A Comprehensive Guide to Cyprus Traditional Deli: Cured Meats, Sausages, and Cheeses

Introduction:

Cyprus is a small island nation located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and vibrant food culture. The island’s cuisine is a unique blend of Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern influences, featuring a diverse range of flavors, spices, and ingredients.

One of the most beloved aspects of Cyprus cuisine is its traditional deli meats, sausages, and cheeses. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best of what Cyprus has to offer when it comes to cured meats, sausages, and cheeses.

Cured Meats:

Cyprus is home to a variety of cured meats, many of which are made from pork. One of the most popular is lountza, a type of pork loin that’s been cured with salt, pepper, and other spices. Another popular cured meat is pastourma, which is made from beef and flavored with garlic, cumin, and other spices.

Other cured meats to try include loukanika, a spicy sausage made from pork and flavored with red wine and coriander, and hiromeri, a type of ham made from pork leg that’s been cured with salt and smoked.

Sausages:

Cyprus is also known for its wide variety of sausages, which range from spicy and flavorful to mild and savory. One popular type of sausage is sheftalia, which is made from pork or lamb and flavored with parsley, mint, and other herbs.

Other sausages to try include loukaniko, which we mentioned earlier, and soutzoukos, a sweet sausage made from grape juice and almonds.

Cheeses:

Cyprus is home to a variety of unique and flavorful cheeses, many of which are made from goat or sheep milk. One of the most popular is halloumi, a semi-hard cheese that’s known for its salty flavor and distinctive texture.

Other cheeses to try include anari, a soft cheese that’s often used in desserts, and kefalotyri, a hard, salty cheese that’s perfect for grating over pasta dishes.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re a fan of cured meats, sausages, or cheeses, Cyprus has something to offer. From the spicy and savory to the sweet and tangy, the traditional deli meats, sausages, and cheeses of Cyprus are sure to delight your taste buds and introduce you to a whole new world of culinary delights. So why not plan a trip to Cyprus today and experience the best of its vibrant food culture for yourself?