Rodi Ermionis: Another Greek product gains PDO status

0
Rodi Ermionis PDO

Rodi Ermionis, aka the fruit of the “Ermioni” pomegranate tree, a variety of the Punica granatum L. species which is grown in the region of Ermionida in the Peloponnese, Greece, has been granted a Protected Designation of Origin status from the EU. The environmental conditions in Ermionida have given “Rodi Ermionis” its specific characteristics, which distinguish it from other pomegranates and have enabled it to acquire an outstanding reputation on the market as a product that meets specific consumer needs and preferences.
The specific pomegranate is a of natural selection adapted to the local climatic conditions and the growing methods used by the local producers. It has a round shape and a yellowish skin with pink to red seeds. The fruit has a sweet taste due to the balanced sugar-to-acid ratio, while the seeds are sweet and soft and the kernel inside crushes easily when chewed. Because “Rodi Ermionis” has a soft, fine skin that is easily bruised, the fruit is harvested very carefully and always manually, either using special secateurs or by hand. This reduces the risk of damage and post-harvest infestation and ensures fruit of a higher quality.
Since 2011 the Municipality of Ermionida, in collaboration with the pomegranate growers and local bodies, has organised the Ermioni Pomegranate Festival, which includes events such as decorating the town and distributing the product at the harbour and in shops in Ermioni, preparing many different pomegranate-based specialities (food, sweets, liqueur) and offering them to the public, as well as cultural and scientific events.