What to bring home from Greece??

I'm not sure what the importation rules are for where you are based - but when I go to Corfu, Crete or other Greek islands I bring home

Olive oil (particularly that from Crete or the Greek mainland)

Olives

The wonderful ground pepper (which seems to have something else in the mixture, I suspect cinnamon)

Rice (so wonderful in various Greek dishes, nothing else compares)

There are often bargains to be had in the range of spices - but don't get caught out by thinking you can get cheap saffron.  When you get home, you find it's turmeric!

I bring olives home in jars. We travel to mainland Europe about 6-8 times a year and buy olives as we need them.  From Provence, from Tuscany and Liguria, from Spain and Portugal.  I don't keep any of them for long!

The rice?  Well, for Greek dishes, the rice has a dry and nutty consistency.  I like it.

I forgot to say, when we go to Corfu or Cyprus, we buy lots of local honeys, too.

I did actually get real saffron at the market for a good price. It is from Iran and lovely.

Have fun!

Nan

Here is my list:

• You have to bring home some Greek Oregano and some Greek Mountain tea.
• Also if you like Greek Coffee you should buy a briki and bring home that and some coffee. 
• There is also some special Greek salt that comes in a medium tall plastic bottle. Excellent for use with Souflakia and general salt needs.
• And, there is also the Greek red wine vinegar which comes in a medium tall plastic bottle. This is what you want to make a Greek salad with.

Whoops! realized I got it at the bazaar in Istanbul!!!!

Nice and clean in little plastic clam shells.

sorry,

Nan

I love the greek origano and sage.  The sage is particularly good.  And honey,

and that amazing sour cherry jam or preserves.  I can't find it anywhere as good. 

Every region of greece is known for something.  Crete is known for olive oil, Syros for its turkish delight, Egina for its pistacchios, Lefkas for its lentils, Santorini for its yellow split peas and wine, etc.  Ask your family to find out what Zakynthos is known for and ask for that.  I can tell you though that the islands in the region where Zakynthos is not at all well known for its olive oil so you're taking your chances there.

My advice is to visit the tourist shops but don't buy food items there.  There you will find abundant examples of what flavors the island is known for.  It's research.  Then go to the hotel concierge or find local people that can tell you where THEY buy things.

For things like honey, vinegar, and olives I've never had a problem bringing them back as long as they were well wrapped. 

well, since you're asking slayer....a nice young adonis would be good...thanks in advance...

joey

I totally forgot about the amazing honey. Yes get some of that.