Introduction

Over the centuries, only few species of plants were able to adapt and survive in the inhospitable island ecosystem of Santorini.

These species persistently – almost stubbornly – struggled against the extreme soil conditions by :

- Limiting their requirements on nutrients and water.

- Developing root systems that can penetrate the coherent volcanic soil in a quest for traces of water trapped in the porous pumice.

- Configuring a rather elaborated canopy to withstand intense sunlight or strong winds and also reduce the evaporation of the precious moisture.

- Enhancing their identity by harnessing the omnipresent sea salt.

In most cases the fruits of these plants, always limited in their quantities, will surprise you by their exuberant, full bodied and concentrated flavors.