Greek Market FAQs

Mastiha, also known as mastic, is a resin obtained from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus var. chia) primarily found on the Greek island of Chios. The resin is collected by making small incisions in the bark, allowing the sap to drip out and harden into translucent droplets. Once harvested, these droplets are cleaned and can be used in various forms, including as a chewing gum, a spice, or as a flavouring agent.

Mastiha has a unique, slightly piney flavour with a hint of sweetness, and it is used in a wide range of culinary and medicinal applications. In Greek cuisine, mastiha is used to flavour baked goods, liqueurs, candies, and even some savory dishes. It is also a key ingredient in certain traditional Greek spirits like Mastiha, a liqueur that can be served as an aperitif or digestif.

Beyond its culinary uses, mastiha has been prized for its medicinal properties for centuries. It has been shown to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities, and it is used in various forms for digestive issues, skin conditions, and dental health.

Given its unique flavour and various applications, mastiha makes for a fascinating and authentic addition to our selection of Greek products on GreekMarket.co.uk. It embodies the diverse culinary and medicinal traditions of Greece, and offers our customers a taste of something genuinely unique to Greek culture.

Trahanas is a traditional Greek food made from a fermented mixture of grain, usually wheat, and either milk or yogurt. The mixture is left to ferment for a few days before being broken into small chunks or ground into a coarse powder. It’s a versatile ingredient that has a long shelf life, making it a staple in Greek households.

Trahanas is most commonly used to make a hearty soup, especially popular in the winter months. To prepare the soup, the trahanas is typically boiled in water, broth, or milk, often with the addition of vegetables, meat, or cheese to enhance its flavour. The result is a comforting, nourishing dish with a slightly tangy taste owing to the fermentation process.

Different regions in Greece have their own variations of trahanas, with some opting for a sweeter version made with milk and others preferring a more tangy, savory version made with yogurt or sour milk. The dish also exists in various forms across the Middle East and the Balkans, each with their own local twists.

Trahanas can also be used in other dishes, such as casseroles or stews, as a thickening agent or to add texture and flavour.

Given its traditional significance and versatility, it has been be a valuable addition to the GreekMarket.co.uk collection of authentic Greek foods.

Moussaka is a beloved dish in Greek cuisine, and it’s also popular in other countries of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans. It consists of layered aubergine (eggplant), meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel or custard topping. The meat sauce is usually made from minced lamb or beef and is flavoured with various herbs and spices like cinnamon, oregano, and sometimes nutmeg. Some versions of the dish also include layers of thinly sliced potatoes.

To prepare moussaka, the aubergine slices are often fried or baked until tender. The meat sauce is cooked separately, often including onions, garlic, and tomatoes in addition to the minced meat. Once the aubergine and meat sauce are prepared, they’re layered in a deep baking dish. The topmost layer is usually a béchamel sauce, made from butter, flour, and milk, often enriched with eggs or cheese. This assembled dish is then baked until the top layer turns golden and the ingredients meld into a harmonious, richly flavoured casserole.

Moussaka is often enjoyed as a main course and is frequently accompanied by a simple salad. It can be served hot or at room temperature and is even said to taste better the next day, once the flavours have had more time to meld.

Given its status as a staple of Greek cuisine, moussaka has always been an excellent addition to the range of authentic Greek foods and experiences we offer through GreekMarket.co.uk. It’s a dish that encapsulates the hearty and flavourful essence of Greek home cooking.

Briam is a classic Greek vegetable dish made by baking a variety of seasonal vegetables in the oven, usually with olive oil, herbs, and sometimes tomato sauce. It’s quite similar to the French dish ratatouille and is particularly popular in Greece during the summer when fresh vegetables are abundant. Typical ingredients include courgettes (zucchini), aubergines (eggplant), potatoes, onions, and peppers.

To prepare Briam, the vegetables are generally sliced or diced, then combined with olive oil, garlic, and herbs such as oregano and thyme. Some recipes also include tomato sauce or fresh tomatoes. This mixture is placed in a baking dish and roasted until the vegetables are soft and have absorbed the aromatic flavours of the herbs and olive oil.

The dish can be enjoyed either hot or cold and is often served as a vegetarian main course or as a side dish accompanying meat or fish. Briam offers a delicious, nutritious, and straightforward way to experience authentic Greek cooking.

Gemista, also spelled “Yemista,” is a traditional Greek dish featuring stuffed vegetables. The word “gemista” translates to “stuffed” in English. The most commonly used vegetables for this dish are tomatoes and peppers, although you can also use aubergines and courgettes.

The vegetables are hollowed out, and the scooped-out flesh is usually reserved and incorporated into the stuffing. The filling often consists of rice mixed with various herbs and spices, and occasionally minced meat is added. Once the hollowed-out vegetables are filled with the rice mixture, they are arranged in a baking tray. To keep them moist during baking, olive oil, water, or tomato sauce may be added. The dish is then baked until the vegetables become tender and the rice is fully cooked.

Gemista can be enjoyed either hot or at room temperature and is often served with a side of feta cheese or Greek yoghurt. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily customised to cater to different dietary preferences.

Given its authentic nature and adaptability, Gemista has always been an excellent addition to the range of Greek culinary experiences we offer through GreekMarket.co.uk. It encapsulates the essence of Greek home cooking and utilises seasonal ingredients.

At Greek Market we pride ourselves on the speed at which we get your order on its way to you, so once an order has been placed you cannot add to it as it slows down our dispatch time.

Please let us know and we’ll track down who it belongs to. We won’t be able to collect it from you at the moment but, thanks to your honesty, we’ll be able to help the customer who’s missing it.

There are a number of ways you can search for Greek products on Greek Market:

1. By category. All the products we stock are grouped into categories. If you choose ‘All Departments’ at the header (top-left) of the page, several new tabs will appear below it, each one representing a different group of products. If you hover over each new tab, you’ll be able to see products grouped under that category.
2. Product search. You’ll find a search box at the header of the page (it’s the one with the little orange magnifying glass symbol). So, if you’re looking for a particular product, simply type the name of the item into the product search box and click on the orange ‘Search’ button. You can search for a category of products too.
3. Search as you type. Our highly sophisticated internal search engine also offers you with instant results as you type in the search field, found in the header of the page.
4. Daily Deals. You can also search for Greek products and groceries that are on offer using the ‘Daily Deals‘ tab at the top of the page.
5. Greek Brands. Find your favourite Greek products by searching by browsing the ‘Greek Brands‘ tab.

Of course you can. Just fill in this form and it’ll be sent to our Buying team to review. If enough people express an interest, we may start stocking it.

We don’t, but you can recycle your electrical and electronic devices for free at your local recycling centre. To find your nearest centre, visit the website of your local authority.