Mention Mediterranean cuisine and it conjures up thoughts of a
brilliant marketplace piled high with fresh fruit and vegetables
that have been plucked from the ground moments before.
Picture a Mediterranean feast and suddenly the aromatic flavours
of the simple ingredients are so intense you can almost taste them.
Conditioned naturally by variations in climate and soil, the
recurring elements of the food throughout the Mediterranean
countries are the oil, the wines, the endless varieties of
marinated olives, the dried fruit and garlic, but more importantly,
the fresh produce.
Here, the simple yet intense flavours of eggplant, tomatoes,
artichokes, leeks and fresh herbs such as basil and mint are
married with superb ingredients from the land and the sea.
The area that comprises the Mediterranean consists of three
continents and more than 15 countries. Some of the countries that
influence the Mediterranean diet are Portugal, southern Spain,
southern France, southern Italy, Greece, Crete, southern Turkey,
western Syria, western Lebanon, western Israel, northern Egypt,
northern Libya, northern Algeria, and northern Morocco.
The people of these countries take pride in making, sharing and
enjoying fresh food, not to mention the benefits they receive from
their wholesome diet. There is a growing body of evidence on the
health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, which includes six to
nine servings of vegetables a day. That's far more than most
Australians eat!
Every year for the past 14 years Woolworths and some of its
major produce suppliers have brought the fresh flavours of the
Mediterranean into the homes of many Australian families through
their Mediterranean promotions. Featuring unusual vegetables such
as globe and Jerusalem artichokes, celeriac, broccoflower, witlof,
TrevisoTM radicchio and broccoli rabe - at one time
found only in the Mediterranean - the promotion has successfully
educated many Australians on the delights of this very special
cuisine style.
All through August, you will be transported to the Mediterranean
whenever you shop at Woolworths with in-store specials, themed
displays, in-store demonstrations, recipe ideas and serving
suggestions. This year's list of products included in the
Mediterranean promotion is more exciting than ever! In addition,
just by purchasing four participating products, you could win a
$15,000 trip to the Mediterranean!