Savoring the past, preserving the future: a mixed-methods examination of culinary traditions among Pontic Greeks in Northern Greece
Abstract This mixed-methods study investigates how Pontic Greeks in Western Macedonia, Greece, preserve and adapt their culinary traditions amid modern challenges. Employing survey questionnaires (n = 390), interviews, and participant observation, we explored sociodemographic attributes, lifestyle f...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Journal of Ethnic Foods |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s42779-025-00265-7 |
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| author | Achillefs Keramaris Eleni Kasapidou Paraskevi Mitlianga |
| author_facet | Achillefs Keramaris Eleni Kasapidou Paraskevi Mitlianga |
| author_sort | Achillefs Keramaris |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract This mixed-methods study investigates how Pontic Greeks in Western Macedonia, Greece, preserve and adapt their culinary traditions amid modern challenges. Employing survey questionnaires (n = 390), interviews, and participant observation, we explored sociodemographic attributes, lifestyle factors, and food preferences. Statistical and thematic analyses revealed a strong preference for traditional delicacies, such as pisia (a type of pancake) and tanomenon sorva (yogurt soup), alongside a notable shift from butter to olive oil driven by health considerations. Qualitative findings underscored the deep cultural and emotional significance of these foods, revealing themes such as intergenerational knowledge transmission, urbanization’s impact, and the dual role of heritage and convenience in shaping food choices. Integrated data analysis revealed a convergence regarding the importance of preserving culinary traditions in the face of societal change, illustrating the dynamic nature of Pontic Greek gastronomy. This study demonstrates how personal, cultural, environmental, and societal factors influence the maintenance and evolution of these culinary practices. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c120ae8ade094f2b8dabf71e325fa366 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2352-619X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Ethnic Foods |
| spelling | doaj-art-c120ae8ade094f2b8dabf71e325fa3662025-02-09T13:00:07ZengBMCJournal of Ethnic Foods2352-619X2025-02-0112111610.1186/s42779-025-00265-7Savoring the past, preserving the future: a mixed-methods examination of culinary traditions among Pontic Greeks in Northern GreeceAchillefs Keramaris0Eleni Kasapidou1Paraskevi Mitlianga2Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Western MacedoniaDepartment of Agriculture, University of Western MacedoniaDepartment of Chemical Engineering, University of Western MacedoniaAbstract This mixed-methods study investigates how Pontic Greeks in Western Macedonia, Greece, preserve and adapt their culinary traditions amid modern challenges. Employing survey questionnaires (n = 390), interviews, and participant observation, we explored sociodemographic attributes, lifestyle factors, and food preferences. Statistical and thematic analyses revealed a strong preference for traditional delicacies, such as pisia (a type of pancake) and tanomenon sorva (yogurt soup), alongside a notable shift from butter to olive oil driven by health considerations. Qualitative findings underscored the deep cultural and emotional significance of these foods, revealing themes such as intergenerational knowledge transmission, urbanization’s impact, and the dual role of heritage and convenience in shaping food choices. Integrated data analysis revealed a convergence regarding the importance of preserving culinary traditions in the face of societal change, illustrating the dynamic nature of Pontic Greek gastronomy. This study demonstrates how personal, cultural, environmental, and societal factors influence the maintenance and evolution of these culinary practices.https://doi.org/10.1186/s42779-025-00265-7Culinary heritageGreek cuisineIntergenerational transmissionLocal cuisineMixed methodsPontic Greeks |
| spellingShingle | Achillefs Keramaris Eleni Kasapidou Paraskevi Mitlianga Savoring the past, preserving the future: a mixed-methods examination of culinary traditions among Pontic Greeks in Northern Greece Journal of Ethnic Foods Culinary heritage Greek cuisine Intergenerational transmission Local cuisine Mixed methods Pontic Greeks |
| title | Savoring the past, preserving the future: a mixed-methods examination of culinary traditions among Pontic Greeks in Northern Greece |
| title_full | Savoring the past, preserving the future: a mixed-methods examination of culinary traditions among Pontic Greeks in Northern Greece |
| title_fullStr | Savoring the past, preserving the future: a mixed-methods examination of culinary traditions among Pontic Greeks in Northern Greece |
| title_full_unstemmed | Savoring the past, preserving the future: a mixed-methods examination of culinary traditions among Pontic Greeks in Northern Greece |
| title_short | Savoring the past, preserving the future: a mixed-methods examination of culinary traditions among Pontic Greeks in Northern Greece |
| title_sort | savoring the past preserving the future a mixed methods examination of culinary traditions among pontic greeks in northern greece |
| topic | Culinary heritage Greek cuisine Intergenerational transmission Local cuisine Mixed methods Pontic Greeks |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s42779-025-00265-7 |
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