Beekeeping in Crete is significant and long-standing. Archaeological findings confirm the activity from the Minoan era. The honey produced at high altitudes is also famous, such as the thyme honey from Psiloritis. Crete's extra virgin olive oil has been distinguished for its quality and is recognized as beneficial and nutritious. It is a dominant ingredient in Cretan gastronomy. Cretan Tsikoudia or Raki is a distillate identified with the island's culture. It comes from the pomace, after the grapes are pressed and the must is removed. The traditional Cretan drink has its roots in ancient Greece, as "rax" was the name for the grape berry. In the Cretan dialect, pomace is called "tsikouda".
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