Description
The Stafida Zakynthou PDO is a raisin obtained exclusively from grapes of the variety Vitis corinthika dried naturally in the sun.
Production Area
The production area of the Stafida Zakynthou PDO is within the prefecture of Zakynthos, in the administrative region of the Ionian Islands and covers 1,670 hectares, i.e., it represents approximately 10% of the agricultural area of the island.
Production Method
The grapes are picked by hand when they have acquired their typical dark purple colour, their characteristic sweetness and when bunches detach easily. The same day, the grapes bunches are exposed to the sun in farmyards suitable for the drying process, without using chemical help, and are placed on paper or special raisin plastic nets. At the end of the drying process, bunches are delicately raked on the farmyards with specific plastic rakes to separate and remove the grape-stalks. After that, the product is stored by the producers until its processing begins. Initially, grapes that are too small or agglutinated and the remains of grape-stalks or vegetable matter are eliminated. Then, the selection of the product takes place, grouping them in categories: small, medium, or mixed. The grapes are then washed with pure water only, and are submitted to the drying process to completely eliminate humidity. Finally, the elimination of the pedicles takes place, as well as the final control of the product.
Appearance and Flavour
The Stafida Zakynthou PDO is characterised by grapes that are small in size and homogeneous, with a diameter varying between 4 mm and 8 mm, a homogeneous colour ranging from purplish to dark brown, free of grape-seeds and with a characteristic intense and sweet flavour.
History
The history of the Stafida Zakynthou PDO is linked to the tradition of the Corinth grape cultivation, which appeared in Zakynthos in the beginning of the 16th century and has rapidly expanded throughout the island thanks to the Venetians. From the beginning, the exceptional quality of the Zakynthos dried grapes has determined a strong European demand for this product. From then on, and to this date, the strong demand has caused this cultivation to become the main production sector of the island, giving it a primary economic importance.
Gastronomy
The Stafida Zakynthou PDO should be kept in a dry place, away from direct light. It is used in the preparation of many recipes, mostly confectionary preparations.
Marketing
The product is sold as Stafida Zakynthou PDO in the following varieties: small, with the grape diameter ranging from 4 mm to 7 mm; medium, with grapes from 6 mm to 7 mm; mixed, with the grape diameter between 4 mm and 8 mm. It is marketed in sealed packages containing from 0,2 kg to 1 kg, for the sale by retail, or in sealed cartons holding between 10 kg and 15 kg if destined for wholesale.
Distinctive Features
The Stafida Zakynthou PDO is the result of an accurate cultivation of the Zakynthos dried grapes and of the excellent resulting quality, characterising a product that is traditionally demanded beyond the island, and thus represents an important financial source for its inhabitants.
