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Live the dream: Greek olive oil adventures in Crete

An island that simply has it all!!!

Greece is renowned for its top-quality olives and its famous Greek olive oil. In fact, Crete is considered one of the top olive producing destinations in the country. While some parts of the world may be characterized by dull and gray landscapes during autumn, Crete bursts to life with the vibrant hues of the sun and olive groves. In this Greek island, the olive harvesting season kicks off as early as October and extends throughout the winter months. The precise timing hinges on variables such as olive variety, weather conditions, and the and the goals of the pickers.

For every Cretan family, possessing a plot of land with olive trees is a matter of pride. When the weather is sunny and pleasant, olive picking becomes a family affair. The initial step involves laying out expansive nets beneath the trees to catch the gently falling olives. Traditionally, olive harvesting is a manual labor-intensive process. Pickers carefully climb stepladders to pluck the olives or use long rakes to comb through the upper branches. However, modern tools, such as the “electric rake” are also available. Its spinning “tentacles” effectively knock down olives from the branches, creating a “rain” of olives. While men usually handle the electric rake, women diligently pick fruit from the lower branches by hand. It’s undeniably hard work for all, but the Cretans take pride in their labor, just as their ancestors did millennia ago. Once the bags are filled with olives, they are loaded into pickup cars and trucks and transported to local olive oil mills. Green olives are usually harvested, as they are already ripe enough for oil production or preservation. However, some varieties are intentionally left on the tree longer to dry in the sun, destined to be canned later. These olives gradually transition from greenish yellow to purple and finally black. After the harvest, the olive trees undergo pruning to prepare for the upcoming season.

As it becomes apparent, the olive harvest holds great significance in Crete. The vibrant green-grey olive trees embellish the Cretan landscape, creating a picturesque scene in places like Rethymno and Adelianos Kampos. Here are some interesting facts about the olive harvest and olive trees in Greece and Crete:

  • The typical lifespan of an olive tree in Crete ranges from 300 to 600 years. Remarkably, at least twelve trees defy the odds, enduring for over 2500 years.
  • The Greek island of Crete is home to more than 36 million olive trees.
  • Greek olive oil holds the third position in the global production
  • Annually, Crete yields between 80,000 and 120,000 tons of olive oil, with 80% of this classified as extra virgin olive oil.
  • Crete, on average, contributes approximately 70% to the overall Greek olive oil production.
  • An individual olive tree produces a yearly harvest ranging from 15 to 40 kg of olive fruit

During your visit in Crete and Rethymno, you can also participate in olive picking and learn about the traditional methods of olive oil production. To take part in olive picking experiences in Crete, tourists can either sign up for organized tours provided by tour operators or connect with local olive grove owners and cooperatives. Many locals are open to having visitors assist them in harvesting olives, creating an immersive and hands-on experience.

While exploring Crete amidst the olive harvest season, there's more to enjoy beyond actively participating in the harvest itself. One option is olive oil tastings, where you can savor a variety of olive oils and learn about their flavors and qualities. Venturing to local olive mills and factories provides a firsthand glimpse into the intricate process of olive oil production. Additionally, cooking classes are available, offering the chance to discover how to integrate olive oil into traditional Greek dishes, providing a deeper appreciation for the culinary heritage of the region. For those seeking outdoor adventures, opportunities abound for activities like hiking or cycling, enabling you to explore the captivating landscapes surrounding the olive groves.

In essence, the olive harvest in the Greek island of Crete transcends a mere agricultural event; it's a cultural legacy celebrated amid the vibrant landscapes of sun-drenched groves. The manual labor, modern techniques, and family pride in olive picking reveal a tradition deeply rooted in Cretan identity. As the island stands as a bastion of olive production, it becomes a living canvas, adorned with green-grey olive trees, and visitors can immerse themselves in this rich scenery through hands-on experiences, tastings and explorations.

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