If we were asked what we love most about Crete and everything it has to offer, we would probably say the sun, the scents, the summer breeze, and the exquisite flavors. Guided by precisely these elements, we have carefully chosen our partners, who form the core of our artbox. We selected products that awaken our senses and transport us to the places we love, to the scents we miss, and to the people who have warmly opened their hearts to us.
Starting with the honey and olive oil from Minoan Gaia, we journey to Heraklion and the vast fields of olive trees, their leaves basking in the Cretan sun. There, the bees feast on the nectar of flowers and produce their own nectar, generously created by nature to take us on a flavorful journey. Tasting this honey, we were transported to the mountains of Crete; we felt the aromas emanating from its gardens and the sweetness of its people. Meanwhile, tasting the olive oil, we experienced a profound connection to our roots, a deep bond with the earth, and the significance of the Mediterranean diet and all it has to offer.
Next, we savored the wonderful herbal blend from tofillo, featuring Lemon Verbena and Dittany of Crete. This particular combination could be considered one of the most representative flavors of Cretan botanical richness. Dittany, beyond its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, boasts a distinctive aromatic profile that combines hints of sweetness, herbs, and flowers. Lemon Verbena, on the other hand, offers a lemony and refreshing taste with a light and invigorating aftertaste. Together, these two evoke the authentic nature of Crete and, to be honest, remind us of the herbal teas our grandmothers brewed for us to help us sleep or aid digestion.
Of course, we couldn’t exclude the exquisite taste of oregano from the exceptional Cretan flavors. Oregano, possibly the most famous herb cultivated extensively in Crete and other regions, is a cornerstone of Cretan and, more broadly, Greek cuisine. We remember, as children, salads with feta and oregano, meats seasoned with it, fish, and oven-baked potatoes. When we tried the oregano from tofillo, we were instantly transported to the tables of our childhood, where dishes fresh from the oven treated us to the aromas of herbs and joy.
Finally, the Organic Lavender Pillow Spray from Bioaroma completes this wonderful journey through the flavors, art, and scents of this beautiful island and, of course, could not be missing from our artbox. In Crete, lavender thrives thanks to the mild climate and the dry, rocky soil, perfectly suited to its needs. We still vividly remember passing through gardens in the villages of southern Crete, where lavender would generously offer us its tranquil aroma. That’s why we couldn’t miss the chance to offer you the peace and purity it brings to your sleep.
and enjoy this exquisite artboxing experience of aromas, flavors, and tradition with Afthoni. Taste, gift, and journey to Crete with us – let our curated boxes bring the essence of the island to your doorstep!
