Skiathos is a beautiful island in the Sporades chain, known for its lush green scenery, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife. But Skiathos is also a paradise for food lovers, especially those who have a sweet tooth. The island has a rich tradition of producing some of the finest almonds, cherries, and plums in Greece, and using them to make delicious desserts and jams that you should not miss.
How did Skiathos produce some of the finest almonds, cherries, and plums in Greece?
Skiathos is blessed with a fertile soil and a mild climate that allow the cultivation of various fruits and nuts. The island is actually the extension of the wooded Mount Pelion, and the scenery reflects this. Skiathos is a green island with forests and abundant water. There are fig, olive, plum, and almond trees as well as grapes.
The islanders have been growing almonds, cherries, and plums for centuries, and have developed their own varieties that are unique to Skiathos. For example, the Skiathos almond is small but very aromatic and flavorful. It is used to make almond paste, almond milk, almond cookies, and almond liqueur. The Skiathos cherry is dark red and sweet, and it is used to make cherry jam, cherry pie, cherry liqueur, and cherry spoon sweet (a traditional Greek dessert of fruit preserved in syrup). The Skiathos plum is yellow and juicy, and it is used to make plum jam, plum cake, plum brandy, and plum spoon sweet.
What are some of the local desserts and jams that you should try?
If you visit Skiathos, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to desserts and jams. Here are some of the local specialties that you should try:
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Amygdalota
: These are almond cookies that are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are made with almond paste, sugar, egg whites, and rose water. They are often shaped like flowers or crescents and decorated with powdered sugar or almonds. They are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
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Karidopita
: This is a walnut cake that is moist and rich. It is made with walnuts, eggs, butter, sugar, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest. It is soaked with a syrup of sugar, water, honey, lemon juice, and brandy. It is often served with whipped cream or ice cream.
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Baklava
: This is a classic Greek dessert that consists of layers of thin phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts (usually walnuts or pistachios) and soaked with a syrup of sugar, water, honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon. It is cut into diamond-shaped pieces and garnished with more nuts.
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Cherry jam
: This is a homemade jam that is made with fresh Skiathos cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and water. It has a deep red color and a sweet-tart flavor. It is great on toast, yogurt, pancakes, or ice cream.
-
Plum jam
: This is another homemade jam that is made with fresh Skiathos plums,
sugar,
lemon juice,
and water.
It has a bright yellow color
and a juicy flavor.
It is delicious on bread,
cheese,
cake,
or crepes.
-
Almond liqueur
: This is a homemade liqueur that is made with Skiathos almonds,
sugar,
water,
and alcohol (usually ouzo or tsipouro).
It has a milky white color
and a smooth
and nutty flavor.
It is served chilled
as an after-dinner drink
or mixed with coffee
or milk.
-
Cherry liqueur
: This is another homemade liqueur that is made with Skiathos cherries,
sugar,
water,
and alcohol (usually brandy or vodka).
It has a ruby red color
and a sweet
and fruity flavor.
It is served chilled
as an after-dinner drink
or mixed with soda
or lemonade.
-
Plum brandy
: This is a homemade brandy that is made with Skiathos plums,
sugar,
water,
and yeast.
It is distilled
and aged in oak barrels
for several months or years.
It has a clear color
and a strong
and aromatic flavor.
It is served neat
as an after-dinner drink
or mixed with water
or ice.
Conclusion
Skiathos is not only a beautiful island
but also a gastronomic destination
for those who love sweets
and fruits.
The island produces some of the finest almonds,
cherries,
and plums in Greece,
and uses them to make delicious desserts
and jams that you should try.
Whether you prefer cookies,
cakes,
pies,
spoon sweets,
jams,
or liqueurs,
you will find something to satisfy your taste buds
and make your visit to Skiathos unforgettable.
References
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Matt Barrett’s Skiathos Guide – greektravel.com
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All About Cherry Plums: A Delicious Treat – Minneopa Orchards
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Roasted Plums with Dried Cherries and Almonds | America’s Test Kitchen Recipe
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AGNADIO, Skiathos Town – Restaurant Reviews, Photos … – Tripadvisor
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THE BEST Dessert in Skiathos Town – Tripadvisor
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TA KYMATA, Skiathos – Paraliaki Odos – Tripadvisor
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TA KYMATA, Skiathos – Paraliaki Odos – Tripadvisor
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Matt Barrett’s Skiathos Guide – greektravel.com
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Matt Barrett’s Skiathos Guide – greektravel.com
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Matt Barrett’s Skiathos Guide – greektravel.com
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