The
olive tree likes hot weather and tolerates drought well but is sensitive to
excessive cold. It has a preference for well-drained clay soils but it can grow
even in infertile soils. The annual olive tree cycle starts in March – April.
Olive trees blossom in May and fruit start to develop between June and July,
which mature during the period October – November. Harvesting takes place in
early winter. Kalamata olive oil is a protected designation of origin (PDO)
product since1997 and constitutes 95% of the produced quantity of olive oil
from the olive groves of Messinia.The cultivated varieties from
which olive oil is produced in Messinia is the Koroneiki (92%), Mavrolia at the
Municipality of Pylos-Nestor and Mastoidis (Matsoelia or Tsounati).
Olive oil is considered the liquid gold of Messinian as it combines a unique taste with the highest nutritional value. The analytical results on the fatty acid content of Messinian olive oil show that it contains 70-80% monounsaturated and 10% polyunsaturated fatty acids – a ratio similar to that of breast milk. Unlike other vegetable oils, it is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids which are associated with the protection of our cardiovascular system, in antioxidants which possess the ability to destroy free radicals and hence, counteract oxidative stress and protect against atherosclerosis and many types of cancer. Furthermore, extra virgin olive oil has vitamin E – a fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin – which is essential for the prevention of chronic diseases and vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health.