SZYDŁOWIANKA STRAIGHT FROM THE CAPITAL OF PLUM!

Down in the Purple Valley – a historical orchard region in the south of Poland – we are growing excellent plums since some centuries. There are more than 45 varieties of plums grown here today. Besides plums we are growing apples, sour cherries, apricots and blueberries using latest methods of horticulture. The Capital of Plum is a beautiful medieval town of Szydłów, also know us the Purple Valley, the Stone Town or the Polish Carcassone. This charming royal town, enjoying rich and beautiful history, is located among orchards extending to the horizon. Each year tourists from Poland and the world admire this signature landscape.

Modern orchards with centuries-old tradition

Plums constitutes 80% of local cultivation. On 2000 hectares 20 000 tons of fruits are produced each year, making for 20% of all country’s production. From June, when blueberries are picked, to October with late varieties of plums and apples, the breath-taking vistas of purple orchards surround the historical town. The unique scent of plums dried the traditional way fills the air across the area. Busy orchard keepers can be seen mostly early in the morning and in the evenings. April to May, when the fruit trees bloom, the town is flooded with millions of flowers, providing unforgettable experience to locals, tourist and artists often looking for creative inspiration here. Christmas season is the time when we sell most of our plums dried in the open air as it was done centuries ago. They are an inherent part of Polish cuisine and especially Christmas Eve dishes. In 2010 “Suszona Śliwka Szydłowska” (“the Szydłów Dried Plum”) was entered in the Register of Protected Designations of Origin and Protected Geographical Indications of the European Union. This unique plum is a delicacy appreciated by numerous customers in Poland and abroad.

First orchards on Polish lands

First written accounts of Szydłów’s orchards come from 14th century. The town was located on the trade route connecting Kraków with Lithuania, known as Jagiellonian Route. Since centuries merchants traded plums or plum liquors. The tradition of fruit-growing in Poland started in medieval times. Noble fruit trees were brought initially by monks and planted in the royal and cloister gardens only. Given the history of the royal Szydłów and the trade route leading through, it is quite possible the fruit orchards in the area are among the oldest in Poland or even Europe.

The capital of good taste

Excellent climate and soil, hundred years old know-how passed from generation to the next, hard work and commitment of orchard keepers allows for production of fruits of the highest quality. It is known from centuries the best fruits come from the best environment. Our Purple Valley enjoys unique climate, clean soil, air and water – they contribute directly to the excellent taste of our fruits, so praised by regular customers. Each year merchants appreciate our plums for their compact light-colour flesh, superior appearance and taste. SZYDŁOWIANKA is a quality product valued by customers in Poland and abroad. We look forward to cooperation with you!