Mediterranean cuisine is not only significantly low-calorie and incredibly nutritiously beneficial; the range of flavours, aromas, and meal options are unrivalled. Whether you are searching for ways to relive special memories of holidays gone by or are looking for a healthy, nutritious, varying, and low-calorie base meal mean to follow, Mediterranean cuisine is one of the most exciting and colourful culinary delights ever developed.
Here is a true foodie’s guide to the finer aspects of Mediterranean cuisine.
Culinary Traditions
Mediterranean cuisine is considerably set apart from others by a variety of different elements, not least because it is not the sole product of an individual culture, ethnic background, or country. Instead, Mediterranean cuisine is a particularly broad term, covering the culinary trends seen throughout the mainland European countries in the geographical region around the Mediterranean Sea.
Naturally, therefore, the range and variants involved in the cooking of Mediterranean food vary significantly depending on whereabouts you are sampling the cuisine. A true taste of Mediterranean cuisine from a family-based restaurant setting such as this Liverpool street café will give you an insight into just how much passion, energy, and abundant flavour goes into every single Mediterranean dish.
Common Themes in Mediterranean Cooking
Depending on the country of origin, Mediterranean cuisine is largely dependent on the climate and geography of the particular region. Universally, however, the most commonly used ingredient in Mediterranean cooking is olive oil. Throughout the regions surrounding the Mediterranean sea, olive trees are prominent and olive oil is one of the main exports.
Meat is used rarely in true Mediterranean dishes due to the high-calorie and fatty content, and when meat is used, it is always grilled. Rather seafood is far more prevalently utilised, the location naturally being perfect for freshly caught fish and other sea creatures. Goat and sheep milk, made into cheeses and yoghurts are also used across the variants of Mediterranean cuisine dishes.
The true staple of Mediterranean cuisine is the use of fresh vegetables in almost every single meal. Those who cook these delicious dishes use a variety of different cooking methods, including roasting, sautéing, baking, grilled and freshly served in salads and other fresh dishes.
Health Benefits of Mediterranean Cuisine
The benefits of regularly consuming Mediterranean cuisine are numerous and plentiful and include, but are in no means limited to:
- Improved cholesterol
- Reduced sugar levels
- Stronger blood vessels
- Longer life span
- Healthier skin
The most commonly known health advantages to regularly consuming Mediterranean cuisine are the scientifically proven benefits to the heart, blood sugar levels, and the circulatory system in general. You could take some CBD gummies UK to snack on along the way too. These might help you relax
The link between Mediterranean cuisine and an improvement in the health of the heart was first discovered in the early 1960’s when it was noted that coronary heart disease contributed to significantly lower deaths in Mediterranean countries than elsewhere. More recent and in-depth research validated this hypothesis and has proven that following a Mediterranean-based diet can substantially reduce the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.
Mediterranean food has plenty to offer you in terms of health benefits and a scrumptious meal every single time.