Greens, the gift of Cretan land - Part 2

Artichokes

The artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a vegetable with a frequent presence in Cretan cuisine, either cooked with egg-and-lemon sauce and meat, usually goat meat, or with other vegetables, such as beans. Even raw in salads, or just with salt and lemon as an appetizer and accompaniment to raki (Traditional Cretan drink made of grapes), the artichoke makes great finger food. The compact texture and rich taste of this vegetable allows it to be used as a main ingredient in many recipes, especially by those looking for an alternative texture to meat. It contains antioxidant polyphenols, B, C and K vitamins, and minerals such as potassium, calcium and iron.

With minimum calories and a lot of fiber, combined with its properties, it successfully skyrockets any diet aimed at weight loss.

The diuretic properties of the artichoke help the gall bladder and liver function properly. Rich in fiber, it enhances bowel function and research has shown that it also helps lower bad (LDL) cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The artichoke extract is a popular dietary supplement, as is the drink made from its leaves. It grows wild in sandy soils. It is also cultivated, from mid spring to summer.

Nettle

Nettle is actually a wild – growing weed, but also a functional foodstuff, known since antiquity. It is used to treat hair loss and skin disease, helps detoxify the body and boosts proper kidney function as it is diuretic, astringent and invigorating. It contains iron and vitamin C, which helps its better absorption, so it is an effective food in cases of iron deficiency anemia.

The contact with nettles causes itching and skin redness, due to the causticity of the plant hairs that contain formic acid, acetylcholines and histamines. This causticity is neutralized with boiling water, so in cooking the nettle, humans get their … revenge, along with all the benefits of the plant!

It helps treat prostate symptoms and its antihistamine action helps treat allergies. The tender parts of the nettle are eaten boiled, in stew and in pies, while the tea made from the dried parts of the plant is delicious. There is also an extract and tincture of the plant.

Mallow

Growing wild, it abounds throughout most of the Mediterranean in spring. It has soothing, emollient properties and helps bowel movement. It soothes coughs and irritations of the mucous membranes. It helps detoxify the body with its laxative action, and relieves tired feet in the form of a decoction added to a foot bath.

Nature has provided the medicine that, if rubbed on the skin, soothes the causticity of the nettle, i.e. the mallow (Malva sylvestris), which usually grows very close to the nettle.

Hippocrates valued it a lot and made poultices with it, to deal with inflammation, edema and gynecological problems. Its healing effect is also effective on skin diseases and insect bites. It is eaten tender with eggs, in dolmas, salads and pies. Dried, it becomes tea.

Attention: The above article / content is for informational purposes only. Before using any recipe, or before changing your eating habits, consult with your healthcare professional or nutritionist. If you are taking medication, make sure there are no side effects.