Special Feature: Sweet Figs

                    

The Mediterranean region produces about 1.6 million U.S. tons (1.5 million tonnes) of figs each year. Greece is the second largest fig-producing country after Turkey. However, with most varieties of Ficus carica, pollination is so hazardous that the fact that they have survived this long is bordering on a miracle. Over the centuries, two cultivated varieties have developed from the wild fig. According to an intricate system these two varieties depend on each other and on a particular type of gall wasp (Blastophaga psenes). The edible fig bears only female flowers with long styles, whereas the (inedible) male fig develops female flowers with short styles (gall flowers) and male flowers (and lignified fruits). Both varieties flower three times a year at the same times. The gall wasp larvae grow in the ovaries of the gall flowers. The female wasps leave the wooden-like fruits, already fertilized and laden with pollen, at exactly the time when the next generation of flowers has already opened. In their search for a suitable ovary in which to lay their eggs, the only flowers available to them are the gall flowers with their short styles, because their egglaying pipe is too short for the long styles of the edible fig flowers. In their attempts to lay eggs here too, however, they pollinate the edible fig, without damaging it with their eggs. Figs are sensitive, yields fluctuate, and their harvesting and processing requires intensive manual labour, all of which are reasons why many farmers have already given up growing them. The fruits thrive only in southern countries.

 

Dry Kalamata figs are rinsed under running water to remove and impurities.	The cleaned, dried figs are placed on a conveyor belt, where any remaining substandard ones are removed.	Only perfect fruits are put into their commercial packaging by hand.

THE FIG LEAF
In the 3rd century B.C., fig leaves, thrion, were used as wrapping material. In the same way as grape leaves are used today, they were preserved in salt to reduce their bitter elements, so that tasty morsels could be wrapped up in them and eaten. The fig leaf became an important symbol of the loss of Paradise, its use betraying to God the Father how Adam and Eve had fallen from grace: "And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons." (Gen. 3:7.) Artists could not avoid using the fig leaf when portraying this theme, and as a consequence Adam and Eve were never seen without hiding their modesty in this way.


                                                                                                                               Excerpts from: "Culinaria Greece" by Marianthi Minola
 

Greek Dried Figs from Kalamata $6.00

Fig Fruit Preserves $5.58

This summer, try one of our recommended Greek Diet books for a
delicious approach to slimming down and keeping your body healthy.

My Big Fat Greek Diet by Nick Yphantides, M.D.

Healthy Living From a Greek Island - How to achieve good health and enjoy what you eat - Nutrition

Lose Weight on the Mediterranean Diet, by Elisabeth Havlicek-Kastanaki

Low-Fat Lies High-Fat Frauds and the healthiest diet in the world by Vigilante and Flynn

The Greek Doctor's Diet by Dr. Fedon Alexander Lindberg

  Featured Destination: Kimolos

GEOGRAPHY Southwest of Siphnos and very near Melos lies the island of Kimolos. 36 sq. km. in area, with 38 km. of coast line, it is 86 nautical miles from Piraeus and has 786 inhabitants. Its capital is Kimolos. The boat link with Piraeus is via Seriphos, Siphnos, Melos, with which islands there is also a local connection by caique. A predominantly mountainous island (highest point Palaiokastro, 397 m. a.s.l.) it is mainly known for its chalk (kimolia) which is used in porcelain. There has been no touristic development on Kimolos, which is an ideal place for holidays far away from the hustle and bustle of urban life and close to nature.

HISTORY According to mythological tradition the island was named after its founder, Kimolos, and its history has always been intimately linked with that of neighboring Melos; on which it was always dependent, even during Frankish times when it was called Arzentiera. After the marauding incursion of Barbarossa (1537) it passed into Turkish hands and was a haven for pirates.

SIGHTS-MONUMENTS 2 km. north of the harbour (Psathi) is the island's capital, Kimolos (Chora) with its typical Cycladic houses clustered around the nucleus of the castle or Kastro, exactly like the houses around the castle on Siphnos. The castle consists of two concentric baileys formed by two contiguous rows of houses: Mesa (middle) Kastro, built in the 13th and 14th century, and Exo (outer) Kastro, a mid-17th century structure. Of the numerous churches, those of Christ (1592) and the Evangelistria (1608) are the oldest, while that of St. Chrysostom is particularly important. There is a small archaeological collection in the local Museum of Chora and another, mainly of sherds and pottery, in the Afentakeion Foundation. Opposite the coast, in the locality of Ellinika, 4 km. southwest of Chora, is the islet of Aghios Andreas or DaskaIeio where foundations of houses, towers and other remnants of the ancient city of Kimolos are preserved, for this islet was originally joined to the island. It was cut off as a result of an earthquake and is now linked by a shallow channel. There was an extensive cemetery at Ellinika, while at Limni-Varvarakaina there is a cave in which there are graves (nowadays rifled), very like the catacombs on Melos. At Palaiokastro remains of the fortification wall are still visible, as well as vestiges of a small, round tower which the locals call Portara.

The sea and shores of Kimolos are truly lovely and can be reached by caique or on foot: Psathi, Prasa (with its sulphurous medicinal springs), Alyki, Bonatsa, Ellinika. The only accommodation available is in rented rooms.
 

 Travel Guides and Information for your trip in the area

 Saints' Namedays in May

Icons depicting the celebrated Saint, make great gifts for namedays.
Shop among our great collection of icons at our store. Also available, namedays, birthday, holiday, and special occasion greeting cards.

Gold and Silver Icons	Hand painted Icons	Icons by Zafiris
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