The Mediterranean region is rich in culture, history, activities and tradition. Mention of the word itself stirs a sense of excitement and love in me.  My fascination is mostly but not only in food and the ingredients most common to the Mediterranean cuisine.  The recipes and dishes vary from country to country but the ingredients are common.  Some have been lost in certain countries but retained by others and this richness needs to be revived.  Part of the drive and enthusiasm behind this website is to try to revive the ingredients and dishes we have forgotten.  The local festivities or traditions associated with food are dwindling and I hope this will serve as a medium where our rich culture will be celebrated and shared.

Mediterranean cuisine is characterised by a high proportion of vegetables, fruits, cereals and a low intake of meat and dairy products.  Olive oil is used in preferance to other oils or fats which can be harmful to the body. Evidence suggests that a balanced variety of these foods normally associated with Mediterranean foods has a positive effect on our health particularly in preventing cardiovascular disease and some types of cancers.

Ingredients which are widely used in Mediterranean cuisine are:  tomatoes known to be rich in anti-oxidants which can lower the risk of cancer, olive oil, garlic, aubergines and peppers, fresh vegetables and fruits particularly those grown locally, pulses, grains and legumes, chickpeas, artichokes, fish and seafood, capers, spices such as cumin and coriander, herbs such as basil, mint and oregano,fennel, olives, pine nuts and almonds, nuts in general, honey, cottage cheese and ricotta or cottage cheese, onions, pasta and rice and much more.  A little bit of history and culture coupled with health points and cooking tips will help in the dissemination of these rich, colourful and tasty ingredients.....a process which I hope will help us honour and celebrate our local and Mediterranean food traditions.