Zivania facts for kids

Distillation apparatus (kazani) found in the village of Amiras, Crete.

Zivania or zivana (Greek: ζιβανία, ζιβάνα Turkish: Zivaniya) is a Cypriot pomace brandy produced from the distillation of a mixture of grape pomace and local dry wines made from Xynisteri and Mavro grapes. The name of zivania is derived from zivana (Greek: ζίβανα) which means pomace in the Greek dialect of Cyprus. Zivania is colourless and alcoholic with a light aroma of raisins. Its alcohol content varies, with 45% by volume being the typical value. As defined by law, zivania shall not have more than 60% alcohol content. Zivania contains no sugars and has no acidity.

History

It is unknown when zivania was first produced in Cyprus. Some believe that the method of producing zivania, which resembles that of producing tsipouro, was brought to Cyprus by monks of Mount Athos in the 15th century while others believe that zivania has been produced in Cyprus since the time the Republic of Venice ruled the island, around the end of the 15th century.

Since 1989, zivania has been protected under EU regulations as a name for grape marc produced in Cyprus.

Consumption and other usage

Cypriots consume zivania throughout the year. During the summer, zivania is served ice cold. Zivania is not usually consumed alone and it is typically served with dried nuts, loukoumi, shoushouko or small appetizers like Cypriot loukaniko, lountza and tsamarella.

Zivania, in addition to its use as an alcoholic beverage, it is also used to treat wounds, for massaging sore body parts, as a remedy for colds and toothaches, and as a warming-up drink during the cold months of winter, especially in the villages of the Troodos mountains.

Photos

• 

  A glass of Cypriot Zivania.

• 

  Xynisteri grapes used in the production of zivania.

• 

  Mavro grapes used in the production of zivania.

See also

In Spanish: Zivania para niños