If you have been to Crete, you probably had a chance to try at least one stack of Cretan raki – this strong drink is almost synonymous with Cretan culture. It is also called “cycudia”: from Turkish word “tsikuda”, which means grape cake. Process digestion of raki is a unique custom of Crete and called “kazanema” – from the Greek word “kazani” (cauldron). It is from the remnants of grape pulp, which is boiled in large Kazan, it turns out this traditional strong drink of the island Crete.
20.09.2016
Раки является символом критской культуры и гостеприимства: ееused as a symbol of friendship and nobility and use to create a pleasant atmosphere of communication, communication between people. A glass of raki is always a thing when the people of Crete greet their guests, wish each other well-being, discuss something in bars, overcome their sorrows and resolve disputes. Visit a Cretan house without proper libation is considered rudeness: the goal such a drink is to make human communication enjoyable, and not at all get drunk or fed up with food.
The process of making Cretan raki is the same as centuries ago. Locals cherish this tradition, because it is part of culture and history of the island of Crete.
First, grape pulp is peel and grape seeds after Spin – kept about 40 days in barrels, where it happens fermentation.
Then all this is placed in a special boiler with water. It consists There are three main parts: the boiler itself, the lid and the steam pipe. Under the boiler is set fire. The fire must be closely monitored – he must be neither too strong nor too weak to tsikuda boiled and not burned at the same time.
During cooking, the alcohol from the squeeze evaporates, the steam circulates in boiler tube. It is then condensed in the outer tube, cooled. in it, it turns into liquid and drip by drop into a container for the finished raki. The first drops of Cretan raki are called “Protoraky”, she is very strong. As a rule, crayfish high quality has a fortress of 20 degrees. As soon as the contents of the boiler reached the desired level of readiness, the distillation process is ending.
Excessive consumption of crayfish creates intoxication, which sometimes leads to unpleasant situations. Cretan people have 10 commandments drinking this hot drink, or Decalogue raki You should also get to know them before you begin. feast
- The first glass of raki brings appetite;
- The second is health;
- The third is joy;
- The fourth is happiness;
- Fifth – admiration;
- The sixth is chatter;
- The seventh is a fight;
- Eighth – the police;
- The ninth to the judge;
- And the tenth is a funeral.
Raki has the status of a royal drink because of the delicious aroma and crystalline purity, because it does not contain dyes and industrial alcohols. Raki invigorates the heart and mind, removes obsessive thoughts, stimulates the appetite and contributes to the digestion of food. Warm raki or Rakomelo, if you mix it with honey and add a little cinnamon helps to warm up in the winter, and icy Cretan raki can be served as a refreshing aperitif or a digestif final meal.
