Spice Island Salt

Spice Island Salt

Spice Island Salt

The Best Way To Learn Everything About The Byzantine Cuisine

The diet of the inhabitants of the Byzantine Empire depended largely on their place of residence.
The inhabitants of rural areas were usually self-sufficient in food supply, while urban residents bought goods from the market. There were shops where they could buy what they needed, such as bakeries, greengroceries, stores that sold spices brought from India and China.

There were of course itinerant traders who visited the neighbourhoods trumpeting their goods.
The dietary habits of the Byzantines depended on the social class and the economic status of the nations and the nationalities of the empire, the rules of their religion, the geographic location of their residence and probably the habits of the era.

The meals

Breakfast: it is not documented that the Byzantines were having breakfast. The first meal of the day around noon was the 'ariston' meaning in Greek 'the best' and it was called lunch.

Dinner: it was the richest meal and they had it a little before the sunset.

The food, of course, was different for the poor and the rich. Poor people ate black bread, cheese, olives, sprouts, tubers, legumes and eggs.

Byzantine menu

Appetizers

Caviar and roe: sources indicate that the Byzantines knew caviar, which was an expensive delicacy. The Byzantines ate roe too.

Capers: the islanders in the Byzantine used capers in brine as an appetizer.

Quick fixes

Agiozoumi: on fasting days, on Wednesdays and  on Fridays, the Byzantines drank the agiozoumi. It resembled the familiar onion soup, with pieces of bread inside it.

Grouti: it was a porridge from raw or roasted flour and hot water.

'Perichymata' (sauces)
Garos (sauce): they mixed small fish, offal, blood and gills of fish with salt. They added pepper and old wine. They were brewing the mixture for several hours or they left it under the sun for 2-3 months. The garos was served mixed with oil or water or wine or vinegar.

'Artymata' (spices)

The most popular were leeks, celery, spearmint, cumin, pepper, fennel, rosemary, dill, oregano, nutmeg and cinnamon. These were used to give flavor to food but also for therapeutic reasons.

Salt

The salt held a special place in the trade of the empire. They used salt to preserve food, fish, meat, and cheese. The Byzantine Empire purchased salt from the salt marsh of the Aegean, Adriatic and the Black Sea.

Wheat and bread

Everybody in the Byzantine Empire ate bread. In villages, each household baked its own bread, while most people in cities purchased it from the baker's. There were, as now, many kinds of bread.
Apart from the fresh bread the Byzantines made 'paximadi' , which was sliced bread baked again.

Olives and oil

During the Byzantine period, huge quantities of oil were consumed for food and toilet reasons. In regions of the empire, where the climate favoured the cultivation of olives, inhabitants were cooking almost exclusively with olive oil.

Vegetables

The vegetables were cheap food, that's why the gourmets avoided it. Vegetables and legumes were food for the poor and the monks, especially on fasting days.

The pulses, beans, broad beans, fava beans and lentils were widespread in Byzantium. Their cooking was difficult and the Byzantines recommended their cooking with mustard. The Byzantines especially loved the chickpeas and the peas.

Milk and cheese

The Byzantines preferred dairy products from cows and buffaloes, as milk, cheese and butter.
The cheese-making flourished during the Byzantine years. In the mountainous Balkan Peninsula Vlachs prepared famous cheese.

Poultry and eggs

The Byzantines especially loved the eggs. They usually ate eggs from hens and geese, pheasants or partridges. The eggs from the hens and pheasants were considered as excellent food and were abundant in the homes of the poor. They made delicious omelettes, called 'sphoungata'.

Poultry were very widespread among the Byzantines, especially the cock. They boiled the poultry or roasted it. Sometimes they filled the poultry with spices and then they baked it.
The Byzantines also ate Indian fowl, pigeons, peacocks, quail and turtle-doves.
The pheasants considered luxurious delicacy, because their meat was the most tasty and easy to digest than any other poultry. Cranes, ducks and geese were also widespread and they were cooked with wine.

Meat

The Byzantines ate meat either boiled or roasted. They ate lamb or goat particularly in April. The sheep meat was considered as very tasty. In rich meals, the deer, the roe deer and the wild boar could be eaten. The most favourite meat, in the Byzantine was pork with vegetables. They made a kind of jelly from the head of the pig.  

