Historically the island was known for its rich flora and in all the centuries the collection, processing and export of medicinal and aromatic plants was a main occupation for many of its inhabitants. Many linear b signs ' writing of the 13th century. e.g. revealed at Knossos are mentioned in this activity of the Cretans.
It is no coincidence that attracted the interest of naturalists and sightseers and in later years and Europeans from the 15th century to exploring, recording and evaluation of herbs that grow on the island.
This vegetable wealth was associated since antiquity with the Greek culture and mythology and is known to Theophrastus 'Historia' of plants (372 b.c.), systematically dealt with the classification of plants and herbs. Indeed, many ancient Greeks refer to the medicinal properties of plants with more famous the mythical Asclepius, the "father" of medicine Hippocrates, Galen and others.
It is known the love of the Cretans for herbal infusions, which the para ¬ skeyazoyn from one or more Herbs, with most common dittany (Origanum dictamnus), Sage (Salvia fruticosa), marjoram (Saturejat hymbra), the malotira (Sideritis syriaca syriacassp.), Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and antwnaida or agriomantzoyrana (Origanum microphyllum).
Aromatic plants have conquered the absolute position in the famous Cretan cuisine and used as a flavouring in cooking and pastry making and in perfuming commodities (aromatic oils for food, wine, raki).
In almost daily use are the oregano (Origanum vulgare and Origanum onites), thyme (Thymus capitatus), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), mint (Menta spicata), cumin (Cuminum cyminum), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), celery (Apium graveolens), dill (Anethum graveolens), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare).
In the regional section of the municipality of Heraklion several inhabitants dealing with collecting wild herbs that thrive in areas (mountain mainly) found its limits (Psiloritis) but also in neighbouring mountain areas where doorstep or growing endemic herbs.
Kato Asites
Theodorakis Kon/Nos
TTUIJA TYPPI, Tel: 699 2828 320 – forwards and in Finland
Ano Asites
Manousakis, Giannis, Tel: 6973083820
Kiparissi
ILIOSTASIO
Giannis fragkiadakis, Tel: 6932 523636
Fragiadakis Kon/Nos, Tel: 6937 350051
Tel: + 873005 – www.iliostasio.gr, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Agios Syllas
Makridakis – Makatoynaki (Kampos Ag.sylla)
Skalani
AGROTOURISTIKI KRITIS S.A.
COMMERCIAL HOTEL COMPANY LASINTHOS
BRANCH SPILIA IRAKLIOU
TEL: 6932736626-marketing of traditional Cretan products (Emmanuel Perisynakis)