FEATURE STORY
Cyprus - From the Traditional to the Modern
Even though Cyprus is a small country, with a population of slightly less than 800,000 and an area of 3,572 sq mi (about twice the size of Rhode Island), it has an illustrious history, with evidence of hunter-gatherers on the island as far back as 10,000 BC and villages in 8,200 BC. This predates even Greece's history. Because of its geographic location, in the far eastern portion of the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus has been a crossroads for many cultures including Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Assyrian, Persian, Turkish, Venetian, and British. At various times in its long history Cyprus has been colonized by each of these societies.
Each culture brought with them their own culinary traditions, which the permanent residents absorbed and converted to suit their own culture and climate. Cyprus attained independence in 1960.
Over a period of time, on this page, we will be introducing you to the wonderful products that these various cultures introduced to Cyprus. We will show you the traditional products and cuisine of Cyprus and we will demonstrate how modern Cyprus is taking these traditions and re-inventing them for the 21st century. Today Cyprus is part of the European Union, has adopted the Euro, and has the third highest GDP in the European Union, after that of Luxembourg and Malta.
For a more complete history of Cyprus see the Wikipedia article.
Photo: Aphrodite's Rock - According to Greek legend, the goddess of love, Aphrodite, emerged from Cyprus.
Photo credit: Karla Guererri
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Keo Comes to North America
KEO Beer, the much-loved brew of Cyprus, has now become available in Ontario, following a surge of demand from visitors to the Mediterranean island who were hoping to recapture some vacation splendor back home.
In the production of KEO Beer, only the finest imported pilsner malt from Europe is chosen, keeping with the tradition and quality known of the pilsner. Highly selected hops and extra choice hops are also imported to be used in the perfect combination to ensure the production of a top-quality beer in every respect.
KEO Beer is the only beer on the island of Cyprus produced by the “chill sterilization” method, the most expensive system which produces the highest quality beers abroad. In combination with a minimum three month maturation period in underground refrigerated cellars, the chill sterilization method gives KEO Beer its unique flavor and guards against any loss of taste.
KEO Beer, a Gold medal winner among bottled lagers worldwide, is represented in Ontario by Equis Trading, Inc, a New York based marketing firm.
Go to KEO
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