Oblations of St. Antonios
On January 17, the feast day of St. Antonios, women on Sfakia (SW Crete), bake man-shaped breads as an offering for the sick loved ones. The custom of anthropomorphic breads or foods is found in several cultures. Small anthropomorphic breads, known as “muertitos,”…
Blood in Food. Recipes
Vinegared blood. (Xidato aima. Chania of Crete) fresh blood from the pig’s neck 200 gr meat from the pig’s neck, 1 cm diced 1 onion finely chopped 3 tbs olive oil 3/4 cup vinegar ground salt ground black pepper Strain…
Blood in food
‘Do not taste dead flesh, nor touch blood’ S.Clementis I Rom.Opera dubia, PG, II, v. 220,175-6 ΙV. Over the last 40 years, the Western European Christmas culture spread more and more in Greece. One result of this spread is the…
The Fast before Christmas. The polysporia.
The period of forty days before Christmas is considered as a Fast, although not so strict as the pre- Easter one. Historically, the Fast before Christmas has been developed rather late. It was established in 1166, at the Council of…