The Distillery of Kitron in Chalki
Since 1896, the unique local Kitron liqueur has been produced in Chalkí by the Distillery Vallindrás. You can visit the distillery and see the old distillation apparatus, which is still in use, as well as taste and, of course, purchase the liqueur.
Kitron is made from the leaves of the citron tree (Citrus medica), a citrus fruit. The name Kitron, like the word lemon, is derived from the original name of the citron tree in Greece: kedromelon = ‘cedar apple’, which was given to the tree because of its cedar-like scent. The citron tree originates from Asia and was the first citrus fruit to be introduced to Europe probably in the last century B.C. The tree produces large, fragrant fruits with a thick rind, but they contain only little juice and their rind is rather bitter. Today, citrons are only used to produce candied rind, liqueur and aromatic oils. The citron tree is cultivated in various parts of the Mediterranean region; on Naxos, there are about 2,000 trees, mainly around Chalkí.
Kitron liqueur is made from the leaves of the citron tree, exclusively on Naxos (protected by law as a local product). It was first produced at the Vallindrás distillery in Chalkí. The distillery was founded in 1896 by the same enterprising Vallindrás family who also ran the electric oil mill in Kaloxylos.
The Distillery Vallindrás is located in the village of Chalkí.
At the distillery, which was founded in 1896, you can see the old distillation apparatus and of course taste and purchase the famous Kitron liqueur.
the original distillation pot made from copper is still in use today
Kitron used to be stored in these large glass containers.
A number of small pieces of equipment and containers can be seen in the distillery.
a glass distillation apparatus
…and a device for corking.
Kitron is still produced today in the same way as in the past. The leaves are collected in September, cleaned, chopped and fermented. The essential oil is then extracted from them through distillation and mixed with alcohol, water and sugar to produce the liqueur. Kitron is available in three varieties, which can be distinguished by their colour: green Kitron is the weakest with 30% alcohol and contains the most sugar, while the white and yellow varieties are stronger (33% and 36% respectively) and less sweet.
In the early decades of the 20th century, Kitron production experienced a major boom and Naxian Kitron was exported to Asia Minor, Egypt, Russia and America. Although it is a typical, even unique Naxian product, kitron is generally less popular among the Naxians themselves: the majority prefer their rakí, a grape-based spirit.
continue: Traditional lime kilns
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