Plant Stories

Oxymel: An Ancient Elixir

By Sofia Triantou Oxymel can be seen as a gentle, everyday support. A warm drink in times of fatigue doesn’t promise miracles, yet its value lies in its simplicity and the steady, mild care it offers. At the heart of ancient Greek medicine were simple yet significant preparations, made from humble ingredients that reflected a deep understanding of both nature

Food Culture

Kythera: Between Thyme and Myths

By Sofia Triantou On Kythera, there are 723 different plant species. Of these, 48 are endemic to Greece as a whole, while 5 are local endemics found only on the island There are islands unlike any others, and Kythera is one of them. Found at the crossroads of the winds,

Amorgos: A Botanical Paradise that Celebrates Greek Tradition and Human Warmth

By Sofia Triantou Amorgos is an island where tradition, herbs, and gastronomy

Chios – The Island of Contrasts

Βy Sophia Triantou Chios, the fifth-largest island of Greece, stretches across the

Herbs – From gathering to taste

elcMagazine

By Sofia Triantou From wild gathering to the modern kitchen, herbs trace a cultural journey through trade, science, and memory reminding us that taste is always part of history Before humans began systematically cultivating the land, they lived by gathering wild fruits. And when agriculture became organized, cereals and vegetables

Nettle: The wild herb of spring in traditional cuisine

elcMagazine

By Sofia Triantou From wild weed to seasonal delicacy, nettle tells a story of tradition, taste, and springtime cooking in Mediterranean cuisine. Through blanching or cooking, the stinging hairs are neutralised, transforming the plant into a gentle wild green that pairs beautifully with pies, trahanas and herb soups Nettle (Urtica

Herbs that help relieve cold symptoms

elcMagazine

By Sofia Triantou The use of cayenne, garlic, ginger, and thyme to relieve cold symptoms dates back centuries across many different cultures around the world. The common cold is usually treated with decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants, and antipyretics. Alongside these medications, herbs have traditionally been used for centuries to help

“Break the Pomegranate Loudly”: The New Year’s Custom Rooted in Ancient Greece

Food Culture

By Sofia Triantou The “chosen one” who breaks it wishes that the juicy pomegranate pieces, ruby-like in colour, will fill the home with as much health and happiness as its countless seeds A beautiful Greek custom begins with the pomegranate. It is no coincidence that traditional homes, fruit crates at

Chestnut: A Valuable Fruit for Our Wellbeing

Food Culture

By Sofia Triantou Chestnuts contain high levels of potassium and vitamins C, B1, and B2, in amounts comparable to fresh fruit In our memories, there are images and aromas that warm our emotions like the wonderful sight of roasted chestnuts as we stroll through the streets shopping for Christmas gifts.

Bread with Thyme – A Flavor That Has Endured for 3,000 Years

elcMagazine

By Sofia Triantou A journey through 3,000 years of Greek culinary tradition. From Minoan ovens and Byzantine bakeries to today’s kitchens, bread with thyme remains a symbol of simplicity, care, and the deep connection between flavor, place, and wellbeing Bread has been, for the Greek world, the most constant substance

Winter Culinary Herbs

Food Culture

By Sofia Triantou The herbs you need to create the most delicious meals to warm you up during the cold season Hearty stews, fragrant soups, wonderful traditional pies with greens, and spicy dishes that warm the body will certainly be on the menu throughout the season. As you prepare for

Traditional Breakfast in the Cyclades – A Whole World of Flavors Overlooking the Aegean

elcMagazine

By Sofia Triantou A journey through the traditional breakfasts of the Cyclades – from barley paximadi and thyme honey to froutalia, louza, and kopanisti. A mosaic of local flavors and stories that capture the essence of island life, simplicity, and timeless taste. Beautiful images from a window overlooking the Aegean.