Top 5 products of Cyprus: olive oil, halloumi, citrus fruits, prickly pear, and carob

Mediterranean cuisine is renowned for simple yet incredibly healthy ingredients. Cyprus has its own gastronomic stars that are worth including in your daily menu: they are tasty, natural, and fit perfectly into a healthy diet.

• Olive Oil
• Goat Cheese and Halloumi
• Citrus Fruits
• Opuntia (Cactus Fruit)
• Carob Pods

Olive Oil

Olive oil is Cyprus's pride and the foundation of the local diet. The island produces oils of various grades — from extra virgin to second cold-pressed oil. It can be purchased in supermarkets, farmer’s markets, and directly from small mills.

Why include it in your diet: olive oil is excellent for salads, grilled vegetables, fish, and marinades. It pairs perfectly with herbs, lemon, and local cheeses.

How to choose: pay attention to the harvest date (ideally the current or previous season), dark glass bottles, low acidity, and the label “cold extracted.” Refined oil is suitable for frying, while extra virgin is best for salads.

Goat Cheese and Halloumi

Halloumi is the island’s signature cheese: a firm cheese made from goat or sheep milk, traditionally grilled or pan-fried. It does not melt, holds its shape, and develops a delicious golden crust.

Goat cheese is milder in flavor, ideal for salads with greens, tomatoes, and figs, and can also be baked with honey and thyme.

How to serve: Halloumi — with lemon, olive oil, and oregano; goat cheese — with local citrus, figs, nuts, and carob syrup. Both pair well with dry white wines made from Xynisteri.

Citrus Fruits

Mandarins, lemons, oranges grow nearly year-round in Cyprus. Lemon is indispensable for marinades, sauces, and salads, while orange and mandarin trees are often seen along streets.

How to use: lemon — with fish and meat, in dressings and desserts; orange — in salads with halloumi and olives; mandarin — in light fruit plates and baked goods.

Selection tip: look for firm fruits without soft spots, with a bright aroma and heavy for their size — a sign of juiciness.

Opuntia (Cactus Fruit)

Opuntia is a seasonal Cypriot delicacy (usually August). The fruits are sweet, juicy, with small seeds, and packed with nutrients.

How to eat safely: peel with gloves or using a fork and knife — the skin has tiny invisible spines. Chilled opuntia is great as a standalone dessert, in smoothies, or sorbets.

Serving suggestion: cut into large slices and serve with lime/lemon and mint leaves.

Carob Pods

Carob is a traditional Cypriot product made from the pods of the carob tree. It is used to make syrup, powder, and sweets. Naturally sweet with mild caramel-cocoa notes, carob is widely used in desserts without added sugar.

How to use: carob syrup — with pancakes, yogurt, or cheese plates; carob powder — in baked goods, cocoa drinks, and sauces. It is a favorite for those looking to reduce refined sugar intake.

Benefits: carob is an alternative to sweet sauces and syrups: rich flavor with moderate sweetness and caffeine-free.

Conclusion: by including olive oil, halloumi and goat cheese, citrus fruits, opuntia, and carob in your menu, you can create a gastronomic “portrait of Cyprus” at home — simple, healthy, and delicious.