The first things that pop to mind when someone mentions Greek cuisine will be olives, feta cheese and then of course the unavoidable olive oil that gives all Greek dishes a distinctive taste. But Greek cuisine is much more then that, it is a combination of history, geography and a plethora of mouthwatering ingredients. The most popular dishes that make up Greek cuisine have changed very little over the time.

Because Greeks have been blessed with a warm climate, it is no wonder their cuisine is made up of mostly fresh, seasonal ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains and cheeses that are produced locally. As the climate is very warm, Greeks have no problem cultivating olive and lemon trees and this is what enables them to use both of these ingredients liberally in their everyday cooking.

If you are looking to take advantage of all the seasonal ingredients and go Greek this summer you should consider stocking up on a good quality olive oil and olives, lemons, feta cheese, yogurt (another ingredient that is featured prominently, but keep in mind the yogurt should be of the more thick variety), spices such as oregano and thyme and do not forget honey and filo dough (no meal is complete without a dessert and you will be hard stretched to find a more Greek dessert then baklava).

Another custom that has a life of its own is the so-called meze or mezethes (plural). Meze is not quite an appetizer and it is not a main dish either. While an appetizer serves to open up your appetite, meze dishes serve the purpose of complimenting and enhancing the taste of a drink, be it ouzo, wine or some other type of spirits. Even though a meze is a small meal that is eaten in the middle of the day or before dinnertime, it is not uncommon for friends and families to gather around a table and have mezethes, as it provides a perfect backdrop for social gatherings.

Greek cuisine is the epitome of Mediterranean cooking - simple, fresh and healthy ingredients are combined together in dishes that are relatively easy to prepare. So even if you are a novice when it comes to cooking there is no reason not to sample some of the delicious Greek dishes this summer when there are plenty of ingredients to choose from. And last but not least, maybe it is time to take a cue from the Greeks and perceive meals as feasts and an opportunity to socialize with your family and friends – who knows it might add a whole other level of fun to your meal times.