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GREECE
is famous for its extraordinary landscape and its fabulous beaches. The tradition, the culture, the ancient history as well as the modern one are all contributing in order to make it one of the top destinations in the world.
Visitors find fascinating the mythology, the scenery that is constituted by amazing beaches and breathtaking views and most importantly the famous Greek tastes. Traditionally, Greece is known for feta cheese, olive oil, Greek salad and numerous more dishes. Greek tastes became well-known from the eminent Mediterranean diet which was inspired by the Cretan diet. Crete is an island in Greece where according to the Seven Countries Study of Ancel Keys, its inhabitants had the lowest heart related diseases amongst the 7 major countries tested. The study found that the reason for these results were the eating habits of the residents of this island. Cretans used to consume a lot of olive oil, Greek feta and vegetables while they limited red meat. This lifestyle enabled them to have long healthy lives and inspired the rest to name this Mediterranean diet. ALEKTRA offers top quality and the splendid taste of the Greek diet so that the sum of the experience will awaken memories of past visits or create the urge to travel to the country.
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ALEKTRA is the result of our deep love for Greece’s natural environment and history. This feeling motivated us to search and deliver the finest products that represent the famous Greek culture, which attracts millions of visitors every year. Alektra brand incorporates a range of products from the already established quality that Greece has to offer while it attempts to reveal the tradition behind them. We believe that many individuals worldwide share the need to acquire quality Greek specialty foods and discover their secrets. Our purpose is to offer the experience of visiting Greece through taste and knowledge. It is our mission to consistently provide high quality food products as well as explore those secrets of our culture in order to provide the extraordinary taste of the Greek cuisine and the experience that visitors receive through their travel in this magnificent country. The attempt to communicate Ancient Greek secrets of tradition is evident from first look. The name ALEKTRA is another name for the Ancient Greek Goddess Demetra, the Goddess of Harvest and Earth. Alek means protector, the protector of Earth. The name was given to her in the ancient ritual named Kavirian Mysteries, rituals for the fruition of earth. According to the myth, the daughter of Alektra, Armonia was lost and the sorrow of the Goddess brought heavy winter. When the daughter was found the first spring was celebrated. The logo of our brand has its own history also. Our products are affiliated with a symbol called meandros, which was heavily used as decoration in buildings, clothes and jewelry in all Ancient Greece. Meandros had its name from a river in ancient Greece and it represented a special fighting handle. According to mythology many heroes used this handle to defeat the Gods. For the Greeks this handle was the representation of the “victory” of humans over mother earth.
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ALEKTRA OLIVES Name: ALEKTRA (Greek Goddess Demetra) Symbol: Maiandros Type: Olives Package: Glass vase 370gr Olive Variety: Mitilinia Origin: Greek island Mytilene Main Ingredients: Mitilinia Olives, Vinegar, Virgin Olive Oil Mitilinia: It can be cultivated up to 500 meters altitude. The production of the tree is considered average and the fruit matures in February till March. The olive also looks like an acorn and the harvest begins when the color of the fruit becomes reddish. Its content in olive oil is 25-30% and it is considered of having astonishing quality.
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Olives were a well-known dish since ancient times although there was a general lack of knowledge for the treatment and the process of eliminating the natural bitterness of the fruit for most societies. It seems that one of the first civilizations that found the way to reduce the bitterness were the habitants of the Greek island Crete called Minoans. It is evident from different frescoes but also from samples of ancient olives that Minoans were able to use many methods of the particular procedure either by using water, olive oil or even vinegar. But even in modern times, there is a long tradition in Greece for making olives using different methods for removing bitterness and preserving them afterward, as it is one of the most favorite dishes of the Greek cuisine. According to tradition in Greece, nuns and monks can consume 120kilos of olives per year if they strictly follow the religion fasting of Orthodox Church. ALEKTRA olives ALEKTRA olives come from Mytilene, another Greek island that is famous for its olives and olive oil since ancient times. Mytilene, has great tradition in making olive oil since it has some of the most recognized olive varieties in Greece. In ALEKTRA we use the most important variety cultivated in the island called Mytilinia also known as Valanolia, Kolovi, or Milolia. It is higly cultivated in the island of Mytilene covering approximately 70% of the total area of olive trees. Mytilinia can be either consumed or used to produce olive oil, making it a very special variety since this characteristic can be found to very few olives in the world. Mytilinia has low levels of chlorophyll content providing the best defense system against time for both the olives and the olive oil produced by the variety. The art of making ALEKTRA olives In ALEKTRA we want to ensure that our olives preserve their quality and taste over time only by natural means ,using no preservatives and processes that are carefully designed to accomplish this purpose. Initially we Publius Vergilius Maro was pick our olives by hand or with a lowspeed rotator ensuring that the fruit will a Roman poet that was font of not be hurt and lose any of its important olives and he suggested con- ingredients. Carefully, we then choose the suming them because they are medium and large sized olives in a threestage process. At the first stage, a specially fleshy, delicious and devoted to designed machine separates the thin and crushed olives from those that are thicker peace�. and better for consumption. Thereafter, the olives are placed in antioxidant tanks with water and salt and left there for at least 5 months. This process is necessary to eliminate the bitterness of the fruit and help preserve the product with natural means. Afterwards, the olives are retained in vinegar for a day to further prolong their life. Vinegar is a natural preservative of nature that diminishes the number of ph., while it gives the extraordinary taste that ALEKTRA olives are known for. The vinegar used is made by one of the oldest vinegar factories in Greece. All the processes are aiming at making vinegar in the most natural way since the fermentation and the filtration are done with no additives or usage of chemicals. At the next stage our workers cautiously distinguish for a second time the olives, looking for injured olives or
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any unnecessary elements (ex. Leafs) that were overlooked at the first stage. At the final stage of the process our experts scrutinize for a last time the olives before they are placed in ALEKTRA’s jars that contain salty water, vinegar and virgin olive oil. Virgin Olive Oil is another secret that we use which is necessary for the taste but it also prevents the creation of microorganisms that will diminish the quality and life of our olives. ALEKTRA olives are a pleasurable appetizer for any kind of meal and can be used in salads or even at the end of the dinner. It is widely known that ancient Romans used to eat olives before each dinner but because they found the taste astonishing they consumed them even after the dinner was over. Taste ‘n’ Enjoy!!
