Special herbs in Crete

Crete, the largest island in Greece, offers a variety of herbs and spices that play an important role in both traditional Cretan cuisine and nature. The island is known for its rich flora, which is ideal for the growth of aromatic herbs and spices that are central to Greek cuisine.

Cretan oregano is particularly aromatic and intense in flavor, as the climatic conditions and the poor soils of the island allow the plants to grow particularly vigorously. Oregano grows mainly in dry, sunny regions of Crete, especially in the mountainous regions and on slopes.

Cretan thyme is considered one of the best thymes in the world. It has an intense aroma that is often used in meat dishes and salads. Thyme thrives mainly on the rocky, dry hills and in the mountainous areas of Crete.

Cretan rosemary has a strong flavour and is often used in traditional recipes. The plants are hardy and thrive in the warm, dry summer months. Rosemary grows mainly near the coast and in dry, sunny mountainous areas.

Cretan sage is valued for its healing properties and is an essential ingredient in many traditional teas and remedies. Sage grows at higher altitudes and prefers dry soils that are rich in minerals.

Cretan basil has an intense, sweet aroma and is used fresh in salads or as an ingredient in the famous "Dakos" (Paximadi bread with tomatoes, herbs and feta). Basil grows in gardens and is also widely used in villages.

Dittany is a very rare, endemic plant of Crete and is used in traditional Cretan medicine. The tea made from dittany is considered to be healing for the stomach and has a unique, intense taste. Dittany grows in the high mountains and is difficult to find. The plant is found mainly in higher regions of Crete such as the Psiloritis/Ida mountains.

Cretan saffron is less well known than that from Iran, but the Cretan version is considered to be of high quality and has an intense flavor. This saffron is grown in special mountainous areas on Crete.

In the towns and villages of Crete there are many local markets where fresh herbs are sold. Especially in the larger cities such as Heraklion or Chania there are specialized herb shops that sell local products. To find wild herbs such as oregano, thyme or dittany, hiking in the mountains of Crete is ideal. Especially in mountainous areas such as Psiloritis or in the regions of Sfakiá you can discover these plants in the wild. There are special guided tours on Crete where local experts lead you on hikes to the best places where herbs and spices grow. These guided tours are not only a great way to see the plants in their natural environment, but also to learn a lot about their use and importance in Cretan culture. There are many small farms that specialize in growing herbs and sell products such as dried oregano or sage. You can find these in rural areas or in local organic markets, such as Kousés. n Sie in ländlichen Gebieten oder in den örtlichen Bio-Märkten finden. So zum Beispiel in Kousés.

• Fresh herbs should be vibrant green and not brittle or yellow. They should give off an intense scent. 
• Dried herbs should be kept in a well-sealed container and show no signs of moisture or mold. 
• Smelling and tasting is the best way to judge the intensity and flavor of the herbs. 

Cretan herbs are not only known for their flavor, but also for their health-promoting properties. Many of these plants are used in teas and traditional remedies to boost the immune system or relieve digestive problems.

The Cretan flora offers a fascinating variety of herbs that provide a special experience both in the kitchen and in nature.