The olive trees are present everywhere in Crete.
The trees are perfectly adapted in the climate and soils of the island thus producing an excellent oil commanding the highest reputation and recognition.
The distinct golden green colours and fine aromas, the light fruity tasteand the thickened liquid texture are best balanced in
Tasting traditional Cretan recipes, prepared with cretan olive oil, is a gastronomic experience as it offers a unique taste while it is healthy and nutritious. Olive trees are a characteristic element of the Mediterranean ecosystem and landscape.
Olive oil was produced during the Minoan era in Crete, that is at least 5000 years ago and it was one of the main products of the island.
Bowls containing olives, used as offerings, were discovered in Zakros palace in asurprisingly good state “they looked asif they were recently picked from thetree” as the researcher Nicolaos Platonstated.
Olive trees are indistiguishable from the whole picture of crete.
They are part of the picture and the landscape and old trees ageing some hundreds of years offer great opportunities of memories captured in unique photographs.
The olive oil produced in Crete is highly appreciated due to its characteristics rendering it a much sought product among olive oils as itis of low acidity (extra virgin of anacidity below 1%), ideal for cooking but an excellent oil for fresh salads.
It is with fresh vegetables when it is best assortment offering a unique taste.
It is the main element of the Cretan diet which is widely recognised as the most healthy diettogether with cereals, fresh vegetables and fish.
Apart from its taste cretan olive oil has also been famous for its benefits to prevent from gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders, diabetes, myoskeletal development and most of all toprevent from cardiovascular diseases.
A daily consumption of 25-30grams of olive oil per day offers a natural deffensive mechanism capable to support the human organism against the threats of the moderneating habits.
It seems strangeto visitors of the island to enjoy their meal with as much olive oilas they want present on their table.
(This guide is produced within the framework of LEADER+ by European Union.)
