Raisins

The cultivation of the vine in Messinia was already widespread in the Homeric years while in the later years the black Corinthian raisin was one of the most basic rural products of the region and motivating force of the economy of the region. The desire that this precious summer gift of nature be consumed all year round, leads for centuries to its natural drying under boiling hot Messinian sun and after a meticulous process of screening to be packed with modern machinery so as to reach the consumer in its authentic form with the scent and the flavour of the fresh grape. Apart from the enjoyable flavour, the raisin, consumed by itself or in pastries, is a rich source of trace-elements, metal salts and vitamins. Today the Corinthian grape is still cultivated by a large number of farmers in Messinia. Roughly 45.000 acres are cultivated and 10.000 tons are produced annually. The grape is processed in modern processing units in Kalamata and is exported in suitable wrapping to many countries abroad.