Greece: Trending Edibles

9/23/2019

The fabulous new Greek/Mediterranean foods that debuted at the summer Fancy Food Show in New York made such an impression that we had to share. Whether you’re craving anything from a meze to a libation—think trendy za’atar snack, innovative flatbread, vegan cheese, marinated feta, flavorful glazes, finishing sea salt and olive oil, and finely-crafted liqueurs—you’ll discover the latest and our most impressive finds right here. Most of the items listed below are either produced in Greece or inspired by the homeland’s iconic ingredients. Links to recipes included!

Zesty-Z

Products: Zesty Z Condiment, Seasoning, Mediterranean Popcorn, and more

Now that the widely popular za’atar condiment Savory Zesty Z is a huge success, what do owners Alex and Lorraine do next? They kick up the flavor punch with the first ever Mediterranean Popcorn line with Feta & Za’atar, Savory Za’atar, and Spicy Za’atar flavors. Movie night just got a whole lot more, well, Zesty!
Get recipes!

Kontos Foods

Products: Crepes (Traditional and Savory flavors), Gordita (soft flatbread taco shell)

The producer of the freshest phyllo and pita products we’ve worked with knows no boundaries when it comes to creating food items to enhance the cooking experience with a vast array of pita/flatbread varieties. We especially love their preservative-free Crepes (Traditional and Savory flavors), Gordita (soft flatbread taco shell), Nan, and Toasted Pita Tidbits. An amazing heat-in-bag flatbread (in za’atar, sesame, and plain) that we sampled (and fell in love with) at the show is currently in testing…and we hope available soon. This is as close to homemade as it gets…more details when it’s ready for prime time!
Get recipes!

Koliós, The Greek Dairy

Products: Vegan dairy-free feta, kasseri; traditional feta PDO/organic, manouri, kasseri, kefalograviera; Greek yogurt; Labneh (cream cheese)

Whether you’re fasting or allergic to dairy, this brand’s Vegan line of cheeses work beautifully in recipes or on a cheese platter with a rich flavor that comes from coconut oil. This is the first time we’ve been impressed enough by a vegan cheese to include it on one of our reviews. Available in blocks, grated, and sliced packages.

Also available: when not looking for a dairy-free option, their traditional line is exceptional as well

Cretan Salad

Vegan Pizza

More recipes!

Kourellas Dairy (USA)

Products: Organic Cheese (sheep’s & goat’s-milk) with Tomato & Oregano block; Organic Feta Bites with Sundried Tomato & Oregano

These organic ready-to-serve zesty mezedes will have everyone asking for more, so get a few to add a garden-variety statement to your gathering!

Also available: organic and classic Greek cheeses and yogurt
Get recipes!

Entopia

Products: Glazes in Orange, Fig, and Honey

Entopia embraces a simply delicious tradition once again. No preservatives, additives, sulfites, caramel, or colors taint these extraordinary delicious glazes. Their sweetness comes from the natural ingredients in the incredibly tasty range of flavors. Perfect for salads, broiled or grilled vegetables, seafood, poultry, meat, and desserts.

Also available: honey varieties, marmalades, spreads, herbs, organic vinegars and extra-virgin olive oil, and so much more
Recipe ideas!

Mentis Estate

Product: Fleur de Sel “flower of salt” sea salt

Mentis premium, medium-grain Fleur de Sel is 100% hand-harvested using artisanal methods to produce the finest quality sea salt with its full compliment of minerals and the delicate taste of the Mediterranean Sea. Its nuanced and delicate flavor with a flakey, subtle crunch sets this above regular sea salt. It is also excellent as a finishing condiment over salads, vegetables, and any type of meat or fish. And, yes, it beautifully finishes a dessert (especially chocolate). Locally harvested salt is a unique way to experience the rare and complex flavor of a region and the essence of a country.

Also available: a pure, unblended extra-virgin olive oil harvested from just one olive variety, the renowned Athenolia, with an acidity of less than 0.5%. Well-balanced aromatic characteristics described as pine, floral, nutty, fruity, buttery, and pungent, with a hint of artichoke.

Distillery Pilavas

Products: Tentura (cinnamon, spices), Mastiha

Tentura, Patra’s traditional liqueur for over a hundred years and three generations, combines the aromas of carnation, cinnamon, and nutmeg with extracts of Mavrodafni (the region’s renowned sweet red wine) and has a flavor profile that invokes the essence of baklava.

Mastiha liqueur contains genuine mastiha tears from the mastic tree indigenous and exclusive to one island, Chios, providing this libation with a vibrant flavor that ignites the senses.

Enjoy these liqueurs as digestifs following a meal, as cocktail mixers, or straight up in a shot glass. Feel free to add a dash to your dessert recipes to make them shine.

Also available: ouzo, brandies, other liqueur varieties
For stores, contact importer: Esteson Co., San Jose California, 800.682.4705. They’re also available online.

Greek/Mediterranean markets carry many of these products but if yours doesn’t, ask them if they can order them for you. Feel free to contact the companies through their websites for shopping info in your area. Some items are available online (Google it). Mediterranean Foods and Titan Foods carry all things Greek and ship nationwide (call them if you don’t see what you want on their website).

Enjoy tasting and cooking with these trending new foods!

Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.

Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!

Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!

Kelly

0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.