madaríni

Tangerine or mandarin, a symbol of longevity. Originally from China, the fruit reached Greece in the 13th century, introduced by the Geonese, and as elsewhere took its name from the orange garments of the mandarins. Or so they say.

The μανταρίνι Χίου (mandaríni Chíou) are the best and most intensely fragrant in Greece, and most grow in the beautiful walled orchards of the old aristocratic Genoese neighbourhood of Kámbos. They ripen in November and December and are sold wrapped in paper to preserve their famous aroma, which lent Chíos its nickname, Myrovólos ‘the fragrant one.’ Designated PGI.

The island's superb, taste-packed Liqueur Madarini is made of essential oils extracted from the mandarin’s rather thick, tough peel.