Ambrosia Magazine issue #6

Page 96

96

Greek Nemean Vineyard Apples ma ga z i n e

The Greek trademarked apples An internationally registered logo has turned Zagorin apples into a brand.

F

rom the early 20th century, the people of Zagora turned to agriculture, and to apples in particular. Their Agricultural Cooperative was founded in 1916.

PDO Mila Zagoras Piliou Considered one of the best apple varieties in the world, obtained from the cultivation of the variety Starking-Delicious, Mila Zagoras Piliou has been a PDO product since 1996. The production Mila Zagoras Piliou takes place within the eastern side of Mount Pelion in the municipal areas of Zagora, Makryrrachi and Pourio. The particular climatic characteristics of the region, situated at an altitude of 300-700m, along with the traditional cultivation techniques applied contribute to the production of top-tier apples. Cultivation comes about under the strict control of the Agricultural Cooperative of Zagora-Pilio agronomists on terraces (the cultivation area has a marked inclination). Pruning extends from the month of November all through February and follows the so-called "pebble-shape" which favors good ventilation of the tree and

At the end of the 19th century, 32 apple varieties have been recorded in Pelion alone; only few have been preserved excellent sun exposure of the fruit. The gathering of the fruit is done by hand. Mila Zagoras Piliou PDO has a characteristic oblong shape with the bottom end featuring five lobes, and an intense red color. The flesh is yellowishwhite, the flavor excellent and juicy.

PDO Firiki Piliou Another apple variety from the area that belongs to the species Malus Domestica Borkh and to the miniature variety “Firiki”. Firiki Piliou is a small to medium-sized apple, with an elongated shape and a smaller diameter-tolength ratio compared to “Firiki” from other regions. It is yellowish-green in color, with vivid red tones on the side exposed to the sun. It is very firm, has a high sugar content and low acidity, a sweet juicy flesh and a particularly strong fragrance, making it one of the most delicious and sought-after apples in the world.

Zagorin apples in numbers

300-900

1985

30% of TOTAL

thousanD tons

altitude of the crops in Pelion

the apples have been trademarked as "Zagorin"

Zagorin apple production is exported

of Zagorin apples are marketed each year

meters

the year

10-15


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.