Description
The Kalamata PDO is an extra-virgin olive oil obtained from olives of the Koroneiki and Mastoidis varieties.
Production Area
The production area of the extra-virgin olive oil Kalamata PDO is within the administrative boundaries of the Kalamata region in the Messinia prefecture. Specifically, the Mastoidis variety is cultivated mainly in the municipal areas of Alagonia, Artemisia, Lada, Karveli, Nedousa and Piges, whereas the Koroneiki variety is cultivated mainly in the remaining municipal areas of the Kalamata region in Messinia, in the Peloponnese region.
Production Method
The olive gathering begins when they are fully ripe. The olives are traditionally collected by hand using big nets placed on the tree base. After possible residues have been eliminated, the olives are taken to the oil mill for pressing inside plastic baskets or natural bags holding 30 kg or 50 kg. The olive pressing takes place in classic or centrifuging oil mills that guarantee the best processing conditions at a low temperature, which never surpasses 30°C. 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 extra-virgin olive oil Kalamata PDO has a greenish-yellow colour, its flavour is fruity and it has an exceptional aroma, which recalls ripe olives.
History
The history of the extra-virgin olive oil Kalamata PDO is linked to the local tradition of the olive tree culture, 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 extra-virgin olive oil Kalamata PDO is an essential ingredient in the Mediterranean diet.
Marketing
The product is sold as Kalamata PDO. It is marketed in dark or transparent glass containers holding 250 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, 1000 ml and in metal containers of 5 l.
Distinctive Features
The Kalamata PDO, thanks to the olive varieties cultivated traditionally and the traditional production method used, takes on peculiar qualitative characteristics and is positively affected by the area's microclimate.
