We Are What We Eat: Crete | Nat Geo Live

Summary

The video script offers a vivid exploration of the Mediterranean diet, focusing on Crete's traditional eating habits. It showcases the island's rich culinary culture, from gathering wild herbs like chicory and fennel to preparing dishes with local ingredients such as stuffed grape leaves and geranium leaves fried in olive oil. The script highlights the health and vitality of the Cretan people, their self-sufficiency, and the importance of olive oil in their diet. It also touches on the ancient practices of permaculture and polyculture, the significance of wine, and the joyous communal meals that bring the community together. The narrative is infused with humor and a deep appreciation for the simple, healthy, and satisfying lifestyle of the Cretan people.

Takeaways

• 🌿 The Mediterranean diet is one of the oldest diets still practiced today, with its roots in Crete.
• 🍳 Traditional Cretan meals often include a variety of wild herbs, which are gathered and used in cooking.
• 👵 Locals like Vangelio, an 80-something year old woman, still actively gather and use wild herbs as part of their diet.
• 🥗 Cretan cuisine features a mix of vegetables, herbs, and olive oil, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
• 🌳 The Mediterranean diet emphasizes the importance of olive oil, which is integral to both cooking and health.
• 🌾 Traditional agricultural practices like permaculture and polyculture are still in use, promoting soil health and self-sufficiency.
• 🍇 Wine is a significant part of Cretan culture, with a history dating back thousands of years.
• 🥦 The diet is rich in vegetables like fava beans and parsley, which are harvested locally and used in various dishes.
• 🍽️ Social eating is a key aspect of Cretan life, with food often shared and enjoyed in community settings.
• 😄 The people of Crete are portrayed as happy and content, with a strong sense of community and joy in their daily lives.

Q & A

What is the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet is an ancient dietary pattern that is still practiced today, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and fish, with moderate amounts of dairy and poultry, and limited amounts of red meat and sweets.

Why is the Mediterranean diet considered one of the oldest diets?

The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the oldest diets because it has been practiced for thousands of years and is still relevant today, reflecting the traditional eating habits of people living in the Mediterranean region.

What is the significance of Crete in the context of the Mediterranean diet?

Crete is significant in the context of the Mediterranean diet because it is a region where the traditional diet is still widely practiced and is considered a model of healthy eating within the Mediterranean diet.

What is 'Horta' and why is it important?

Horta refers to wild herbs, which are an important part of the Cretan diet. They are significant because they are nutrient-rich and contribute to the overall health benefits of the Mediterranean diet.

What is the role of olive oil in the Mediterranean diet?

Olive oil is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, used for cooking and as a dressing for salads. It is a key source of healthy monounsaturated fats and is believed to contribute to the diet's heart-healthy benefits.

How do the people of Crete maintain their traditional food practices?

The people of Crete maintain their traditional food practices by foraging for wild herbs, growing their own produce, and preparing meals with locally sourced ingredients, which are integral to the Mediterranean diet.

What is the significance of the timing of the olive tree trimming mentioned in the script?

The timing of the olive tree trimming is significant because it is done in April to boost productivity for the olive harvest in September-October. This practice also allows for the planting of fava beans, which help improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.

Why is the practice of polyculture mentioned in the script?

Polyculture is mentioned because it is a traditional agricultural practice in Crete where multiple crops are grown together. This method is beneficial for soil health and reduces the need for fertilizers.

What is the lifestyle of the people in Crete as described in the script?

The lifestyle of the people in Crete is characterized by self-sufficiency, a strong connection to the land, and a diet rich in traditional Mediterranean foods. They are depicted as being happy and enjoying a communal and convivial atmosphere.

What is the significance of the scene where the grandmother is gathering wild herbs?

The scene with the grandmother gathering wild herbs is significant as it illustrates the deep connection to traditional food practices and the knowledge passed down through generations in Crete.

Why is the consumption of snails mentioned in the script?

The consumption of snails is mentioned to highlight the diet's historical roots, as snails are considered one of the oldest foods humans consumed. They are also a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids and are considered healthy.