Gathering of natural food products
Crete is a land with a rich natural environment containing a great variety and quantity of wild plants and animals. This facilitated the survival of its first inhabitants 9,000 years ago, and also during difficult historical periods when farming produce decreased dramatically.
The gathering of natural foods continues to this day, thanks to their flavour and the many available preparation and cooking methods.
Plants
Wild greens and mushrooms
Edible wild greens (over 50 species) are consumed raw or cooked in water or olive oil, on their own or with other plant or animal products. They are gathered from autumn to late spring.
Fruit and berries
Fruit and berries are also gathered to a lesser extent.
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