Description
The Zakynthos PGI is an extra-virgin olive oil obtained from olives of the varieties Koroneiki (95%) and Dopia Lianolia (5%).
Production Area
The production area of the extra-virgin olive oil Zakynthos PGI is within the entire island of Zakynthos, in the Ionian Islands.
Production Method
The gathering method of the olives is the "beating". The transportation takes place in plastic baskets or natural bags holding 30 kg or 50 kg. Once at the oil mill, the olives are ready for pressing. The pressing of the cleaned and selected olives takes place in classic or centrifuging oil mills, at a low temperature that never surpasses 30°C. The Zakynthos PGI can be mixed exclusively with oils of the same kind produced under the same conditions. The processing of the olives takes place within three days after the gathering. The olives selected for the oil production should not show any infection signs and should not contain any foreign bodies. The fight against the olive fly, its main enemy, is done with attractive substances sprayed from the soil, with biologic methods without any treatment.
Appearance and Flavour
The extra-virgin olive oil Zakynthos PGI is a high density oil, with a golden green colour and a fruity flavour and aroma.
History
The history of the extra-virgin olive oil Zakynthos PGI is linked to the long-standing tradition of the olive tree culture in Greece, which is evidenced in historical sources and archaeological finds, giving this cultivation ancient origins.
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 Zakynthos PGI is an essential ingredient in the Mediterranean diet.
Marketing
The product is sold as Zakynthos PGI. It is marketed in glass bottles holding 500 ml, 750 ml, and 1 l, or in metal tins of 3 l.
Distinctive Features
The island of Zakynthos is famous for its excellent ecosystem - characterised by a hilly terrain, sunny and featuring abundant rainfalls - where one of the best varieties of olives grows, the Coronega. Approximately half of the olive trees are located away from communication roads and from populated centres, thus far from any kind of pollution. The care shown during gathering, processing, stocking and the standardisation of the extra-virgin olive oil Zakynthos PGI guarantees its peculiar quality characteristics.
