Genuine Greek Shopping at the Airport

I am currently in Philadelphia to attend the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (more about that later). While flying out of Athens conveniently there are a few shps that sell Greek food products. The nice thing about these stores is that they sell a good variety of Greek PDO ( Protected Designation of Origin) products and not just a couple of touristy products. So if you’re visiting Greece and didn’t get a chance to buy the goodies, here are a few unique things to pick up before you fly.

Fistiki Aiginis

These Greek pistachio nuts are known for their taste. These are the original, straight off the tree from the island of Aegina.

Spoon Sweets

A sweet served on a spoon. Made from sugar and fresh fruit, nuts, sometimes vegetables and even rose petals. Traditionally served a on a small plate with a spoon, you can also use it with yogurt, on ice cream, or even as a topping for cheesecake.

Unique Greek Olive Oils

As you can see from the photo you can find several brands of olive oil that you won’t easily find anywhere else.

Mastiha Chiou Gum

This gum is made from mastiha. Mastiha is resin from the mastiha trees and appears in drops and only on the island of Chios can you find trees that produce the mastiha “tears” that have the characteristic aroma, taste and health benefits. Yes, gum with health benefits, and we’re not talking about teeth, research shows that mastiha can work against Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria in the stomach, considered the main cause for gastric ulcers. It also has been found to have antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-Crohn and anti-cancer activity.