LOCAL DELICACIES

Discover the diet that is thought to lead to the outstanding longevity.

Most locals have their own food garden with fruit, vegetables and herbs, as well as a few chickens. The produce is mostly organic, grown on steep, some endemic to the island, such as the sweet potato like Taro root, or the famous indigenous apricot ‘kaisa Ikarias‘ as it is locally known, that can be eaten whole, stone and all.

Ikaria’s soaring mountains are packed with a vast array of herbs such as oregano, thyme, sage, chamomile, fennel, heather, rosemary, mint, fennel, mint and yarrow, which are not only commonly used in cooking but are also sipped as a tea throughout the day. Blue Zones reports that these herbs are rich in antioxidants, and that teas made from wild rosemary, sage, and oregano have diuretic properties, helping to regulate blood pressure by eliminating excess sodium and water from the body.

Blue Zone research also reveals that on the island there is a 20% consumption of vegetables and 17% of other greens. this is followed by a 16% consumption of fruits and 11% of legumes. Olive oil and fish are both consumed at 6%. Meat consumption is as low as 5%, sweets at 4% and grains at 1%. Somewhat mysteriously, there is a 9% consumption of potatoes.

This stunning high forested mountain landscape is also home to herds of semi-wild mountain goats known locally as ‘raska‘, (meaning wild) which is the favorite, free roaming meat on the island. It also means that locals prefer goat’s milk to cow’s milk, which research indicates is healthier for the human organism.

Ikaria is also surrounded by crystal clear deep blue seas – fishing boats daily bring in significant catches of delicious fresh fish and seafood such as octopus, lobster and shrimp.

Apart from traditionally made cheeses, such as the soft, creamy, Kathoura (perfect with a shot of the local Raki), the locals produce a variety of delicious goat dishes like ”Kariotiko pastourma”, a delicious air-dryed jerky.

Check out the many local delicacies including vegetarian treats such as ‘Sufi’ made from summer vegetables, pumpkin meatballs, chickpea meatballs, cheese pies with kathura cheese, pies (pumpkin pie and pies filled with local greens) the ‘gamopilafo’ (traditional ‘wedding rice’) and of course the local ‘raska’ goat, boiled, roasted or stuffed with rice and various herbs at numerous tavernas dotted around the island.

source:travel.gr