Tsakonia is a special area with indigenous inhabitants, perhaps descendants of the Dorians, who kept, as they were isolated, the Doric dialect (Tsakonic), the proud spirit of freedom and their customs. Tsakonia is known for its olives, citrus fruits and abundant vegetables. Its most famous crop, however, is the Tsakonian eggplant, a long, purple-lilac variety with white stripes, which has been awarded the Protected Designation of Origin status.