Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries
The Olive Harvest in Crete is part of Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries Winter Activities
Organic tomatoes are abundant in late summer and always a part of our healthy cooking and organic gardening program
Elounda, Canal, Ancient Sunken City of Olous, Mirabello Bay
Crete, Celebrating the Spring Festival (May First)
Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries Schedule
email:  info@cookingincrete.com
www.cookingincrete.com
Copyright © 2004 Nikki Rose. All rights reserved.
Educational Program Outline

Each season in Crete holds something new.  Review our Schedule and Seasonal Activities
to determine which tailored seminar is best for your interests or research
A Window into Ancient Crete  

The Minoan Civilization thrived on this island and surrounding areas, now known as modern Greece,
from about 2800 to 1000 B.C. We’ll visit historic sites to discover the Minoan’s zest for life, the arts
and fine cuisine.  Sites may include the Palace of Knossos and others, based on seasonal
itineraries.  Nearly every modern city and tiny village has been inhabited for at least 4000 years.

Preserving Tradition and the Environment -- Sustainable Living

The ancient Minoans worshiped Gaia, Mother Earth.  They adopted stringent laws to protect nature
and food sources, in the hopes that she would reward them with fair weather and a bountiful
harvest.  The concept of respecting the land is still inherent in rural life.  We will meet organic
farmers, artisan food producers, fishermen and chefs who will share their expertise in producing the
primary ingredients of the Cretan diet. Fresh seafood, wild and cultivated vegetables and herbs,
legumes, cheese, breads, escargot, and phyllo dough pastries are part of seasonal surprises.  

Nature and Botany

Crete is known for it's wild and rugged natural beauty.  Her deep gorges and commanding
mountains offer spectacular views and important information.  During certain seminars, we’ll take
botanic hikes to enjoy the unique flora and identify the vast array of wild medicinal plants used in
ancient and modern medicine and cuisine.

Cultural Immersion:  Experiencing the Pace of Rural Life

We'll linger in rural communities with residents who are dedicated to preserving their traditional
trades.  We'll enjoy a rare privilege of meeting with producers and participate in seasonal activities.  
A close connection to land and community invigorates the spirit.  This beneficial information can be
applied wherever we may live, to help enhance our quality of life and provide insight into sustainable
living practices.  Socializing and savoring the sights, sounds, scents of Crete is a key component to
the so-called Mediterranean Diet concept.  To preserve traditions that also preserve our safe food
sources and environment is to understand it and invest in it -- to become practitioners.