Carmella Pharmacy

A gastronomic tour in Corfu could only begin with the initiation into pastitsada, of this typical Corfiot dish.

An important role in the taste of the red sauce of pastitsada play the spices they put - laurel, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, etc. - and, of course, the craftsmanship of the cook.

The many spice mixes are a special feature of it Corfiot cuisine and wealthy families from the Venetian period had cooks who each used their own mix for each category of dishes. The mixture was called spetsieriko because it was made by spetsieris that is, o pharmacist.

After all, from ancient times, spices were not only intended to improve the taste, but were mainly used to preserve food, which is why their trade brought incalculable profits to the Most Peaceful Republic (of Venice). Pharmacists (the drug grinders) of the time did not follow despite the principles of pharmacology, known from his time Hippocrates and Galen. Traditional herbalists based their knowledge exclusively on the study of the plant world and knew very well that herbs protect, heal and stimulate the human body, while effectively utilizing their anti-inflammatory, tonic, antiseptic action.

Nowadays, although traditional medicines (herbs and spices) may have been replaced by the chemicals of the pharmaceutical companies, the treatment of… goula in Corfu requires pharmacists to continue working as pharmacists to give the material for delectable flavors.

The best spetsieriko It is rumored that it is produced in the oldest pharmacy of the city, at 56 Georgiou Theotoki Avenue. There, in a prominent position, there is a relevant edition with the "Historic Pharmacies of Greece" which includes the pharmacy of Carmela Deleonardou (founded in 1850) and describes in detail its historical course.

Although the pharmacy has moved from its historic location, its contents (bookshelves, cabinets, bottles, old bottles) remain unchanged, which gives it an atmosphere of other times.

There, in her brewery, Carmela makes the spetsieriko with the 15 different spices and there are many people who come every day to get it.

Unfortunately, in 2017 the operation of the store was stopped. Its important role in the history of Corfu Gastronomy requires us to keep the article to be preserved in our memory. Thanks.