Cretan rusk (paximadi) is a product connected with the lifestyle and culture of Crete. The preparation is similar to that of bread with the difference that the rusk is cut into slices and baked till it dries. It has a sharp and irregular texture, hard crumb and is kept fresh for a long time. Cretan paximadi can be found in different versions, depending on the ingredients used. Its weight varies between 100gr and 200gr. Depending on the ingredients it changes its color (deep golden yellow for those made from hard wheat, light brown for those made of barley, and darker brown for rusks made from soft whole grain).
The varieties that are certified as Protected Geographical Indication PGI products are the rustic rusk, the barley rusks, the “eptazimos” and wheat and rye rusk.