Greek Salad
Ingredients 2 tomatoes 2 cucumbers 1 onion 1 green pepper 10 ALEKTRA olives from Mytilene ½ spoon salt 100gr. Greek feta cheese (optional) 1 tablespoon oregano 3-5 spoons ALEKTRA extra virgin olive oil Wash thoroughly all vegetables and cut them in small pieces. Afterwards, place the tomatoes, cucumbers and green peppers in a bowl. Add the onion (cut like rings), the olives and feta cheese on top. Mix the olive oil salt and oregano and pure it on the salad.
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ALEKTRA spreads
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ALEKTRA feta spread with RED PEPPERS
ALEKTRA feta SPREAD
Name: ALEKTRA Symbol: Maiandros Types: Feta Spread, Feta Spread with red peppers, Feta spread with garlic Package: Glass vase 100g Main ingredients: Feta cheese, milk cream & yogurt Characteristics: This unique product does not need refrigeration when sealed. It can be kept in room temperature sustaining all its quality characteristics. Greece has long history and traditions that are lost in time. Some of them refer to milk and cheese including the recognized Greek FETA. Ancient Greeks believed that milk was sacred since the God of GODS, Zeus was drinking milk given to him by the blessed goat Amaltheia, while the art of making cheese was given to humans by the Gods. According to the myths, one of the first producers of FETA cheese was the Cyclops Polyphemos, as found in the ancient text Odyssey of Homer. Feta (Greek: φέτα, feta, “slice”) is a kind of cheese, which traditionally is made from sheep and goat milk. Feta cheese was originally created in the Greek mainland and the island Mytilene of the Aegean Sea even though many countries attempted to re-produce it. For this reason since 2002, feta has been a P.D.O (protected designation of origin) product in the European Union. The legislation states that a cheese can be called FETA only if it is produced in Greece adopting the traditional way using the proper amount of goat
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and sheep milk. Feta cheese is used in the famous Greek salad but it can also be served as a table cheese accompanied by olive oil, olives and red or white wine. ALEKTRA feta spread is a Greek delicacy that expands the possibilities of tasting this unique cheese. Spreading the Feta cream cheese in club sandwiches, pizzas or even using it as a dip for nachos and potato chips are some of the thousand new expanded possibilities that this ALEKTRA innovative product provides. ALEKTRA Spreads come in 3 different tastes: Feta, Feta and Garlic , Feta and red peppers.
ALEKTRA feta spread club sandwich
Ingredients: 100gr ALEKTRA Feta spread 3 toast bread slices ALEKTRA extra virgin olive oil 2 bacon slices 1 boiled egg 1 small tomato 1 chicken filet sliced in 2 Salt Pepper 1 Basil leaf
1. In a fry pan warm the olive oil and roast the chicken filets 2. Roast the bacon slices until they became crunchy. 3. Cut the eggs and the tomato in four slices. 4. Take the first toast bread slice and coat the ALEKTRA feta spread. Place one sliced chicken filet, 1 bacon slice, 2 egg slices, 2 tomato slices, salt and pepper. 5. Place the secnd slice on top and repeat step 4 adding the basil slice on top. 6. Place the last slice of bread on top of the sandwich. 7. Cut the club sandwich in X shape in order to shape 4 slices. Served best with fried fries.
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Name: ALEKTRA Symbol: Maiandros Type: Salmon Spread Package: Glass vase 100g Main ingredients: sunflower oil, smoked salmon (14%), cod roe, bread crumbs.
ALEKTRA SALMON spread
Characteristics: This unique product does not need refrigeration when sealed. It can be kept in room temperature sustaining all its quality characteristics.
