Description
The Korinthiaki Stafida Vostitsa PDO is a dried grapea fruit produced from a special type of red grape.
Production Area
The production area of the Korinthiaki Stafida Vostitsa PDO is in the area of the ancient city of Aigio, whose medieval name was Vostitsa, part of the Aigialeia province and the Achaea prefecture, in the north of the Peloponnese, on the hills dominating the Gulf of Corinth, in the Western Greece region.
Production Method
The fruit is dried in the sun, allowing for particular hygienic conditions, and placed in plastic crates. The fruit is controlled according to physical and chemical parameters, and is fumigated before being placed back into the warehouse. The Korinthiaki Stafida Vostitsa PDO contains 75% sugar (a very high percentage for dried vine fruit), and specifically almost 50% consists of fructose, which is a very sweet simple carbohydrate.
Appearance and Flavour
The Korinthiaki Stafida Vostitsa PDO has a dark colour, between blue and black, and the grapes lose less colour tone compared to other raisins. The scent and the aroma are fairly strong, fruity and very particular, distinguished by experts, while the colour can also be distinguished by non-experts.
History
The origins of the Korinthiaki Stafida Vostitsa PDO are documented in some writings that date this product's trade back to the 13th century. This fruit became famous during the conquest of ports and territories in the Peloponnese by the Most Serene Republic of Venice, through which this product spread in the Mediterranean, continuing to be, until today, one of the very high quality dried fruit on a worldwide basis.
Gastronomy
The Korinthiaki Stafida Vostitsa PDO should be kept in suitable containers in a cool and dry place. It is used in the traditional Greek gastronomy, but since it is a product destined to wide-ranging exportation, is also has a very varied use. In fact, raisins can be used for the preparation of sweet or salty dishes and are present in many culinary recipes of various countries.
Marketing
The product is sold as Korinthiaki Stafida Vostitsa PDO. It is marketed in cartons of 10 kg, 12.5 kg, 14 kg, and 15 kg for large quantities, or in packages of 200 gr, 250 gr, 500 gr, and 1 kg for the sale by retail.
Distinctive Features
The Korinthiaki Stafida Vostitsa PDO is known for its blue-black colour, its special aroma, and because it presents itself soft and velvety to the touch.
