Description
The Mila Delicious Pilafa Tripoleos PDO is a particular kind of apple obtained from the cultivation of the variety Delicious Pilafa.
Production Area
The production area of the Mila Delicious Pilafa Tripoleos PDO is in the areas within the Arcadia prefecture that are located at an altitude over 600 m, delimited by the administrative boundaries of the Tripoli municipal area, in the Peloponnese region.
Production Method
The Mila Delicious Pilafa Tripoleos PDO is produced in agricultural areas of altitude superior to 600 m. Striplings of different local varieties are used as rootstock for its cultivation, as well as the dwarf rootstocks MM 106, M 26 and M 9. Generally, the traditional cultivation practices are applied, with two or three light millings. Concerning the fertilization, mixed fertilizers are used and possible tree diseases are treated with light plant protection products, under constant control of the agronomists of the Ministry of Agriculture . The gathering is done gradually by hand, once the achieved ripeness is checked, which happens during the month of October, 15-20 days after all other varieties. Immediately after, the apples are transported and kept in the refrigeration plants until distribution starts in the month of December, continuing until the end of April.
Appearance and Flavour
The Mila Delicious Pilafa Tripoleos PDO is a large fruit, its shape is oblong conical, its flavour is excellent and extraordinary, and its scent has a characteristic banana aroma. The peel is green-yellow, scattered with numerous brown freckles. The pulp is white, juicy and consistent, with a slightly sourish flavour. The fruit is characterised by its resistance during stocking and the preservation of its organoleptic characteristics for a longer period compared to other apple varieties.
History
The history of the Mila Delicious Pilafa Tripoleos PDO is linked of the cultivation of the Delicious Pilafa variety in the mountainous area of the Arcadia prefecture, which dates back to 1920, when the famous fruit farmer Elia Andreou Pilafa brought along some apple seeds coming back from America, and planted them in his garden. During 1928, after constant care and numerous attempts, he managed to have one single tree survive, which bore fruit for the first time and became the "mother" tree of the Delicious Pilafa variety. Since then, all inhabitants of the region devote themselves to the cultivation of this excellent apple.
Gastronomy
The Mila Delicious Pilafa Tripoleos PDO can be kept for long periods, in a dry and cool place. It is mainly consumed plain, as fruit at the end of the meal or as a snack during the day.
Marketing
The product is sold as Mila Delicious Pilafa Tripoleos PDO. It is marketed in packages that have to carry the control data on the label: the TP control and code number, as well as a progressive number with the last two digits indicating the production year (e.g., TP-1200-08).
Distinctive Features
The slightly sour terrains, the altitude and the fruit farmers' experience of many years contribute to lending the Mila Delicious Pilafa Tripoleos PDO its particular organoleptic characteristics, which are kept unaltered for long periods of time.