Salmon is traditionally used in the Scandinavian and Russian cuisine. It is considered as a gourmet dish that many countries are enjoying and increasingly use it in their cooking. It is appreciated as having enormous nutritional value and positive health effects contributing in strong heart and immune system, healthy skin and clear mind. It is rich in 立-3 fatty acids, important structural units of cell membranes that create a natural shield against aging. These health advantages of salmon were known to ancient civilizations. The salmon was considered an important creature in many mythological stories often associated with insight and respectability. In Irish mythology the salmon grants wisdom to whoever eats it which can be seen as a metaphor to the numerous valuable and positive health effects that this delicacy offers. ALEKTRA Salmon Spread creates countless applications to this nutritional and delicious food as it can be used as a dip, spread or salad dressing.
SALMON Spread Sandwich
Ingredients 100gr ALEKTRA salmon spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1/2 cup shredded carrot 1/2 cup chopped celery Lettuce leaves 2 whole wheat buns, split In a large bowl, beat the salmon spread, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper until smooth. Add the carrot and celery and mix well. Place a lettuce leaf and about 1/2 cup salmon salad mix on each bun.
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Name: ALEKTRA Symbol: Maiandros Type: Salmon Spread Package: Glass vase 100g Main ingredients: sunflower oil, cod roe, bread crumbs.
ALEKTRA cod roe spread
Characteristics: This unique product does not need refrigeration when sealed. It can be kept in room temperature sustaining all its quality characteristics.
Cod Roe spread is a traditional snack, or “mezes� as conventionally known, of Greece. In Greece mezes are small dishes, hot, cold or spicy. Seafood dishes such as grilled octopus, salads, olives and many others along with cod roe .The basic ingredient of this ALEKTRA spread is cod roe and is known as taramas. In the old days, they used to mix cod roe with olive oil, bread, onion and lemon until it became creamy. The taste is somewhat salty and the color can be white or pink. In Greece the most usual time of the year to consume this spread is during fasting since it does not contain any milk or eggs.
ALEKTRA cod roe spread on toast
Ingredients 100gr ALEKTRA cod roe 30 g butter The juice of 1 lemon 1 tsp mustard 1 onion 1 bunches parsley, chopped 2 slices good white bread, preferably bloomer 1. Put, butter, lemon juice, mustard and parsley into a saucepan and heat together. Bring to the boil and remove from heat. 2. Add the cod roe spread and mix thoroughly. 3. Toast the bread. 4. Spread a generous portion of the cod roe mixture over the toast and sprinkle with paprika.
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ALEKTRA BLACK OLIVE PASTE
ALEKTRA GREEN OLIVE PASTE
Name: ALEKTRA Symbol: Maiandros Types: Green olive paste, Black olive paste Package: Glass vase 100g Main ingredients: olives (Green or Black), bread crumbs, salt. Characteristics: This unique product does not need refrigeration when sealed. It can be kept in room temperature sustaining all its quality characteristics. Olive paste is a recipe that ancient Greeks were deeply font of as there are many narrations found of the making and the eating habits of this delicacy. According to the ancient Greek philosopher and teacher of Alexander the Great, Aristotle, the pulp of the crushed olives was mushed and created the marc of the olive. Afterwards, it was mixed with olive oil so that people could enjoy it at the famous Greek symposiums. Also Aristophanes, the famous Greek comic writer of Athens, in his famous play Nefeles, explained that Athenians liked to use coriander and cumin with the olive paste in order to give a delightful aroma in order to please the mouth as well as the olfaction. The reason that this delicacy was famous both in ancient but also contemporary Greece is due to the excellent taste but also for the wide range of uses in the kitchen. ALEKTRA olive paste comes in two types, olive paste from green and black olives. The green olives are called Chalkidikis named after the homonym Greek area Chalkidiki which is awarded with P.D.O (protected destination of origin) certificate for its famous olives. Chalkidiki has a very long tradition in making olives and olive oil dating back 2000 years
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ago. The habitants of the area had developed a very advanced way of producing olives and olive oil evident from the ancient mills found in excavations in Sithonia and Kassandra, the two major areas of Chalkidiki. The black olives are one of the most famous Greek olive varieties, named Kalamon. This variety is known for the top quality olive oil and for the superior edible fruit that produces. It flourishes in an arid environment with low moisture soil. It is cultivated in the areas of Messinia and Lakonia of Greece. Messinia and Lakonia are both parts of the Greek area Peloponnesus. In ancient Peloponnesus, the importance of the olive and the olive oil was enormous and it represented peace. To show the importance of this symbol, ancient Greeks awarded a branch of olive tree to the winner of the Olympic Games that used to take place in Olympia of Peloponnesus. ALEKTRA olive pastes can be used as a sandwich spread, a pizza spread or just a simple spread on crackers pouring some extra virgin olive oil on top.
Pizza with olive paste
Ingredients: 2 garlic cloves minced 100gr vase ALEKTRA green or black olive paste 250gr pizza dough 100 gr mozzarella cheeses thinly sliced 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper Preheat oven to 375 then stir garlic into olive paste. Cover top of rolled out dough with olive paste and garlic mixture. Sprinkle thyme on top and then lay cheese on top. Season the pizza on top with salt and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes.
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