Unit 10 You Are What You Eat (Reading Explorer 4 - 3rd Edition)

Summary

In 2014, photographer Matthew Paley traveled to Crete to explore the island’s traditional diet and lifestyle. His journey led him to witness Cretan people foraging wild herbs, cooking with olive oil, and living off the land. He immersed himself in local culture, experiencing communal meals, like those at the Mosconas family home, which highlighted the joyous, social nature of food. The Mediterranean diet, rich in natural, nutrient-dense foods, is central to their health and quality of life, emphasizing community, sustainability, and self-sufficiency.

Takeaways

• 😀 Matthew Paley traveled to Crete to explore the Cretan diet and lifestyle, focusing on traditional food and local culture.
• 😀 Paley visited various regions of Crete, spending significant time in central Crete, learning about local agricultural practices and food culture.
• 😀 Cretan people maintain a healthy lifestyle due to their diet, which includes fresh produce, wild herbs, and plenty of olive oil.
• 😀 Horta, or wild herbs, is a key part of the Cretan diet, with locals gathering various types like chicory and fennel for meals.
• 😀 Cretan women possess extensive knowledge of wild herbs, knowing around 25 different types, which they forage and use in cooking.
• 😀 Olive oil is the quintessential ingredient in the Cretan diet, used in almost all dishes, from vegetables to fried foods.
• 😀 The Mediterranean diet in Crete includes a variety of vegetables, wild herbs, and locally sourced protein, such as snails and sardines.
• 😀 Wine plays a central role in social meals, with locals often drinking it throughout the day, especially during communal gatherings.
• 😀 Cretans emphasize self-sufficiency, growing their own vegetables and producing much of the food they consume.
• 😀 The Cretan diet is not only healthy but also promotes a social, joyful atmosphere, where food is a medium for community bonding.

Q & A

What motivated Matthew Paley to travel to Crete?

Matthew Paley traveled to Crete in 2014 to learn about the diet and lifestyle of the Cretan people.

Where did Paley spend most of his time while in Crete?

Paley spent a significant amount of time in central Crete, specifically around the area of Kriti.

What makes the Cretan diet so unique according to Paley?

The Cretan diet is unique because it consists primarily of traditional foods, many of which are sourced from the land, such as wild herbs, olives, and vegetables. The Cretan people maintain a healthy lifestyle, often growing their own food.

What is Horta, and why is it significant in Crete?

Horta refers to wild herbs, which are a key part of the Cretan diet. Paley describes witnessing an 80-year-old woman gathering wild chicory and fennel, showcasing the local knowledge and tradition of foraging.

Can you describe the process of how the wild herbs are prepared in Crete?

After gathering wild herbs, such as chicory and fennel, they are cleaned, separated, and often mixed with eggs or other ingredients. One traditional dish includes dolma (stuffed grape leaves) with wild herbs.

What is the significance of olive oil in the Cretan diet?

Olive oil is central to the Cretan diet, being used in nearly all dishes, including for frying. It is considered the quintessential ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine.

What kind of foods did Paley encounter during his visit to Crete?

Paley encountered various traditional foods, including wild herbs, vegetables, snails, fava beans, sardines, and chicken, often accompanied by wine.

How does the Cretan diet contribute to the residents' health?

The Cretan diet is known for its health benefits, particularly the consumption of omega-3 rich foods like snails, as well as a lack of unhealthy fats, contributing to the residents' overall good health.

How does food in Crete connect with social life?

Food plays a central role in social life in Crete. Meals are often large, shared, and accompanied by plenty of wine, creating a lively and joyous social atmosphere.

What did Paley observe about the local wine culture in Crete?

Paley observed that wine is a staple part of Cretan meals, often consumed in large quantities during social gatherings, emphasizing the importance of food and drink in the social fabric of the community.