Fish

The fish was a usual food in Byzantine especially among monks and bishops. They ate mainly, rockfish, bass, scorpion fish, chanos, skipjack etc. They fried or boiled the fish in water in which they added oil, dill and leeks. The Byzantines consumed carp, bass and mullet. The Byzantine kippered sardines, herring and ceros.

Beverages

The most popular drink was of course the wine, which was not only a pleasure but also a food supplement. In Byzantium there was an impressive variety of wines with names similar to their colour. Many other beverages came from other countries of the East.
Coffee was known in Byzantium and they used to drink it the same way we do nowadays.

Fruits and desserts

The Byzantines ate almonds, chestnuts, pistachios and pine cones. Apples were luxury food. They offered them in golden dishes and sold them in glass containers. They also honoured pears and figs. The most common fruit was grapes and raisins for the poor. The cheapest fruits were melons.

The Byzantines loved especially sweets made from honey. The pastels were particularly a favourite sweet. They also ate honey-cakes and syrupy sweetmeats. An important sweet was 'baklava' or 'kopton'.

The Byzantine diet did not include potatoes, tomatoes and sugar. Potatoes and tomatoes became known during the 19th century as they came from America.Their diet wasn't healthy because the Byzantines used too much salt to preserve meat and fish and as we know the salt in food is not very good.

A healthy eating habit was to use honey instead of sugar.

See Me-Salt (BIM 2009)


Spice Islands Sea Salt Grinder 13.5oz
Spice Islands Sea Salt Grinder 13.5oz
Sale Price: $12.86
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Description

Freshly ground sea salt and all its flavor is now just a twist away! The NEW Spice Islands Mediterranean Sea Salt Adjustable Grinder is ideal for adding sea salt during cooking or at the table. Premium Mediterranean Sea Salt is renowned for its ability to transform and draw out the natural flavors of food. Salt is a seasoning staple for nearly any dish...Spice Islands Mediterranean Sea Salt Grinder will be ESSENTIAL in your kitchen! Add freshly ground sea salt during cooking or at the table with Spice Islands Mediterranean Sea Salt Adjustable Grinder. Use to season chicken, fish, steaks, pork chops, hamburgers and roasts. Add to favorite casserole, soup and sauce recipes. Add to EVERYTHING as the table. To adjust grinder, turn dial clockwise for a finer grind and counterclockwise for a coarser grind.

Features

  • New Spice Islands Mediterranean Sea Salt Adjustable Grinder
  • Freshly ground sea salt and all its flavor is now just a twist away
  • Ideal for adding salt during cooking or at the table
  • Renowned for its ability to transform and draw out the natural flavors of food
  • This is a disposable grinder and can not be refilled
Spice Island, Celery Salt, 3-Ounce (3 Pack)
Spice Island, Celery Salt, 3-Ounce (3 Pack)
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Bobby Flay's Burgers, Fries, and Shakes
Bobby Flay's Burgers, Fries, and Shakes
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Description

After a long day spent in one of his restaurants or taping a television show, what Bobby Flay craves more than anything else is … a crusty-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside burger; a fistful of golden, crisp, salty fries; and a thick, icy milkshake. Given the grilling guru’s affinity for bold flavors and signature twists on American favorites, it’s no surprise that he has crafted the tastiest recipes ever for this ultimate food trio.Though he doesn’t believe in messing with delicious certified Angus chuck (just salt and pepper on the patty–no “meatloaf” burgers here), Bobby loves adding flavorful relishes and condiments to elevate the classic burger. Once you’ve learned what goes into making that burger (from how to shape it so it cooks up perfectly to melting the cheese just so), go to town with Bobby's favorite combinations of additions. Try the Cheyenne Burger, which gets slathered with homemade barbecue sauce and then piled high with bacon and shoestring onion rings, or the Santa Fe Burger, topped with a blistered poblano, queso sauce, and crumbled blue corn tortilla chips. And although Bobby’s personal preference is for beef, turkey can be substituted in any burger, and a handful of salmon and tuna burger recipes are included for those looking for leaner options. After you’ve mastered the burger, discover Bobby’s secrets to cooking up the best French fries–whether they’re fried, grilled, or oven roasted, or made from spuds, sweet potatoes, or even plantains–as well as homemade potato chips and onions rings. Wash it all down with a creamy shake, from Fresh Mint—Chocolate Speckled Milkshake to Blackberry Cheesecake Milkshake (or a spiked adult variation).With the opening of Bobby’s Burger Palace in Lake Grove, New York, on Long Island–and with more locations to come–Bobby has achieved burger, fry, and shake bliss in the world. For outdoor summer bashes and casual weeknight meals that even the kids will get excited about, Bobby Flay’s Burgers, Fries & Shakes will share that bliss and remind you just why the burger is such a beloved American original.From the Hardcover edition.

