An early morning swim in the clear, calm sea is the best way to start your day …
Next, a walk through a symphony of wild seaside plants:
The spectaculare yellow horned poppy (Glaucium flavum, gr. kitrini paparouna, κίτρινη παπαρούνα ) grows here. Like other members of its family, it contains poisonous alkaloids.
The Latin name Eryngium maritimum for sea holly ( Gr. αngathia, αγκαθιά, μοσχάγκαθο)comes from the Greek word ‘erynggion’ ηρύγγιον. ‘Maritimum’ refers to the plant’s seashore habitat. Pliny mentioned that Greeks used both stem and root as food, served raw or boiled. The young flowering shoots are still eaten today. They are blanched, boiled and served with olive oil, vinegar and chopped garlic or they are cooked with eggs or lamb. The roasted roots taste like chestnut.
The sea shore is also home to thyme (thymari, θυμάρι)….
…..and rock samphire (Crithmum maritimum, kritamo, κρίταμο).
The name crithmum comes from Greek krithe = barley, from resemblance of its fruit to barelycorn. The leaves are mainly collected from young, tender plants before flowering and eaten fresh or pickled in brine or vinegar. Pickled leaves are used in salads. Served with olive oil, they make a balanced accompaniment to Cretan raki and ouzo.
And here is the perfect place for a glass of flavored iced coffee before going to work.
Yes, the early morning swim is exceptionally rewarding.
ΓΙΑ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΕΔΩ.