Description
The Syka Vravronas Markopoulou Messongion PGI is a table fig produced from the cultivation of the variety Vasilika Mavra and Mavra Marcopoulou, the latter of which is the most used in the Markopoulo region.
Production Area
The Syka Vravronas Markopoulou Messongion PGI is produced in the south-eastern section of the Attica region, specifically within the administrative boundaries of the Markopoulo Mesogaias municipal area.
Production Method
Two kinds of table figs are cultivated: the Royal Black type (Vasilika Mavra) and the Mavra Marcopoulou type. The first one is harvested by hand between 20th July and 10th September of each year, whereas the second one has its collection starting in mid-August and finishing at the end of November. In both cases, the harvest can be influenced by the climatic conditions of every year. Possible diseases are treated with light chemicals, exclusively before the summer months. As far as the main enemy of these fruits is concerned, the Mediterranean fruit fly, simple traps are used without resorting to chemical pesticides. After the harvest, the figs are ready to be placed in the market. It is forbidden to sell figs that are too small, too ripe or that show infection signs.
Appearance and Flavour
The Syka Vravronas Markopoulou Messongion PGI of the Royal Black type (Vasilika Mavra) has a characteristic pear shape, with a very thick stalk and a lot of milk. The external skin is very thin and its colour varies from light black to aubergine. The pulp is white on the external part and light red on the internal part, with light shades of white on the bottom of the flower, while the external part of the flower present coffeecoloured shades. The Syka Vravronas Markopoulou Messongion PGI of the Mavra Marcopoulou type has a characteristic pear shape, a very thick stalk and a lot of milk. The external skin is dark black and varies from thin to medium. The colour of the pulp is white, inside it is red with slight coffeecoloured streaks at the end of the flower.
History
The Syka Vravronas Markopoulou Messongion PGI has been cultivated in its two varieties in the Markopoulo municipal area for many years. It represents one of the more traditional cultivations, contributing to enhance the value of areas, in which no other type of product could be cultivated with the same business results.
Gastronomy
The Syka Vravronas Markopoulou Messongion PGI should be kept in a cool and dry place and should be consumed within a few days after the harvest. Both the Royal Black (Vassilika mavra) and the Mavra Marcopoulou types are very tasty and sweet. They are consumed fresh (table figs).
Marketing
The product is sold as Syka Vravronas Markopoulou Messongion PGI. It is marketed for the internal market in wooden boxes holding 110 figs each; for the export markets, it is packaged in cartons, in which plastic sticks separated the single figs. All packages should indicate the production year and the date of product harvest and packaging.
Distinctive Features
The Syka Vravronas Markopoulou Messongion PGI is a fruit that is very much appreciated thanks to the climatic peculiarities of the production area, as well as the traditional cultivation methods.
