Argolida Oranges: Why They're Special
If you've ever driven through the Argolida plain, you'll have seen kilometres of orange groves laid out in strict geometric patterns. It's no accident — Argolida today produces roughly half of Greece's total orange production.
From Bare Plain to "Orange Capital"
In the late 19th century, the arid Argolida plain was completely bare — no orange cultivation at all. The change came during the interwar period, when irrigating the plain via wells became possible. In the 1960s, producers who had mainly grown tomatoes shifted en masse to oranges and apricots, earning Argolida the nickname "orange capital" ever since.
The Merlin Variety
The dominant variety in Argolida today is Merlin (Washington Navel) — a variety that arrived in Greece in 1925, when British botanist Sidney Louis Waller Merlin brought it from California to Corfu, giving it his name.
The Myth Behind the Orange
Argolida's relationship with citrus has a mythological dimension too: King Eurystheus of Tiryns ordered Hercules to bring him the Apples of the Hesperides — the golden fruit growing in the garden of the gods, a gift from Gaia to Hera for her marriage to Zeus. Many researchers link this myth symbolically to citrus fruit.
Today's Production
Organised export activity has been strengthened by cooperatives like ARGEAS FRUIT (founded 1977, at the 9th km of the Argos-Nafplio road), making Argolida one of Greece's largest citrus exporters. Harvest, an intensive period for the local economy, happens mainly during winter months.
See Also
Why is Argolida called the "orange capital"?
Because it produces roughly half of Greece's total orange production today.
Which orange variety is mainly grown in Argolida?
The Merlin variety, which arrived in Greece in 1925.
When did orange cultivation start in Argolida?
During the interwar period, when irrigating the plain became possible.
