r/greekfood

As a Pontic (Turk) I’m very invested in my Pontic Greek heritage. I’m trying to read more and understand how the Pontic Greek cuisine used ingredients.

I’m mostly curious about how pork was used in their dishes. Before the Ottoman period I assume pork was used in their traditional dishes?

During the Ottoman time, I’m wondering how the Pontic Greeks included pork in their dishes since I assume that owning pigs could be a sign that you are a non-muslim and therefore needed to pay taxes to the sultan?

Or was usage of pork fully ceased by then? I can’t seem to find anything about this in modern Pontic Greek recipes.

I live in the U.S. and I want to try eating in a more Greek way this summer. I would be wanting to order some affordable, good quality olives, tinned fish (like sardines), Greek mountain tea, and dolmas. Would be grateful for some advice about where to order this sort of thing.