Olive Picking in Greece

Crete is well-known for archaeological sites and long sandy beaches, but what is less well-known is that some of the world's best quality olives are produced here.

35 million olive trees grow on the island and most families have at least a few trees that they harvest for their own use. Olive oil has a variety of uses, for cooking, medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

Olive harvesting starts in November but the most activity takes place in January and February. Nets are placed under the trees to catch the olives, and flexible sticks are used to beat them off the branches. Fork-like gadgets can be used to dislodge more stubborn olives, and electric machines are used to clear many trees quickly. Then the olives go the nearest oil factory where machines crush them into oil. Six kilos of olives produces approximately one kilo of oil.

Scientific research indicates that it keeps down the 'bad' cholesterol, keeps up the 'good' cholesterol and acts as an antioxidant. In fact, because of the generous amounts of olive oil used in their diet and a low-stress lifestyle, Cretans enjoy a relatively healthy old age and indeed, are amongst the longest-lived people of the world.

Reproduced by kind permission of Euroland Crete. Copyright 2006

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