Book Description After a long day spent in one of his restaurants or taping a television show, what Bobby Flay craves more than anything else is... a crusty-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside burger; a fistful of golden, crisp, salty fries; and a thick, icy milkshake. Given the grilling guru’s affinity for bold flavors and signature twists on American favorites, it’s no surprise that he has crafted the tastiest recipes ever for this ultimate food trio. Though he doesn’t believe in messing with delicious certified Angus chuck (just salt and pepper on the patty--no “meatloaf” burgers here), Bobby loves adding flavorful relishes and condiments to elevate the classic burger. Once you’ve learned what goes into making that burger (from how to shape it so it cooks up perfectly to melting the cheese just so), go to town with Bobby's favorite combinations of additions. Try the Cheyenne Burger, which gets slathered with homemade barbecue sauce and then piled high with bacon and shoestring onion rings, or the Santa Fe Burger, topped with a blistered poblano, queso sauce, and crumbled blue corn tortilla chips. And although Bobby’s personal preference is for beef, turkey can be substituted in any burger, and a handful of salmon and tuna burger recipes are included for those looking for leaner options. After you’ve mastered the burger, discover Bobby’s secrets to cooking up the best French fries--whether they’re fried, grilled, or oven roasted, or made from spuds, sweet potatoes, or even plantains--as well as homemade potato chips and onions rings. Wash it all down with a creamy shake, from Fresh Mint-Chocolate Speckled Milkshake to Blackberry Cheesecake Milkshake (or a spiked adult variation). With the opening of Bobby’s Burger Palace in Lake Grove, New York, on Long Island--and with more locations to come--Bobby has achieved burger, fry, and shake bliss in the world. For outdoor summer bashes and casual weeknight meals that even the kids will get excited about, Bobby Flay’s Burgers, Fries and Shakes will share that bliss and remind you just why the burger is such a beloved American original. From Bobby Flay's Burgers, Fries, and Shakes: Miami Burger A trip to Miami wouldn’t be complete without stopping for an authentic Cuban sandwich, hot off the press and stuffed with roasted pork, smoked ham, garlicky mayonnaise, tangy mustard, dill pickles, and oozing Swiss cheese. It’s almost enough to make you miss your flight home. Turning this Cuban specialty into an American one isn’t hard to do: just replace the roasted pork with a good old hamburger. Pressing the assembled burger not only yields a crispy toasted bun, but also ensures that all of the elements meld into one cohesive, mouthwatering sandwich. (Serves 4) Ingredients 1 pound ground chuck (80 percent lean) or ground turkey (90 percent lean) Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil 1/2 cup mayonnaise 4 cloves roasted garlic, mashed 4 hamburger buns, split 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 8 thin slices Swiss cheese 4 thin slices smoked ham 2 dill pickles, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick slices Directions 1. Divide the meat into 4 equal portions (about 6 ounces each). Form each portion loosely into a 3/4-inch-thick burger and make a deep depression in the center with your thumb. Season both sides of each burger with salt and pepper. Cook the burgers, using the oil. Remove the burgers to a plate. 2. Combine the mayonnaise and roasted garlic in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread both sides of each bun with the mayonnaise and the mustard. Place a slice of cheese on each bun bottom, place a burger on top, and then top the burger with a slice of ham, another slice of cheese, and some pickle slices. Cover with the bun tops. 3. Cook the burgers on a sandwich press or wrap the burgers in aluminum foil and cook in a hot skillet over high heat (put a heavy skillet on top of the burgers to press them) until golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Serve immediately. From Bobby Flay's Burgers, Fries, and Shakes: Sweet Potato Fries I happen to love sweet potatoes and think they are great fried. One thing that you have to keep in mind when making this recipe is that sweet potato fries will never, ever be as crispy as fries made with regular potatoes; blanching them in oil or extending the soaking time won’t change that. Sweet potatoes are very high in sugar and this keeps them from getting crisp. Their sugar content also makes them darken faster than standard potatoes, so don’t walk away from the pot when making them! I prefer my sweet potato fries with the skin on, but if that’s not to your liking feel free to peel them. For an extra hit of flavor, try seasoning the hot fries with a few tablespoons of either the Barbecue Seasoning or the Mediterranean Seasoning. (Serves 4) Ingredients 5 large sweet potatoes 1 quart peanut oil Kosher salt Directions 1. Cut the potatoes lengthwise into 1.4-inch-thick slices, then cut each slice lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick fries. 2. Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed medium stockpot over medium heat, or in a tabletop deep fryer, to 365 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set aside. 3. Fry each batch until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove to the baking sheet lined with paper towels and season immediately with salt. Serve hot.

