So you’re dreaming of a vacation to the Greek Isles. The clear blue ocean, the salty breeze and the fresh-caught seafood and flaky pastries all come to mind.

Before donning your apron and firing up your stove, stock up on real olive oil (not the fake stuff), and choose the right types of herbs for Grecian cuisine. Most Mediterranean herbs and spices can be used in various global recipes, so they’ll get a lot of use if you like experimenting in the kitchen. Once you find your favorites, the Mediterranean diet might become part of your weekly dinner routine!