The Mediterranean diet is celebrated for its deliciously vibrant flavors and numerous health benefits, and I’ve always considered it the rock-solid foundation of Europe’s culinary heritage. This diet is more than just a way of eating; it’s a complete lifestyle, embraced by folks living along the Mediterranean in France, Italy, Spain, and Greece.
The core tenet of the Mediterranean diet is the synergy and balance of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats, along with moderate amounts of fish, red meat, poultry, and red wine. Countless scientific studies have established a firm connection between this diet and a lower likelihood of developing heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and certain forms of cancer. The true bonus here is that you’re enjoying super-tasty food while taking great care of your health.
Years ago, during my career as a Chef, I explored countless culinary styles, regularly taking deep dives into regional cuisine and drawing inspiration from all across the globe. My professional journey in the kitchen led to the flavors of Africa, Asia, Mexico, South America, and virtually every corner of Europe. Despite this extensive exploration and the occasional oddball diversions (my family still jokes about my vertical phase), I always found myself circling back to the Mediterranean diet. There’s a simple reason: it’s absolutely delicious, easy on the wallet, and super simple to prepare.
Aside from the occasional dip into other ethnic cuisine, riffs on the Mediterranean diet are frequently on our table at home. Our typical lunch might feature a vibrant array of vegetables accompanied by a classic or lima bean hummus, rounded out with a selection of fresh fruits. For dinner, we often enjoy a hearty salad along with lamb — our preferred red meat — chicken or occasionally duck. We’ll also include whole grains and a variety of starches, with potatoes and pasta the reigning favorites.
The Mediterranean diet is well-regarded for its numerous health benefits, thanks to its emphasis on moderation and the focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, particularly fresh herbs and extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil, especially cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, is a fundamental cornerstone of this diet, celebrated for its potent health benefits.
I’m happy to note that our 3-liter tins of organic Greek extra virgin olive oil will soon be back in stock. Due to a confluence of drought, floods, and political unrest that produced an acute worldwide shortage of top-quality olive oil, we’ve had to raise our local insider price to $59.99. Despite the increase, our Greek extra virgin olive oil remains a significant value — the quality is miles above what’s currently available at the supermarket, and it’s still a bargain compared to the current supermarket prices.
Enjoying wine in moderation is deeply embedded in Europe’s culinary traditions and plays an indispensable role in the Mediterranean diet. Here at the shop, we’ve curated a lot of our selections to complement the Mediterranean diet. These wines are crafted by independent vignerons, and, much like the Mediterranean diet, the vignerons prioritize the use of fresh, unadulterated ingredients. These wines align perfectly with the Mediterranean diet and create a superb blend of taste and culture.
The Mediterranean diet promotes healthy living through fresh, wholesome ingredients and moderate wine consumption. It inspires a lifestyle, encouraging leisurely communal meals and moderate physical activity. This healthy approach to eating and living nourishes the body and enriches the soul. It’s a wonderful way to look at life. Here’s to celebrating health and happiness, savoring every sip, and enjoying every meal.