Chrysovitsa’s potato has its own story. It has been cultivated non-stop on the plateau in Politsies for 80 years
The mountain artificial lake, the fertile plateau, the beautiful route, the special natural beauty of the place, which marries the wet element with the forest and meadows, the cool days and nights, are undoubtedly the surprise in the springs of Aoos, in its Cultures Metsovo.
On the way to the artificial Lake, we reach the village of Chrysovitsa and continuing, after 7 kilometers we meet the plateau of the “mountain potato”. Altitude 1,350 meters, an immense potato crop, 1,440 acres, as the first producer we meet tells APE-MPE. Pericles laid the pipes to irrigate his fields. The potato keeps Chrysovitsa alive with its 800 inhabitants. Young farmers and 27 families are involved in the delicious, healthy potato, of the “wild” breed, as we were told. It is of high quality because of the soils, but also because the crops are irrigated by the clear waters of the springs of Aoos.
The information you give us is important. Each hectare produces about 4 tons of potatoes, while in total the area produces six thousand tons. Of course, producers are often faced with problems. These are none other than the wild boars that thresh and destroy the fields as well as the weather.
Throughout the summer, the plateau of Chrysovitsa is alive with life. Producers plant the potato in May and harvesting takes place in September. Every day they are all in the fields, and when the sun goes down after watering, sometimes they have fun around a makeshift table before going down to the village.
Periklis points out that most promote their product on the market without intermediaries, so the price is attractive for the consumer and ranges around 0.80 euros per minute.
Chrysovitsa’s potato has its own story. It has been cultivated non-stop on the plateau in Politsies for 80 years. The fertile soil was discovered by chance by the inhabitants of the village, when in 1942 to save themselves from the fury of the German invaders they fled to the mountain meadow. They planted wheat and potatoes for a living. Then they discovered the special quality of the products.
The potato growers believe that their production is protected by the miraculous Virgin Mary, located in the historic Monastery they have in their village. Everyone has a prayer to remember, to stop hail or other weather phenomena that threaten their fields.
The Artificial Lake of Aoo springs
Where the potato fields end, a short 300m uphill path reveals the unique sight of the artificial mountain lake. It was created by the dam built on the Aoos River to exploit the water of the springs for the production of electricity. The lake is located between Valia Kalda and the Vikos – Aou national park. Its coastline is of rare beauty, forming small fjords, with rich fauna and flora. Green islets in the lake highlight its rare beauty. Its area is 11.5 square kilometers. Beside the banks are forests of black pine and beech, robola, bushes and rare wild orchids.
In winter, the approach to the area is difficult. Due to the high altitude, the area is covered with snow and the road becomes dangerous. In the summer, however, it offers an excellent experience and many breaths of coolness!
RES-EMP
View the news feed and get the latest news.
