Description
The Throumpa Thassou PDO is a table olive obtained from olive trees of the variety Throumba.
Production Area
The production area of the table olive Throumpa Thassou PDO is on the entire island of Thassos, in the prefecture of Kavala, in the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
Production Method
The olives are cultivated on a terrain that is submitted to periodic fertilizing with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Gathering takes place by hand, when the fruits are fully ripe and even overripe. With the appearance of the fungus Phoma Oleae, the Throumba variety looses its bitter taste, due to the hydrolysis. After the fruits are gathered, they are rinsed and classified based on their grade. Then, a quantity equalling 30-40% of kitchen salt is added, and the olives are placed in tubs. After 30-40 days, the olives are seasoned and suitable for consumption, after being exposed to air for oxidation and colour improvement. The fight against the olive fly is done with the spraying of baits from the soil, using biologic methods, or without any treatment. Gathering is done by hand, during the final ripening stage, when the colour of the olives is black, or earlier, when they are still green. Transportation is done in plastic crates of 25 kg. Successively, before being commercialised, the black olives are treated with soda, the green ones with a caustic soda solution, and subsequently they are both pickled.
Appearance and Flavour
The Throumpa Thassou PDO is a table olive with a cylindrical-conical shape and a fruity flavour, which is mild and very pleasant.
History
The history of the table olive Throumpa Thassou PDO is linked to the long-standing tradition of the olive tree culture in Greece, which is evidenced in historical sources and archaeological finds, assigning ancient origins to this cultivation.
Gastronomy
The table olive Throumpa Thassou PDO can be kept for long periods if maintained closed in its container. Once opened, it should be consumed within a few days, making sure to keep the olives immersed in the packaging liquid, at a cool temperature and away from direct light. It is served with aperitifs, in salads and in many other gastronomic preparations.
Marketing
The product is sold as Throumpa Thassou PDO. The olives are marketed in metal containers of 5 kg or 13 kg.
Distinctive Features
The gathering of the table olives Throumpa Thassou PDO takes place once they are fully ripe, thus guaranteeing a full and particularly pleasant flavour. All the production stages, from gathering through to packaging, are practised with much care and this allows the achievement of a highly appreciated product.
