Description
The Mila Zagoras Piliou PDO is an apple of an especially high quality, obtained from the apple cultivation of the variety Starking-Delicious and in quantities that are lower than the Golden Delicious variety.
Production Area
The production area of the Mila Zagoras Piliou PDO is within the eastern side of the Pelion, in the municipal areas of Zagora, Makryrrachi and Pourio, in the Thessaly region.
Production Method
Cultivation takes place under the strict control of the cooperative agronomists and the local agronomists of the Ministry of Agriculture on terraced grounds (the cultivation area has a marked inclination and an altitude that varies between 300-700 m). Manual pruning extends from the month of November through to February and follows the so-called "pebble-shaped" branch distribution scheme, which favours good ventilation of the tree and excellent sun exposure of the fruit. Fertilizing takes place in the same period as pruning; compost is used every two or three years and lime every two years. The orchard irrigation system consists of flooding two or three times during the cultivation period. The fight against damaging organisms and diseases starts at the beginning of April with the use of mild plant protection products. The gathering is manual, after controlling the ripeness of the apples. The selected and packaged products are kept in the modern refrigerating plants of the cooperative.
Appearance and Flavour
The Mila Zagoras Piliou PDO has a characteristic oblong shape with the bottom end featuring five lobes, and has an intense red colour. The pulp is yellowish-white, the flavour is excellent and juicy. It is very compact, with a smooth and polished peel.
History
The history of the Mila Zagoras Piliou PDO is linked to the systematic cultivation of the apple orchards that began approximately in the mid-1960s. The particular climatic characteristics of the production area, situated at an altitude of 300-700 m, along with the traditional cultivation techniques applied under the constant control of the competent agronomists of the cooperative, contribute to the production of first-rate quality apples.
Gastronomy
The Mila Zagoras Piliou PDO should be kept in a cool and dry place. It is mostly consumed plain, as a fruit at the end of a meal or as a snack.
Marketing
The product is sold as Mila Zagoras Piliou PDO. It is marketed packaged with a label carrying the ZA control code number and a progressive number, of which the last two digits indicate the production year.
Distinctive Features
The Mila Zagoras Piliou PDO has a particularly juicy flavour, due to the climatic characteristics of the production area, which lend it a unique look and flavour.
