Core Components of the Mediterranean Diet

Introduction

The Mediterranean Diet is centered around wholesome, nutrient-rich foods inspired by the traditional eating habits of Mediterranean countries. It emphasizes  

- Healthy fats, primarily from extra virgin olive oil, nuts, and seeds.

- Plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains.

- Lean proteins, such as fish and seafood are eaten regularly, while poultry and eggs are consumed in moderation, and red meat is limited to occasional servings.

- Dairy consumption in moderation, but it often includes Greek yogurt and cheeses like feta and parmesan.

To enhance flavor without excessive salt, the diet incorporates herbs and spices like oregano, basil, and garlic, but also honey. Some followers enjoy red wine in moderation, typically with meals. Beyond food choices, the Mediterranean lifestyle promotes mindful eating, social dining, and regular physical activity, all of which contribute to its well-documented benefits for heart health, weight management, and longevity.

Task

As part of the Activity 'Environmental Dimensions of Food Production and Processing', taking place in Acharnes from 10-13/03/2025, we will visit the International Food Expo on March 10th. 

This will allow us to explore different booths and exhibits related to key Mediterranean ingredients such as feta, graviera, honey, olives, olive oil, aromatic herbs, grains, etc. Additionally, you will complete challenges and answer questions about the production, technology, and sustainability of each product, ultimately learning about the science behind these foods, and will challenge you with tasting tests on specific core components to evaluate their quality based on organoleptic characteristics.

Process

Step 1: Decode the Clues & Find the Core Component

Let's start by taking a look to the following enigma-style clues cards that will lead you to the right exhipition area and core component:

treasure hunt1

treasure hunt

treasure hunt 3

treasure hunt 2

treasure hunt 4

 

treasure hunt 5

treasure hunt 7

treasure hunt 6

Step 2: Explore the Science & Work in Teams

Now, we invite you to take a look at the following STEM comics designed by using the Pixton App so to present some fact for each core component, providing also some details of the sensory tests used so to understand how quality and safe is to be consumed each ingredient.

Then, choose your group in the following Google Doc https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XXzNKO2fEoUAcy5ACi-LmOW7Y1l8QUX-DDA-XkwaN5M/edit?usp=sharing where are also included the worksheets you are going to work with and come to take part to a treasure hunt game!!

 

Step 3: Document & Share

Do not forget to post a photo of your sensory test worksheet as well as some photos while tasting in the following padlet: https://padlet.com/meddiet4health/core-components-of-the-mediterranean-diet-mz2nbmkvq5phrskg

Evaluation

Webquest evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPr_ayAHCDqHBaNOPWqp_ooA5dOZ6Fm72dAMTO1hmhpy1cnw/viewform?embedded=true

Students evaluation will be based on this rubric:

Criteria

5 - Excellent

4 - Good

3 - Satisfactory

2 - Needs Improvement

1 - Unsatisfactory

Understanding of Mediterranean Diet Components

Demonstrates thorough understanding of all Mediterranean diet components (healthy fats, plant-based foods, lean proteins, dairy, herbs/spices). Explains their role clearly and accurately.

Demonstrates good understanding of most components with minor inaccuracies or omissions in explanations.

Demonstrates basic understanding of key components but lacks detail or has some inaccuracies.

Shows limited understanding of Mediterranean diet components; explanations are vague or incomplete.

Does not demonstrate understanding of the Mediterranean diet components; explanations are missing or incorrect.

Engagement in Treasure Hunt Game

Actively participates and correctly solves all enigma-style clues, demonstrating strong problem-solving and collaboration skills.

Participates and solves most clues with minimal assistance; shows good engagement.

Participates in the treasure hunt but solves only some clues; engagement is inconsistent.

Limited participation with difficulty solving clues; requires significant assistance.

Does not participate or complete the treasure hunt activity.

Application of STEM Knowledge from Comics

Accurately explains facts from STEM comics about core components, including sensory test details and food science concepts.

Explains most facts from comics adequately, with minor gaps in understanding sensory or scientific details.

Shows some understanding of STEM comics content but misses key points or scientific explanations.

Minimal understanding or inaccurate explanations of STEM comics and sensory test concepts.

Does not demonstrate understanding or reference STEM comics content.

Sensory Test Worksheet Quality

Completes worksheet thoroughly with detailed observations and accurate organoleptic evaluations; demonstrates critical thinking.

Completes worksheet with adequate observations and mostly accurate evaluations; shows good effort.

Worksheet completion is basic with limited observations or partial accuracy in evaluations.

Incomplete worksheet with few observations and inaccurate or unclear evaluations.

Worksheet is missing or poorly completed with no meaningful observations.

Photo Submission & Reflection

Posts clear, relevant photos of sensory test and tasting experience with thoughtful reflections linking to diet benefits.

Posts appropriate photos with general reflections on the tasting experience and Mediterranean diet.

Posts photos but reflections are minimal or somewhat unrelated to the diet benefits.

Posts few or unclear photos with little or no reflection on the activity or diet.

Does not post photos or reflections related to the sensory test or tasting experience.
Conclusion

Through this WebQuest, you identified the core ingredients of the Mediterranean Diet and examined how each one is produced, processed and evaluated for quality. By exploring the International Food Expo, you actively connected food science with sustainability and everyday eating habits. You also recognized that the Mediterranean Diet extends beyond nutrition- it promotes mindful eating, social interaction and environmental responsibility. 

Credits

 

Teacher Page

This WebQuest was edited by a teacher of  1st EPAL Nafpaktou and uploaded by a teacher of 2o Esperino EPAL Acharnon (Greece) as part of the activities of the "Mediterranean Diet for Overall Health" (MedDiet4Health) Erasmus+ project (Project number: 2023-2-EL01-KA210-VET-000183592).

Through this WebQuest, students in Food Technology and Health enhanced their scientific understanding of key Mediterranean ingredients and applied practical skills such as sensory evaluation, quality assessment, and interpretation of production methods. By exploring the Food Expo, solving treasure-hunt challenges, and analyzing STEM comics, they connected theory with real-world food technology practices and strengthened their awareness of sustainability in food production. Overall, they developed essential competencies that support their future roles in the food, nutrition, and health sectors.

This WebQuest reflects only the author’s views. The European Commission’s support for the production of this WebQuest does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.