Reinette Apples of Agiasos
The Reinette Apples (also known as Reneta) of Agiasos, a mountainous chief village of Lesvos, are among the most recognizable local varieties of agricultural products of the island, together with the area’s chestnuts and cherries. Their cultivation is inextricably linked to the special microclimate and altitude of Agiasos, which is located on the slopes of Mount Olympus of Lesvos. The Reinette apples, like the “xinomila” (“sour apples”, another local apple variety of the area), are traditionally cultivated in family orchards and small holdings, often within the framework of organic or semi-organic practices due to the emphasis on quality and tradition, and constitute a key element of the local economy and gastronomy, mainly for the production of spoon sweets and other delicacies.
The name Reinette (or Renet) refers to a broad group of apple varieties (e.g., Reinette du Canada, Reinette Grise) that have been known in Europe for centuries, with the name deriving from the French word reine (queen), due to their high quality. The variety cultivated in Agiasos has acclimatized and been preserved as a local clone or as a variant adapted to the soil and climatic conditions of the area, acquiring unique organoleptic characteristics. The Reinette apples of Agiasos are usually firmer, more aromatic, and possess a distinctive acidity that makes them ideal for culinary use, such as baking and desserts, while retaining their structure.
The cultivation of Reinette apples is concentrated in the mountainous mass of Mount Olympus on Lesvos and in particular around the settlement of Agiasos. The area is characterized by high altitude (approximately 450–700 meters), which is crucial for apple cultivation, as it ensures the necessary low temperatures and the large difference in temperature between day and night, conditions that contribute to better ripening, intense aroma and firm texture of the apples. The soil is usually rich and deep, with good drainage, often influenced by the geological conditions of the volcanic island. Increased humidity due to rainfall and the fog that is frequent in the mountainous area, especially during the autumn months, supports the healthy development of the apple trees.
The cultivation of Renet apples in Agiasos largely follows traditional and semi-intensive practices, often in small orchards or organic farms integrated into the natural landscape.
Soil and Climatic Requirements: The apple trees of the Reneta variety thrive in the mountainous soils of Agiasos, which provide a cold climate and sufficient chilling hours during the winter, necessary for proper bud differentiation and fruiting. Irrigation, although necessary during periods of drought, is often supplemented by the natural moisture of the mountainous area.
Techniques & Traditional Practices: Growers often use mild pruning practices to maintain the health and productivity of the trees. Planting is usually done in untilled fields or in the traditional way, without the intensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, especially in organic orchards. This allows the trees to develop resilience and to produce fruit with richer organoleptic characteristics. Fertilization is traditionally carried out with organic matter.
Seasonality & Harvest: The harvest of Renet apples usually takes place from late September to October (autumn/winter variety). Harvesting is done by hand with particular care, as the quality and integrity of the fruit are of primary importance. The fruits are picked in several passes, allowing each apple to reach its optimal stage of ripeness.
Processing: After harvest, the apples are either graded and packed for fresh consumption or, mainly, destined for traditional processing. Renet apples are particularly popular for making spoon sweet (locally known as “glyko milo”), as their firm flesh retains its shape during boiling. They are also used for jams, compotes, or as a base for traditional apple pies and other confectionery products of Lesvos.
The cultivation of Renet apples in Agiasos has a significant socioeconomic and environmental impact on Lesvos. From an economic standpoint, despite the fact that it is not an intensive crop, production is a source of income for many families in Agiasos, strengthening the rural economy of the mountainous area. The preservation of the local Renet variety contributes to maintaining the island’s agricultural biodiversity, protecting genetic material adapted to local conditions, something that is vital in the face of climate change. Culturally and in terms of tourism, the apples (and their derivatives) are part of the identity of Agiasos, attracting visitors who seek authentic local products. The dissemination of knowledge about traditional cultivation techniques, often organic, promotes sustainable development and gentle environmental management.
Fruit cultivation, and especially apple cultivation, in mountainous Agiasos has deep roots, probably dating back to the Byzantine era or the period of Genoese rule, since the village has always been a center of agricultural and economic activity due to its location. The name “Renet” reveals a possible Western influence in the introduction of the variety. The growers of Agiasos, through continuous selection and cultivation, preserved and highlighted this variety, which they integrated into their daily lives and dietary habits. The orchards of Agiasos, where Renets are grown, form part of the traditional rural landscape and have been linked to the architecture and social structure of the settlement.
Reneta’s seasonality has been woven into local customs. The harvest period, in autumn, marked the beginning of preparations for winter, with the production of spoon sweets (traditionally boiled in large cauldrons and stored in glass jars) and the storage of the fruit in cool cellars so that it would keep for as long as possible. Offering “sweet apple” to visitors, especially in autumn and winter, is a sign of hospitality and part of the local culture.
Apples in general, and local varieties such as the Renet apples of Agiasos, are known for their high nutritional value, especially in dietary fiber and bioactive compounds.
The Reneta of Agiasos is particularly rich in:
- Bioactive Compounds: It contains high amounts of antioxidants and especially polyphenols (such as quercetin), which are concentrated mainly in the peel, giving the fruit significant anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties.
- Pectin: The dietary fiber in apples includes pectin, a soluble polysaccharide that helps reduce cholesterol and regulate blood sugar, and is also the reason why Renet apples are excellent for jams and desserts (they thicken easily).
- Organic Acids: The characteristic acidity of the variety indicates the presence of organic acids, mainly malic acid, which contribute to flavor and digestive health.
Apples in general, and local varieties such as the Renet apples of Agiasos, are known for their high nutritional value, especially in dietary fiber and bioactive compounds.
The Reneta of Agiasos is particularly rich in:
- Bioactive Compounds: It contains high amounts of antioxidants and especially polyphenols (such as quercetin), which are concentrated mainly in the peel, giving the fruit significant anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties.
- Pectin: The dietary fiber in apples includes pectin, a soluble polysaccharide that helps reduce cholesterol and regulate blood sugar, and is also the reason why Renet apples are excellent for jams and desserts (they thicken easily).
- Organic Acids: The characteristic acidity of the variety indicates the presence of organic acids, mainly malic acid, which contribute to flavor and digestive health.
