Citrus fruits (Milon orange, etc.)

The uniqueness of the Samiot orange is due to its aromatic and taste characteristics, with an emphasis on the balance between sugars and acidity.

Citrus cultivation on Samos is found mainly in the lowland areas of the island, where the soil and climatic conditions are ideal for their development. The reference to the “Mylon orange” points to the area of Mylon, a village of Samos renowned for its fertile soils and its horticultural and citrus crops. These areas are characterized by a temperate Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, due to their southern exposure and sunshine. The critical factor for successful cultivation, especially in dry and hot areas such as Samos, is ensuring sufficient moisture and irrigation, as the lack of atmospheric or soil moisture can lead to reduced growth and fruit splitting. The soils are usually well-drained, sandy or sandy-clay, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, characteristics that favor root development and the absorption of nutrients.

Citrus cultivation on Samos is characterized as low-intensity and often in the Mylon area appears in the form of intercropping with the local olive variety (Throumolia). The island’s rich biodiversity hosts a large population of beneficial organisms (insects, etc.) and the gentle management of crops maintains ecological balance.

Cultivation techniques

In the citrus crops in the area of Myloi, the soil usually remains undisturbed and weeds are controlled by mowing. Among the basic cultivation techniques, fruiting pruning is vital for shaping the tree, improving the aeration of its interior and protecting it from diseases. During fruit development, irrigation is critical, especially during the dry summer months, often through modern and sustainable methods. In the area there are underground water reserves which are distributed through a closed irrigation network.

Harvesting and Processing

The harvesting of oranges on Samos, as well as of other citrus fruits, takes place when the fruits have reached their final stage of ripeness, that is, when the soluble sugars have increased and the acidity has decreased. Ripening is a long process, with the harvest period depending on the variety (winter and summer varieties) and weather conditions. Harvesting is done by hand with care, so as to avoid injuries that would reduce the commercial value and storability of the product, following the traditional practice of careful handling of the fruit. Processing is usually limited to cleaning, sorting and packaging, while part of the production is used mainly in the summer months for the production of fresh juice.

The cultivation of citrus fruits on Samos plays a significant role in the local agricultural economy and in the preservation of the rural landscape. Historically, citrus fruits were among the island’s tradable agricultural products, particularly with the surrounding islands (Dodecanese & Cyclades). Today, the shift toward organic farming, especially by small family farms, contributes to environmental protection and to promoting a higher-quality profile for Samian products. The modern trend among consumers seeking pure products strengthens high-quality production and the added value of local goods, creating a chain that includes employment in the primary sector and its linkage with tourism.

The cultivation of citrus fruits on Samos has roots going back at least to the 19th century, when it is recorded as one of the basic agricultural products that sustained the island’s economic life, alongside wine, oil and cereals. The introduction of the orange tree in the East is placed around the late 17th century, a period that coincides with its spread across all Mediterranean countries. Samos, thanks to its geographical position and favorable climate, was early included among the areas that adopted the cultivation. Culturally, orchards with orange and lemon trees have always formed an integral part of the rural landscape, especially in fertile valleys such as that of Mylous, linking the image of the island with fertility and the abundance of its fruits.

Citrus fruits, and especially the orange, are associated on Samos, as in other parts of Greece, with customs and traditions related to festivity, good fortune and prosperity. They were often used as symbolic gifts at weddings or baptisms, representing fertility and abundance. The blossoming of the orange tree, with the intense fragrance of its flowers (bitter orange, lemon, etc.), signaled spring and the rebirth of nature. Their fruits, available in winter, offered a vivid contrast of color and a source of vitamins in the heart of the cold season. In traditional recipes, the juice, peel and blossom of the orange constituted key ingredients for spoon sweets, marmalades and the flavoring of drinks. Today, in the local community of Mylous, an orange festival is held every year by the cultural association and the producers of the area.