Yesterday we drove past the local olive mill and saw bags of newly harvested olives stacked up outside. This will be a good year in the olive groves. In our area of western Crete the olive is precious and the trees are passed on and cared for from one generation to the next.
I've been reading about the history of the olive. My source is a book called The Olive in Greece. (Topia Publications) I've read that there is no absolute answer as to when and how the olive reached the shores of the Mediterranean. But in ages past the deliberate destruction of an olive tree became a symbol of total violence.
The leaves of the olive are green on one side and appear grey on the other. When the wind blows one sees a canopy of silver. The leaves are elongated and are unlike those on any other tree. The fruit of the tree can be green or black or with a reddish hue. The small olive is used in oil production the larger Kalamata olive is a table olive.
We planted two olive groves on our land. The first planting was twelve years ago. These trees have each grown into individual shapes, spiralling and twisted in places. The younger trees are shining green and glossy following torrential rain storms. Today their juvenile branches sway in a light breeze from the sea. This rain is welcomed by the olive farmers because it helps to swell the fruit.
There are times when the olive harvest is sparse. Last year we had what looked like a promising crop from our older tress. However, there were very strong gales which blew the fruit onto the ground. This year we won't have a harvest because the trees rest on alternate years. An olive tree which is respected, cared for, pruned and nourished will repay a hundredfold over the years.
In the local Tavernas Olive oil is always on the table. There's nothing nicer than a plate on which olive oil has been drizzled. Sprinkle pepper on this and dip you hot bread in for a most satisfying appetiser.
To be continued.
I've been reading about the history of the olive. My source is a book called The Olive in Greece. (Topia Publications) I've read that there is no absolute answer as to when and how the olive reached the shores of the Mediterranean. But in ages past the deliberate destruction of an olive tree became a symbol of total violence.
The leaves of the olive are green on one side and appear grey on the other. When the wind blows one sees a canopy of silver. The leaves are elongated and are unlike those on any other tree. The fruit of the tree can be green or black or with a reddish hue. The small olive is used in oil production the larger Kalamata olive is a table olive.
We planted two olive groves on our land. The first planting was twelve years ago. These trees have each grown into individual shapes, spiralling and twisted in places. The younger trees are shining green and glossy following torrential rain storms. Today their juvenile branches sway in a light breeze from the sea. This rain is welcomed by the olive farmers because it helps to swell the fruit.
There are times when the olive harvest is sparse. Last year we had what looked like a promising crop from our older tress. However, there were very strong gales which blew the fruit onto the ground. This year we won't have a harvest because the trees rest on alternate years. An olive tree which is respected, cared for, pruned and nourished will repay a hundredfold over the years.
In the local Tavernas Olive oil is always on the table. There's nothing nicer than a plate on which olive oil has been drizzled. Sprinkle pepper on this and dip you hot bread in for a most satisfying appetiser.
To be continued.
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