Page 133 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Greek Islands

OLIVE GROWING IN GREECE
A symbol of peace since ancient times, the first
olive tree was said to have been planted by the
goddess Athena on the Acropolis in Athens.

The Cretan Minoans are thought to have been the first
people to have cultivated the olive tree, in around 3800
BC. The magnificent olive groves of modern Greece date
back to 700 BC, when olive oil became a valuable export
commodity. The 11 million or so olive trees on Lésvos TYPES OF OLIVES
are reputed to be the most productive oil-bearing trees From the mild fruits of
in the Greek islands; Crete produces more and better- the Ionians to the small,
quality oil, but no other island is so dominated by olive rich olives of Crete, the
monoculture. The best olives on Lésvos come from the Greek islands are a
hillside plantations between Plomári and Agiásos, paradise for olive lovers.
founded in the 18th century by local farmers The fruits
can be cured for eating throughout the year, or pressed Elítses are small, sweetly
to provide a nutritious and versatile oil. Further flavoured olives from the
crushing yields oil for soap and lanterns, and the pulp is island of Crete.
used as fertilizer. Tsakistés are picked
young and lightly cracked
before curing in brine.
Throúmpes are a true
taste of the countryside,
very good as a mezedes
with olive-oil bread.
Kalamáta, the most
famous Greek olive, is
glossy-black, almond-
shaped and cured in
red-wine vinegar.
Thásos olives are salt-
Shaking olives from the trees, the cured and have a strong
traditional method of harvesting flavour that goes well
with cheese.
Ionian greens are mild,
mellow-flavoured olives,
lightly brine-cured.

Olives fresh after
harvesting on Lésvos,
renowned for its olive oil

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