The foods of ancient Greece were similar to foods we eat today, but did not include many that have become important parts of modern Greek cooking. For example, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and bananas didn't arrive in Greece until after the discovery of the Americas in the 15th century, because that's where those foods originated. Lemons, oranges, eggplant, and rice also arrived later. But the ancient Greeks enjoyed a varied diet. Vegetables, legumes, and fruit were the mainstay, and fish was a favorite. Hunting brought game to the menu.
Ancient Greek Food
Some of the foods eaten by ancient Greeks were:
Vegetables
- Arugula
- Asparagus
- Artichokes
- Bulbs
- Cabbage
- Cardoons
- Carrots
- Cos lettuce (Romaine)
- Cress
- Cucumbers
- Fennel
- Garlic
- Leeks
- Squash (marrows)
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Wild celery
Fruit
- Apples
- Bergamot oranges
- Carobs
- Figs
- Grapes
- Jujubes
- Olives (yes, olives are a fruit)
- Pears
- Plums
- Pomegranates
- Quinces
Legumes
- Beans
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
- Peas, green and yellow
Fish & Seafood
- Anchovies
- Boarfish
- Crayfish
- Cuttlefish
- Eels
- Gray and Red Mullet
- Grouper
- Octopus
- Prawns
- Rays
- Sardines
- Sea bass
- Sprats
- Squid
- Tuna
- Wrasse
Meat, Poultry & Game
- Birds
- Boar
- Chicken
- Deer
- Donkey
- Goat
- Goose
- Hare
- Lamb
- Pheasant
- Pork
Grains/Cereals
- Barley (most commonly used for bread)
- Wheat (spelt was widely grown and used)
Herbs & Spices
- Coriander (and coriander leaves, also known as cilantro)
- Dill
- Mint
- Pepper
- Oregano
- Salt
- Saffron
- Thyme
Other Foods
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Honey
- Milk
- Nuts
- Olive oil
- Snails
- Vinegar
Fermented Beverages
- Beer
- Honey mead
- Wine
More information about ancient Greek foods:
- Greek Food & Culture Through History
- How Ancient Greek Foods Were Cooked
- Ancient Greek Recipes
- More Greek Food History
Have a question? Post it on the Greek Food forum or email me.