Description
The Aktinidio Sperchiou PDO is a kiwi fruit produced in the valley of the Spercheios river.
Production Area
The production area of the Aktinidio Sperchiou PDO is within the geographic area of the Spercheios River, in the Phthiotis prefecture. Specifically, the cultivation of the kiwi fruit concerns the cultivation zones of the municipal areas of Antitis, Damasta, Herakleia, Lommatos, Gorgopotamos, Frantzi, Kombotades, Mexiates, L. Ypatis, Ladiidos, Vasilika, Syka, Kallithea, Aghios Sostis, Rodonia, Makvakomis, Makri, Kastriou, Zilefto, Lianokladio, Auouvion, Styrfaka, Stavros, Roditsa and Lygaria, in the Central Greece region.
Production Method
The cultivation of the fruit is characterised by a particular pruning of the flowers and constant watering. The "female" flowers are pruned during the winter months, mostly in February, and in the beginning of the spring, whereas the "male" counterparts are pruned after flowering. Abundant watering, especially in the summer months (June, July and August) takes place during the night every two or three days, through the creation of a light artificial rainfall. The manual harvesting is done in two stages, the first of which is limited to collecting the ripe and well shaped fruits, while the others are collected in the second stage.
Appearance and Flavour
The skin of the Aktinidio Sperchiou PDO is brown and covered with a light down. The pulp is juicy, with a typical delicate scent and a light green colour. It has a well balanced sweet-and-sour flavour.
History
The history of the Aktinidio Sperchiou PDO is linked to the events that introduced the kiwifruit in Greece. In fact, the fruit originally comes from China, where today wild varieties can still be found. The name of this fruit is the same as that of a famous bird of New Zealand, which is where the big scale cultivation started. Hayward is the main variety cultivated in the geographic area of the Spercheios River.
Gastronomy
The Aktinidio Sperchiou PDO should be kept in a cool and dry place, it can be frozen and dried. The entire fruit is edible, with the exception of the skin, which is easily removed. The ripe fruit can be eaten whole or in fruit salad; it is furthermore used for the preparation of excellent jams and jellies.
Marketing
The product is sold as Aktinidio Sperchiou PDO. It is marketed packaged in cardboard boxes with one or more layers.
Distinctive Features
The ecologic system of the production area allows the obtaining of a product with specific peculiar qualities. The Aktinidio Sperchiou PDO is particularly appreciated for its distinct flavour and its intense taste.
