Firiki Piliou facts for kids
Firiki Piliou (“Φιρίκι Πηλίου” in Greek) is a special kind of tiny apples. These apples are part of the Malus domestica Borkh species. They have a special label called a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). This means they are officially recognized as coming from a specific area in Greece. This label helps protect their unique quality and origin.
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What are Firiki Piliou Apples?
Firiki Piliou apples are known for being small to medium in size. They have a long, cylindrical shape. Each apple is usually between 14 and 18 centimeters around. Their skin is yellow-green, often with red parts where the sun has touched them. Inside, the apples are very juicy. They taste sweet because they have a lot of sugar, and they are not very sour.
Where do they grow?
These special apples grow in a small, hilly area in eastern Greece. This region is near the coastal city of Volos. The weather here is mild, with cool summers and lots of humidity. These conditions are perfect for growing apples. Apples like places with cold winters, mild summers, and plenty of moisture.
How are they grown?
Firiki apple trees start producing fruit about six years after they are planted. They usually give a crop every two years. To grow new trees, farmers use seeds from apples grown in the same area. They can also use young trees made by grafting. Grafting is when you join a part of one plant to another. The apples are picked by hand. Every step of growing these apples must happen in the special designated area. However, the apples can be repacked somewhere else if needed.
History of Firiki Piliou
Many people believe that the Firiki apple variety first came from the Black Sea region. These apples have been grown in the foothills of Pelion, Greece, since the 1700s. This shows they have a long history in the area.
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