Description
The Kelifoto Fystiki Fthiotidas PDO is a pistachio with shell belonging to the Pistachia type, with 95% of the variety Kilarati and the remaining 5% of the variety Nychati, Fountoukati and Megalokarpi.
Production Area
The production area of the Kelifoto Fystiki Fthiotidas PDO is in some municipal areas of the provinces of Domocos, Locris and Phthiotis, in the Central Greece region.
Production Method
The pistachios are usually gathered between the end of August and mid-September. The branches are jolted to allow the ripe pistachios to fall, which are then collected on large sheets. The external film covering the collected pistachios is then removed and they are left to dry naturally or mechanically. The drying process is considered satisfactory when the endocarp splits easily in two parts and the humidity does not exceed 6% or 10% at the most. It is forbidden to use of chemicals: colouring agents, preservatives or polishes. The prevention or treatment of possible diseases takes place through the soil, in the months of July and August, yet avoiding the use of pharmaceuticals or chemicals. The weight of the fruits surpasses 94 g per 100 pistachios. The percentage of open fruits versus closed fruits is of 97%.
Appearance and Flavour
The Kelifoto Fystiki Fthiotidas PDO has a dark green colour and a very pleasant characteristic flavour. It can be submitted to salting or not. If the latter is the case, the maximum content of salt is 7%.
History
The history of the Kelifoto Fystiki Fthiotidas PDO is linked to the tradition of the pistachio cultivation in the prefecture of Phthiotis, which dates back to 1940-1950. Since then, it is one of the traditional cultivations of the whole region, and has become very famous.
Gastronomy
The Kelifoto Fystiki Fthiotidas PDO should be kept in a cool and ventilated place. It can be consumed plain, or as ingredient for salads, or prevalently for sweets.
Marketing
The product is sold as Kelifoto Fystiki Fthiotidas PDO. It is marketed shelled or without the shell, salted or not, roasted or raw, or it can present the combination of two of the various typologies described. The sale of dark pistachios or pistachios that have insect-caused infection signs is forbidden. The pistachios are packed in transparent plastic packets of 150 gr, 180 gr, 200 gr, 250 gr or 1 kg. It is marketed for wholesale in bags of 5 kg or 50 kg. The indication of the production year, the expiration date (which should not exceed eight months) and the processing description on the packet is compulsory.
Distinctive Features
The fertilization, the pruning, the abundance of water for irrigation during the summer, the correct harvesting and every other traditional attention, make up a specific achievement method and guarantee a first-rate quality for the Kelifoto Fystiki Fthiotidas PDO.
