In the Aegean Sea lies the Greek island of Ikaria, where blue Mediterranean waters lap against a mountainous coastline and rocky trails lead to quaint villages, and where the locals seem to hold a secret. Ikaria is known worldwide for its high life expectancies and low rates of chronic disease, much of which can be attributed to diet. Ikaria: Food and Life in the Blue Zone is a collection of recipes and stories from this beautiful Mediterranean island of longevity.

Born to Greek parents, author Meni Valle has always been fascinated by her family’s traditions of cooking and eating. Meni has collected traditional recipes from across the island that encapsulate the best of Mediterranean food: vegetables, beans, whole grains, small amounts of meat and fish, a c couple of glasses of wine and plenty of olive oil. But she also tells the stories that make up Ikaria where life is all about taking time: time to cook, to eat, to nap, to spend with family and friends, to enjoy and appreciate.

With intimate glimpses of the island’s festivals, produce, kitchens and people, Ikaria is a cookbook that will transport and transform you.

About the author: When she is not writing cookbooks, Meni Valle shares her knowledge and passion for Mediterranean food through cooking classes and culinary tours to Greece and its neighboring countries, where she loves connecting with locals and discovering new recipes. She first visited Ikaria in 2017 and now returns every year. Meni lives with her family in Melbourne, Australia.