Wednesday, December 22, 2010
The northern area of Kozani has a long tradition of aromatic and pharmaceutical plant cultivation, with the local saffron (krokos) as its star product. In the last few years, this tradition has acquired a new favourite: the rose.
Since 2004, the members of the agricultural cooperative in the village of Voio have channelled their efforts to the production of rosewater and rose oil. Although rose cultivation has deep roots in the region, the cooperative has modernized production by importing the cultivation of the Damask rose (Rosa Damascena) and the introduction of high-tech distillers.
Dubbed "liquid gold" for its high market value, rosewater is a much-requested product, used in gastronomy, pharmaceutics and cosmetics alike.
The local farmers believe that the combination of traditional and innovative know-how, compounded by ideal climate and terrain conditions, has led to high quality products.
