FLORINA
World renowned local products
Initially a local secret, Florina’s peppers grew in fame, even beyond Greece’s borders, relatively quickly due to their intense red color, characteristic sweetness and nutritional value (rich in vitamins A, C, K and E). On the last weekend of every August, the village of Aetos holds the Pepper Festival in honour of this local edible treasure.
An application has already been submitted so that the Florina peppers are accorded Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.
The legumes of the lakes are also famous, Prespa beans being the most significant in terms of local production. The combination of the area’s microclimate, the soil in which the legumes grow, as well as the abundant water, ensures their quality and nutritional value. They also serve as excellent ingredients for the delicious local bean soups. The most common varieties grown in the lakeside areas of Greater and Lesser Prespa are the "elephant" and "giant" beans. They are considered among the best of their kind in the world. They were designated PDO products in 1994, while, since 2009, they have been registered as Protected Agricultural Indication products.
With vineyards covering an area of 1400 hectares, the prefecture of Florina also produces high-quality wine. Leading the pack, Amyntaio is now world-famous for its viticulture. The arable land between Lake Vegoritida and Lake Petra produces white, rosé and red wines, depending on the altitude of the vineyards, while the main grape variety is Xinomavro. The prefecture is famous for its excellent rosé and very good sparkling wines. Rosés, sparkling rosés and reds, which come from xinomavro are characterised by Designation of Origin of Superior Quality. In terms of sweetness, they can be dry, semi-dry or semi-sweet. The strawberries that grow in abundance at the foot of the Vernos mountain range are also world-famous.
Also known for their high quality are the yellow potatoes of Sklithros, as well as the region’s zucchinis and cherries. The livestock industry of the regional unit of Florina supplies the Greek market with quality meats and cheeses such as batzos, manouri and feta. The region also boasts wonderful sweet preserves and jams, made from strawberries, sour cherries, cherries, figs, watermelons, roses, plums, pumpkins and even beans. Locals also produce a great variety of liqueurs, while the list of recognised products of the Florina region is completed by the naturally carbonated water, which gushes in the village of the same name.
Florina’s Gastronomy
The diverse region of Florina is endowed with natural beauty and a rich culinary tradition that stems from its geographic location in northern Greece, bordering North Macedonia and Albania. Blessed with fertile land, endless fields, excellent local meat produce and its lakes, Florina is renowned for quality primary materials, internationally renowned local products and delicious traditional recipes.World renowned local products
Initially a local secret, Florina’s peppers grew in fame, even beyond Greece’s borders, relatively quickly due to their intense red color, characteristic sweetness and nutritional value (rich in vitamins A, C, K and E). On the last weekend of every August, the village of Aetos holds the Pepper Festival in honour of this local edible treasure.
An application has already been submitted so that the Florina peppers are accorded Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.
The legumes of the lakes are also famous, Prespa beans being the most significant in terms of local production. The combination of the area’s microclimate, the soil in which the legumes grow, as well as the abundant water, ensures their quality and nutritional value. They also serve as excellent ingredients for the delicious local bean soups. The most common varieties grown in the lakeside areas of Greater and Lesser Prespa are the "elephant" and "giant" beans. They are considered among the best of their kind in the world. They were designated PDO products in 1994, while, since 2009, they have been registered as Protected Agricultural Indication products.
With vineyards covering an area of 1400 hectares, the prefecture of Florina also produces high-quality wine. Leading the pack, Amyntaio is now world-famous for its viticulture. The arable land between Lake Vegoritida and Lake Petra produces white, rosé and red wines, depending on the altitude of the vineyards, while the main grape variety is Xinomavro. The prefecture is famous for its excellent rosé and very good sparkling wines. Rosés, sparkling rosés and reds, which come from xinomavro are characterised by Designation of Origin of Superior Quality. In terms of sweetness, they can be dry, semi-dry or semi-sweet. The strawberries that grow in abundance at the foot of the Vernos mountain range are also world-famous.
Also known for their high quality are the yellow potatoes of Sklithros, as well as the region’s zucchinis and cherries. The livestock industry of the regional unit of Florina supplies the Greek market with quality meats and cheeses such as batzos, manouri and feta. The region also boasts wonderful sweet preserves and jams, made from strawberries, sour cherries, cherries, figs, watermelons, roses, plums, pumpkins and even beans. Locals also produce a great variety of liqueurs, while the list of recognised products of the Florina region is completed by the naturally carbonated water, which gushes in the village of the same name.
