The olive is an integral part of the life of the people of the Mediterranean. From ancient times it has appeared in their myths, their traditional stories and in the history of their race. The olive is a timeless symbol of peace, prosperity, productivity and fertility. By just considering that the winners of the ancient Olympic Games were awarded a crown of olive leaves, you will understand how important the olive tree was to the people of this region. Mythology tells us that the olive was a gift from the goddess Athina to the residents of the city of Athens, who subsequently gave her name to their city in gratitude for this gift. The olive tree made its appearance in the Mediterranean region thousands of years ago and spread to nearby countries from there.
In the Peloponnese, the cultivation of the olive began around the 3rd century B.C. Today in the Peloponnese, the most common and popular olive varieties grown are the Manaki, Koroneiki, Athinolia and Kolovi varieties that produce a very high quality extra virgin olive oil.
Estélla Extra Virgin Olive Oils are comprised from the following two varieties: Manaki and Koroneiki olives.
The Koroneiki olive variety is…
- Cultivated in the southwestern Peloponnese and Crete, comprising 60% of the total Greek production.
- Intensive fruit and herbal taste.
- Depending on the location, the olive fruit is harvested late September or early October and may finish in late December or early January.
The Manaki olive variety is…
- The basic variety of northeastern Peloponnese.
- Fruity and aromatic taste.
- Slow in maturing, with the olive fruit being harvested from the end of October until the beginning of January.