If you’ve ever visited the island of Rhodes, or plan to, there’s a good chance someone will offer you a melekouni.
At first glance, it looks like pasteli (sesame bar), but melekouni is much more than that. Its unique ingredients and preparation give it not only a distinct flavor and texture, but also impressive nutritional value.
This wholesome, satisfying snack is ideal for curbing hunger, easy to carry, and suitable for athletes and non-athletes, kids and adults alike!
🌿 What is melekouni?
The name melekouni comes from the Greek word for honey (meli) and the word kounni, which means "small seed" in the Rhodian dialect. This sweet is known for its chewy texture, rhombus shape, and rich, spiced flavor.
It’s not just a dessert — it’s a part of Rhodian culture, a symbol of hospitality, and even a wedding invitation in edible form!
🧠 What makes melekouni nutritious?
Let’s break down the nutritional superpowers of its ingredients:
🍯 Sesame seeds: The star ingredient
Whole sesame seeds are lightly roasted. The procedure of roasting is done carefully to preserve the nutritional integrity of these tiny seeds.
Rich in phytoestrogens (lignans): Especially beneficial for women going through menopause, helping to reduce symptoms like hot flashes.
Vitamin E: It is known as the "the vitamin of beauty". It promotes skin elasticity and delays the appearance of wrinkles.
Bone health booster: Sesame is packed with calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus — all essential for strong bones.
Fats : High in healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, sesame can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
🌰 Almonds: The crunchy bonus
Sliced or chopped almonds are often added to melekouni. These provide healthy fats, protein and calcium.
Perfect for an energy boost with a crunch!
🍯 Honey: The Sweet binder
It is known that honey has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties Also it constitutes a natural source of energy the body and the mind
🍊 Flavor
What really makes melekouni special is its aromatic depth. The flavor is enhanced with:
Zest or juice from citrus fruits like orange, lemon, or bitter orange (nerantzi)
Spices like cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, or coriander
Each bite brings a subtle balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes — a true taste of the Mediterranean!
🏺 A Piece of Rhodian Culture
Melekouni is more than a snack — it’s a cultural tradition.
It’s registered in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece.
Served at weddings, baptisms, name day celebrations, and local village festivals in Rhodes.
In 2010, Rhodes earned a spot in the Guinness World Records by creating the world’s largest melekouni!
Since 2017, Melekouni is recognized as a Product of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).
It’s also featured in the "Greek Breakfast" initiative by the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels — showcasing Greek gastronomy to travelers through traditional regional products.
✈️ Why try melekouni?
If you're planning a trip to Greece, especially to the Dodecanese, don’t miss out on trying melekouni.
It is healthy, portable and delicious!
Whether you’re enjoying it with a coffee or packing it as an energy snack for a hike or beach day, melekouni offers a bite-sized taste of Rhodes — in every way.
🙏 Thank you for reading!
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This article was written by Greek Heaven team