{"id":77066,"date":"2025-11-17T20:42:31","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T18:42:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/azalas.de\/?p=77066"},"modified":"2025-11-17T21:10:50","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T19:10:50","slug":"destillerie-kitron-chalki","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/azalas.de\/en\/distillery-kitron-chalki\/","title":{"rendered":"The Distillery of Kitron in Chalki"},"content":{"rendered":"

S<\/big>ince 1896, the unique local Kitron liqueur has been produced in Chalk\u00ed by the Distillery Vallindr\u00e1s. 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.<\/p>\n

K<\/big>itron is made from the leaves of the citron tree (Citrus medica)<\/em>, a citrus fruit. The name Kitron, like the word lemon, is derived from the original name of the citron tree in Greece: kedromelon<\/em> = \u2018cedar apple\u2019, 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 Chalk\u00ed.<\/p>\n

K<\/big>itron 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 Vallindr\u00e1s distillery in Chalk\u00ed. The distillery was founded in 1896 by the same enterprising Vallindr\u00e1s family who also ran the electric oil mill in Kaloxylos<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Vallindras
\nThe Distillery Vallindr\u00e1s is located in the village of Chalk\u00ed.<\/small><\/p>\n

\"Vallindras
\nAt the distillery, which was founded in 1896, you can see the old distillation apparatus and of course taste and purchase the famous Kitron liqueur.<\/small><\/p>\n

\"Vallindras
\nthe original distillation pot made from copper is still in use today<\/small><\/p>\n

\"Vallindras
\nKitron used to be stored in these large glass containers.<\/small><\/p>\n

\"Vallindras
\nA number of small pieces of equipment and containers can be seen in the distillery.<\/small><\/p>\n

\"Vallindras
\na glass distillation apparatus<\/small><\/p>\n

\"Destillerie
\n…and a device for corking.<\/small><\/p>\n

\"Vallindras<\/p>\n

\"Vallindras<\/p>\n

K<\/big>itron 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.<\/p>\n

I<\/big>n 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 rak\u00ed<\/em>, a grape-based spirit.<\/p>\n

continue: Traditional lime kilns<\/a><\/p>\n

see also:<\/p>\n