Table of Contents
In the previous article, we wrote about sweet Cypriot gifts.
Halloumi cheese
Halloumi is a world famous semi-hard Cypriot cheese. The layered texture and taste is somewhat similar to mozzarella or suluguni. The flavor ranges from lightly salted to salty. “Correct” halloumi is made from sheep’s milk, sometimes with the addition of goat’s milk.
A distinctive feature of halloumi cheese is its resistance to high temperatures. You can safely fry halloumi in a pan or grill – it does not lose its shape, but only becomes covered with a crust – a kind of salty marshmallow substitute. We often fry the halloumi with a fried egg or omelet – sheep’s milk spicing up these dishes.
Olives and olive oil
Olives in Cyprus are very fond of, so you can buy them in any way: pickled, canned, dried, spiced with fillings or as a paste. In stores selling olives by weight, you can taste olives before buying. It’s very convenient, especially when you try it for the first time and don’t know which of the wide variety you might like.
As in many other cultures, in Cyprus olives are not only used for food, but are also processed to produce olive oil. When you choose oil, you should pay attention to the following phrases on the packaging: first cold pressing, obtained solely by mechanical means and virgin oil – so you can be sure of the high quality of the oil.
Wine
Winemaking in Cyprus has been developed as early as several thousand years BC. Therefore, the number of autochthonous (local) and allochthonous (imported) grape varieties, and wines made from them, is more than enough.
Famous wines produced from grapes of Cyprus:
- Commandaria – wine crowned with glory for centuries. It is made from overripe grapes and has a sweet fruity taste and a delicate grape aroma.
- Othello – dry red wine with a fruity and woody aroma and a tart taste.
- Aphrodite – white semi-sweet wine with a light fruity aroma and delicate flavor.
- Xynisteri – dry white wine with a delicate floral aroma and a delicate citrus taste.
Brandy Zivania
Zivania is a strong alcoholic drink made from the pomace of “Xynisteri” and “Mavro” grapes. The alcohol content of the store zivania is 43-45%, and in the home it can reach 70%. If in Russia vodka is used for feasts, and for rubbing against colds, and “for health”, then among Cypriots, zivania is used for these purposes.
