Mediterranean Food

Guide Note

Mediterranean food is found within the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and vary from region to region. Morocco is known for its use of dried fruits, while Egypt offers a ful medames (fava bean porridge), eaten as a standard breakfast meal, made with fava beans stewed with ground coriander, cumin, garlic, lemon, and topped with hard-cooked egg, cilantro and olive oil. A favorite dish in Syria is cold yogurt soup. Greek cuisine boasts octopus salad as a specialty.

Fast Facts

1. Olive oil a common staple of Mediterranean food
2. Seafood prominent in many dishes
3. Health benefits of cuisine touted by doctors¹
4. 21 nations have a coastline on the Mediterranean Sea

• Fish: In Mediterranean cooking, fish and seafood are used in many dishes throughout all regions.

• Olive oil: Olive trees are found throughout Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey and other Mediterranean countries. Olive oil is used widely amongst most dishes and is believed to aid in longevity.

• Grilling: Eastern Mediterranean dishes typically consist of grilled meats, breads, hummus, and falafel (fried balls made with fava beans, chickpeas and spices).