Food Culture of Greece In Greece, there are many different traditional Greek food that have been passed

down from generation to generation. Greek families value food, and believe that it is important to host big celebrations surrounded by family and foods. It is a great way to be united with their loved ones and enjoy their time together. There should always be food included in family gatherings. Popular Greek Food includes Mousakka, Pastitio, Giouvetski, pita bread and lamb gyros. The Greek diet is mostly centered on meats including lamb, pork, beef, and chicken with mixed vegetables, eggs, cheese, yogurt, and many more.

Mousakka

Pastitio

Pita Bread & Lamb Gyros

Greece has many foods that they eat during special holidays like Christmas and Easter. During Easter, they prepare a traditional bread called tsoureki. Easter is an important holiday that is celebrated within the Greek Orthodox Church. The preparations begin on Holy Thursday. Tsoureki is a sweet egg bread that has dyed red eggs in the center. The red dye represent the color of life and the blood of Jesus Christ, who sacrificed is life to save us. Other representations of the red eggs is it is a renewal of life and the conquering of death. The recipe of Tsoureki:

8 cups all purpose flour (plus more for counter) 1/2 tsp. salt 1 1/2 cups milk, warmed (not hot) 3 envelopes dry yeast 1 2/3 cup unsalted butter (3 sticks plus 3 tbsp.) 1 2/3 cup sugar zest of one orange zest of one lemon 1 tbsp. Mahlab (Mahlepi) 5 eggs, lightly beaten 1 egg, beaten with a splash of water Whole sesame seeds for sprinkling 1 red egg (optional)

http://greekfood.about.com/od/greeklenteaster/r/Greek-Easter-Bread-Tsoureki.htm

Greece has been undergoing a severe economic crisis that is affecting the food industry, as well. In 2005, the statistics show that Greeces labor force includes, 65.1% services, 22.4% industry, and 12.4% agriculture. The statistics show that Greek agriculture has not been doing so well. The percentage of Greek agriculture is very low because of the lack of natural resources and fragile environment. Most of the land in Greece has very poor soil because it is covered in forest trees and the lack of rainfall. Towards the plains of Greece in Macedonia, there are other resources that are still being harvested like corn, cotton, tobacco, wheat, and sugar beets. Although Greece is surrounded by water and fishing industry should be an important source of income, it is not doing so well. The fishing industry has lessened its popularity because of the pollution in the waters. The country of Greece do rely heavily on dishes that include meats, mixed vegetables, and cheese.

Citations 1. Culture of Greece. (2013). Countries and their Cultures. Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Greece.html 2. CIA: The World Factbook Greece. (2013). Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/gr.html 3. Greece: Agriculture. (2013). Nations Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Europe/Greece-AGRICULTURE.html 4. Greek Easter Bread Tsoureki. (2013). About.com. Retrieved from http://greekfood.about.com/od/greeklenteaster/r/Greek-Easter-Bread-Tsoureki.htm 5. Mousakka. (2013). Food Network. [Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/moussaka-recipe/index.html 6. Greek Food: Pastitio. (2013). About.com. [Photo]. Retrieved from http://greekfood.about.com/od/pastadishes/r/Pastitsio.htm 7. Greek Lamb Gryos with Tzatziki Sauce. (2013). Brown Eyed Baker. [Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2013/09/24/greek-gyro-recipe/