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Discover Crete's Natural Bounty Rethymno region offers a tantalizing experience for food and nature lovers alike.   Its fertile lands yield an abundance of herbs, plants, and products that have shaped Crete's rich culinary traditions for centuries. Universities and students from around the world are comming  to Rethymno to study its incredible botanical heritage.  In early June, a group of students from Cornell University in the U.S. visited for an immersive program on "The Healing Power of Plants." They explored gardens, farms, forests, and historic sites across Greece, including the renowned Paleontological Museum in Rethymno. Here, they attended a captivating lecture on "The History of Botanical and Culinary Medicine" to understand how humans have utilized nature's pharmacy since ancient times. Crete's unique geography and biodiversity have fostered the growth of many indigenous plants with remarkable medicinal and nutritional properties. Wild greens in Crete which are the most healthy and nutritious for foodies are included in the well-known Cretan Diet. As ecosystems face threats, preserving this natural wealth is vital to sustaining cultural traditions and uncovering future health solutions. From tasting indigenous herbs like dictamo and malotira, to savoring dishes made from organic, locally-grown ingrediences, Rethymno offers an authentic farm-to-table experience. Visitors can join guided foraging walks, participate in cooking classes, and even put a hand at sustainable farms practicing traditional agricultural methods. Rethymno celebrates its gastronomic roots through food festivals like Wines@Fortezza and the  Cretan Diet Festival,  farmers markets, and local eateries showcasing Crete's distinctive flavors. This region provides a delicious taste of nature's bounty and an appreciation for the healing, life-giving qualities of the island's flora.