Kirkland Signature Mediterranean Sea Salt Grinder, 13 oz (368.5 g)
Kirkland Signature Mediterranean Sea Salt Grinder, 13 oz (368.5 g)
Sale Price: $14.99
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Description

Kirkland Signature Mediterranean Sea Salt Grinder Disposable. Adjustable Grinder. The finest restaurants and chefs worldwide prefer Mediterranean Sea Salt for its distinctive quality. Every Kirkland Signature product is guaranteed to meet or exceed the quality standards of the leading national brands.

Spice Island Old Hickory Smoked Salt, 4.8-Ounce Jars (Pack of 3)
Spice Island Old Hickory Smoked Salt, 4.8-Ounce Jars (Pack of 3)
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Description

Spice Island Old Hickory Smoked Salt can be used to shake up your savory recipes or as a shortcut to add smoked flavor to any dish. It is an aromatic combination of salt and aged hickory flavoring.

Features

  • Add smoked flavor to any dish
  • Aromatic combination of salt and aged hickory flavoring
  • Good with roasted meat, tomato slices and vegetarian dishes
Spice Islands® Peppercorns Grinder - 6.5 oz
Spice Islands® Peppercorns Grinder - 6.5 oz
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Description

Freshly ground black black pepper with its pungent odor and flavor is now just a twist away! The NEW Spice Islands Peppercorn Adjustable Grinder is ideal for adding black pepper during cooking or at the table. Premium Indian Malabar peppercorns are noted for their superior flavor and aroma. Black pepper is a seasoning staple for nearly any dish...Spice Islands Peppercorn Grinder will be ESSENTIAL in your kitchen! Add freshly ground pepper during cooking or at the table with Spice Islands Peppercorn Adjustable Grinder. Use to season steaks, chops, chicken or fish on the grill. Add to favorite recipes like spaghetti sauce, beef stew or vegetable soup. Add to EVERYTHING at the table! To adjust grinder, turn dial clockwise for a finer grind and counterclockwise for a coarser grind.

Features

  • New Spice Islands Peppercorn Adjustable Grinder
  • Freshly ground black pepper is not just a twist away
  • Ideal for adding pepper during cooking or at the table
  • Malabar Peppercorns are noted for their superior flavor and aroma
  • This is a disposable grinder and can not be refilled
Spice Islands Beau Monde Seasoning, 3.5-Ounce (Pack of 3)
Spice Islands Beau Monde Seasoning, 3.5-Ounce (Pack of 3)
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Island Seasonings Hawaiian Smoke Salt Seasoning 8 Oz.
Island Seasonings Hawaiian Smoke Salt Seasoning 8 Oz.
Sale Price: $8.99
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Description

Island Seasonings Hawaiian Smoke Sea Salt seasoning. Made in Hawaii from sea salt, cane sugar, garlic, black pepper, natural smoke, and other spices. NO MSG. Flavor your meats, vegetables, soups, stews, great for bbq's. Sprinkle, marinate or rub on beef, poultry, pork fish and more...

Features

  • Made in hawaii
  • Smoke Flavor
  • Sea salt
  • Cane Sugar
  • Herbs and spices.. No MSG
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Thursday, April 15th, 2010 Uncategorized

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