Taste Atlas: Four Greek Apple Varieties Among World's Best - Greek Variety Tops the List

Taste Atlas has published a list of the best apple varieties in the world, with Greece proudly securing four positions, including the top spot.

At the summit of this list is the Zagora apple from the Pelion region. Despite the strong presence of numerous American apple varieties, a Greek variety has claimed the top position.

The gastronomic guide, known for its frequent lists of the world's best foods, breakfasts, and meats, has now unveiled the best apple varieties globally. Among them are four Greek varieties: holding the 1st place is the Zagora apple, in 4th place is the Firiki from Pelion, in 12th is the Kastoria apple, and in 15th place, the Delicious Pilafa from Tripoli.

Zagora Pelion Apples

These apples come from the Starking Delicious variety in Zagora, Makryrachi, and Pouri on the eastern side of Pelion. Their systematic cultivation began in the 1960s under the supervision of the Zagora Agricultural Cooperative. The unique characteristics of Zagora apples are attributed to the high altitudes where they are grown, the specific weather conditions, and the use of traditional cultivation techniques. Their harvest involves handpicking after checking for ripeness. Quality is assessed before packaging and storing in the cooperative's modern facilities.

Recognized for their vivid red color and smooth, waxy skin, these apples have a white to yellow, juicy flesh full of flavor.

Firiki Pelion Apples

According to Taste Atlas, these apples originate from Malus domestica Borkh trees growing around Portaria, Makrinitsa, Zagora, Agria, Artemis, Mouresi, Milies, and Afetes. The Firiki is a renowned small to medium-sized apple with an elongated shape. Its small size helps it resist sun damage. The Firiki can be identified by its yellow-green color with reddish spots on the sun-exposed side. Brought to the region from the Black Sea in the 19th century, these aromatic apples are handpicked gently with their stems intact. Their firm, intensely fragrant, crisp nature allows them to be stored for extended periods without refrigeration, retaining their quality perfectly.

The famous local dessert, "Sweet Spoon Firiki," is made from these apples.

Kastoria Apples

Kastoria apples are red and yellow apples grown from apple trees of the Rosaceae family and the Pomoideae subfamily in the Kastoria region. The red apples belong to the Starking, Starkrimson, IDR Delicious, and Red Chief varieties, while the yellow ones are from the Golden Delicious, Jonagold, and Granny Smith varieties.

These apples are fleshy, juicy, and have a slightly bittersweet flavor. Their cultivation began in the early 20th century in mountainous villages where soil and weather conditions were ideal. Harvested in late September, they can be stored until May or June of the following year. They are primarily exported to the European Union, to countries like Italy, Portugal, Germany, and the Netherlands. While they are mainly consumed raw, they can also be cooked in various ways.

These aromatic apples are commonly used in cider, juice, wine, liqueur, brandy, and vinegar production, and they are a key ingredient in many delicious apple pies and cakes.

Delicious Pilafa Tripolis Apples

These apples have been cultivated in the Arcadia region since the 1920s. The first known grower was Elias Andreou Pilafas, who brought the seeds from America and planted them in his home garden.

True to their name, Delicious Pilafas are delectable. Their flesh is juicy, white, and firm. Their flavor is only slightly tart, with a very unusual aroma reminiscent of bananas. Their skin is greenish-yellow with dark brown spots.

Handpicked in stages after a maturity check, they are noted for their resilience and long shelf life, maintaining their qualities longer than other similar varieties.

Packed with vitamins, these apples are recommended as a healthy snack throughout the day.