Top 3 Greek Apple Varieties

Mila Zagoras Piliou are apples obtained from the Starking Delicious variety in Zagora, Makrirahi and Pouriou on the eastern side of Pilios. The systematic cultivation of these apples started in the 1960s under the supervision of the Zagora Agricultural Cooperative. They owe their distinctive characteristics to high altitudes where they are grown, special weather conditions and the use of traditional cultivation techniques. Mila Zagoras Piliou are harvested by hand after their ripeness is checked. Following the quality assessment, they are packed and stored in the cooperative's modern installations. They can be recognized by their vivid red color and a smooth, waxy skin. Their flesh is white to yellow, very juicy and full of flavor.Expand

These apples come from trees of the Malus domestica Borkh species that grow within the borders of Portaria, Makrinitsa, Zagora, Agria, Artemida, Mouresi, Milies, and Afetes. It is a famous small- to medium-sized apple with an elongated shape. Due to its small size, Firiki is not easily damaged by the sun. It can be recognized by its yellowish-green color, with some reddish patches which are visible on the apple’s sun-exposed side. These fragrant apples originated from the Black Sea area and were brought to the region in the 19th century. They are gently harvested by hand to ensure they do not get bruised or lose their stalks. These firm-fleshed, intensely fragrant, crisp apples can be stored for a long time with no need for refrigeration, as they will keep their organoleptic properties. Interestingly, a famous local dessert called Glyko Koutaliou me Mila Firikio is made from these apples.Expand

Tripoli Delicious Pilafa Apples are apples of the variety Delicious Pilafa cultivated in areas of the prefecture of Arcadia since the 1920s. The first known grower of these apples was Ilias Andreou Pilafas who brought the seed with him from America and planted it in the garden of his house. As their name says, these apples are delicious. Their flesh is juicy, white, and has a firm texture. The taste is just slightly acidic and their fragrance is very unusual, similar to that of bananas. Their skin is green-yellow with dark brown spots. They are harvested gradually by hand after a ripeness check. Tripoli Delicious Pilafa Apples are characterized by their resistance and long shelf life because they preserve their organoleptic characteristics for a longer period than any other similar variety. These apples are full of vitamins and, therefore, it is advisable to eat them as a healthy snack during the day.Expand