The history of Olive Oil in Greece is a Long and Proud One.
Olive oil has been used for centuries in many applications besides cooking. Historically, the olive tree, the olive fruit, and olive oil, have been prominent in Greek culture, being used in soap, lamp fuel, for religious christening, and for many other uses. Today, although Spain and Italy lead in the production of olive oil, Greek olive oil is often considered to be the finest in quality and vastly superior in taste.
Greek Olive Oil is a Family Affair
Olive oil in Greece is primarily produced by family run businesses. However, there are some trading companies that produce and wholesale the liquid gold as well. In addition, there are some unionized co-ops also involved in the manufacturing and even the bottling of this healthful product.
The Best Olive Oil in the World
Approximately two-thirds of domestic Greek olive oil is produced by Crete and the Peloponnese. The counties of Messinia and Heraklion are particularly prominent in the production of olive oil. However, it is said that the best olive oil in the world is produced in western Crete and the area of Kalamata. Its mountainous landscape produces olives supremely rich in the delicious oil. The vast majority of that fine oil is actually exported to Italy because the superior characteristics of its taste are very similar to the olive oil produced in the Tuscan region.
Weather is a Factor
The year-to-year production of olive oil is directly reliant upon weather conditions in the agricultural areas. As a result, volume of production per year fluctuates immensely. In addition, historically, a "bad" olive oil production year is usually followed by a "good" one, which is part of the reason for the resultant high prices in superior oils.
How do You Select a Good Olive Oil?
Superior olive oil has a very low acidic level which equals less unhealthy free fatty acids. To encourage growers and manufacturers to optimize the health benefits of olive oil, peroxide tests are carried out to ascertain the level of deterioration present in order to better determine the projected shelf life of the bottled oil.
