HOLISTIC PROCEDURE
FARM
Since the 1970s, the farm of 26 acres has been transformed from the vegetable production farm into the olive oil production farm. The transformation process followed the rule of the time. The producer, Kostas Diamantopoulos, planted the forest wild olive trees in the farm and then grafted them with the branches of the OLYMPIA LADOELIA variety. He protected the young trees like his own children, with lots of efforts, sacrifice and love. He took care of them, so they were not sick, thirsty, hungry, had the required distance, a lot of sun and air. In 1985, he purchased an adjacent five-acre piece of land and planted there more trees.
Other trees of OLYMPIA LADOELIA variety were planted in four different smaller farms and they are spread across the region of Neraida.
Until his death in 2011, Kostas Diamantopoulos was completely tied to his land and trees and always stated that he would never exchange his family and the trees for all the gold in the world.
As a sign of honor and respect for this man and his creation, the farm has been constantly improved and included into organic farming program from 2011. The cultivation has become more diversified and holistic management applies. All organisms (plants, insects, animals) inside and outside the farm are treated as a whole with respect and love. All these organisms, in their turn, respond with love, contributing to a healthy outcome. By keeping healthy all these organisms, we keep ourselves healthy. WE RECOVER THE LOST PIECE OF OUR CONSCIENCE.
CHARACTERISTICS OF OLYMPIA LADOELIA VARIETY
Since 2011, the farm has passed to the second generation. Up to now, his wife, Ioanna Diamantopoulou, managers the farm with the help of their son Iannis Diamantopoulos.
According to our grandparents` and Costas Diamantopoulos`s descriptions, this variety was chosen for cultivation, among other varieties, because few large ancient trees had already existed in our village. This variety was familiar to the local people and grafting and cultivation was easy for them for practical reasons.
Besides:
- It is considered a resistant tree.
- After many centuries it was adopted to the local micro climate.
- This tree is resistant to moisture, cold and heat.
- It does not get sick easily.
- It is easy in cultivation and harvesting
- Compared to other varieties, it is more productive.
- The harvest is early and, thus, there is no fruit loss caused by harsh winter
PRESSING – STORAGE
Harvesting takes place when the fruit is green. Usually it is done in October.
The fruit does not come into contact with plastic material and is not pressed during its transportation to the oil mill.
Within 24 hours after harvesting, oil is pressed in two phases under ideal temperatures (below 27 °C). After that, oil is stored in a room with appropriate maintenance specifications. It is protected from light and oxygen, the temperature is constant and does not exceed 15 °C.