The cultivation of olives dates back to prehistoric times according to Homer, making the country one of the oldest olive-growing regions in the world. Olives and olive oil have been an important part of the Greek diet and culture since ancient times. More specifically, olives and olive oil from Halkidiki are considered among the best in the country. They are not just food, they have been embedded in the history, art, and daily life of the Greeks. Olive oil is used for cooking, for making cosmetics and soaps, for lighting lamps, for religious mysteries, and for many other purposes. Greek olives also have an important place in the history, cuisine and culture of Greece and since ancient times they have been a sacred symbol of wisdom, peace, fertility and prosperity. More specifically, olive oil from Halkidiki is considered one of the best in the country.
Unique taste and quality
Halkidiki, located in the northern part of Greece, is the perfect environment for the cultivation of olives, due to its mild climate and morphology. It produces oil and olives that stand out for their special taste and quality all over the world. Olives and olive oil from Halkidiki are carefully harvested either by hand or with some electric machinery, usually at the end of September to the beginning of October, when they reach the appropriate level of ripeness. After harvesting, they undergo a ripening process in order to reduce their natural bitterness and make their taste more intense.
Halkidiki olives
The olive trees of Halkidiki are cultivated with great care and the olives and the products derived from them are rich in nutrients. The olives of Halkidiki have several characteristics that distinguish them. They are recognised as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product and have an important position in the market worldwide. Some of the characteristics are:
Shape and Size
Halkidiki olives are known for their size and shape and are easily distinguished from other varieties. The size is one of the largest sizes in olives and the shape is elongated, often reaching 4-5 cm.
Colour
The characteristic colour of the Halkidiki olive is bright green which reflects its natural health. The black Halkidiki olives are harvested in their adult stage, i.e. about two months after the harvest of the young green Halkidiki olives.
Texture
The texture of the Halkidiki olive is unique and is one of the exceptional characteristics that distinguish it. Unlike other olives that are soft or crunchy, Halkidiki olives are firm and give a crisp, delicious bite.
Taste
They are known for their mild, buttery taste. They are not too salty like other varieties.
Lifespan
They have a long shelf life and can be stored for long periods of time without losing their quality and texture.
Olive Oil from Halkidiki
The oil of Halkidiki is much more than a simple product. The olives grown with great care and love in the region create this rare oil that is one of the best in the world. It is distinguished for its unique quality and taste and undoubtedly contributes to the local economy. The olive oil of Halkidiki comes either from unripe olives of the ‘Halkidiki’ variety or from ripe olives of various local varieties. Halkidiki is mainly famous for its green olive oil, ‘Agoureoil’. The characteristic taste and aroma of Halkidiki olive oil makes it ideal for all uses.
The olives and olive oil of Halkidiki are a valuable asset for the region and for the whole of Greece and represent quality, taste and tradition. Now if you wish to witness the production of olive oil, taste it and buy for you and your loved ones, you can always book your private transfer with us!
