Description
The Apokoronas Chanion Kritis PDO is an extravirgin olive oil made with olives of the Koroneiki variety (at least 90%).
Production Area
The production area of the Apokoronas Chanion Kritis PDO is within the administrative borders of the towns Fylaki, Armena, Alikambos, Vafes, Vrysses, Gavalochori, Georgioupoli, Embrosneros, Karna, Kalami, Kalmiisi, Alexandres, Kalamitsí, Amygdali, Karres, Kastelli, Kefalas, Kokkino Chorio, Kournas, Maza, Machairos, Melidoni, Nio Chorí, Nippos, Kirosternio, Paidochori, Pemonia, Plaka, Ramni, Selia, Stylos, Tzitzifies, Fres, Kalyves, Vamos, Asi Gonia, in the province of Apokoronas within the prefecture of Chania, in the Crete region.
Production Method
The olive cultivation is characterised by the region's microclimate. The olive gathering method is the "beating" with the help of small wooden sticks. Transportation takes place in plastic baskets or natural bags holding 30 kg or 50 kg. The pressing of the olives, cleaned and selected (the residue percentage should not surpass 5%), takes place in classic or centrifuging oil mills at a low temperature that never surpasses 30°C. The processing of the olives takes place within three days after the gathering. The fight against the olive fly, its main enemy, is done with attractive substances sprayed from the soil, using biologic methods without any treatment.
Appearance and Flavour
The Apokoronas Chanion Kritis PDO is an oil of average viscosity, greenyellowish in colour (transparent), with a fruity aroma and a pleasant taste.
History
The history of the Apokoronas Chanion Kritis PDO is linked to the local tradition of the olive tree cultivation, which in Greece has very old roots, as evidenced in historical sources and archaeological finds.
Gastronomy
The extra-virgin olive oil is an easily perishable food that needs correct preservation in order to maintain its organoleptic characteristics intact. It is thus advisable to keep it in a cool place and away from light, at a temperature between 14°C and 18°C, away from heat sources and from products that give off particular smells. It is recommendable to consume it within four to six months after the pressing, to enjoy it in the period of highest expression of its taste. The Apokoronas Chanion Kritis PDO is an essential ingredient in the Mediterranean diet.
Marketing
The product is sold as Apokoronas Chanion Kritis PDO. It is marketed in glass bottles of 0.25 l, 0.5 l and 1 litre or in metal containers holding 5 l.
Distinctive Features
The favourable climatic conditions, a correct and careful application of the cultivation procedures, the ideal combination of tradition and new technologies lend the Apokoronas Chanion Kritis PDO its unique taste and scent.
