Askordοulakas or Skordοulakas
Askordοulakas is the Cretan name of the bulb of the plant scientifically known as “Muscari comosum”, which is found in abundance throughout Greece. The common name in Greece is “volvi” (‘bulbs’). Askordoulakas grows naturally in Crete and the Cretans especially value it, along with all the food produced by this blessed land.
The plant is an onion-like wild edible bulb that is eaten boiled. It is considered to be an excellent appetizer, whether raw as a salad or as an addition to salad to give more flavor. Fragrant and pickled, it is a wonderful accompaniment to legumes and meat.
Many Cretans also regard askordoulakas as an aphrodisiac, as well as a medication for a variety of health issues such as rashes or hemorrhoids. Many even claim that it contributes to lowering cholesterol.
In Crete, it is found in numerous traditional recipes, such as octopus, pork, and lamb. It constitutes one of the finest appetizers when served pickled and accompanied by raki. You can also serve it with legumes, ouzo, steaks, or raw with fried potatoes, and is perfectly accompanied by tsipouro.
