Olive Trees
History and Mythology
The olive tree has been a symbol of peace and hope for centuries and features in many myths and legends in Greek Literature. When you consider its uses it is not surprising that it is so highly regarded. Trees can live to a great age and olives and olive oil, form a major part of the Greek diet.
In the past, owning olive trees was considered a sure route to independence and freedom from starvation.
care of Olive trees
The Care of olive trees is a topic of intense interest for growers throughout Greece. Most people on the Peloponnese probably own one or two trees, if not one or several groves and every grower has his or her own ideas on the correct care of the trees and this varies with the soil type, light availability, provision of nutrients, and weather conditions.
At trigon-Lamda, "eating" olives are picked by hand throughout October and processedmanually.
Olive oil factories open in November and we aim to complete the main Olive Harvest by the end of December. facories remain open till harvesting is completed, often continuing into January.
olives harvested for Olive oil production are usually harvested mechanically, over a period of days or weeks depending on the size of the grove. The 90 trees of Trigono-Lamda take 3-4 days since they are on 3 different sites.
Uses of the olive tree
Fruit
Most olives are used for the preparation of oil. However, eating olives are used as hors d'ouvres, garnish and in a variety of dishes, throughout the world. Preparation is easy but tedious since the olives must be soaked in salted, frequently changed, water, for at least two months to remove the bitterness and soften the fruit before eating.
Olive wood
Olive wood has a fine texture and marbled appearance with darker heartwood.
It can be used as a decorative veneer but is mainly used or making small, turned or carved objects. Not made locally in Methoni.
It is widely used as fuel for wood burning stoves as it burns when newly cut with a hot,clean flame. Partial initial burning provides good charcoal.
Leaves
We most often think of olive leaves as wreaths of honour for heroic and sporting events. Goats enjoy eating the young leaves and are taken a treat after the olive harvest.
Olive Oil - for cooking
Olive oil is indispensable in Greek cooking. The finest oils are used as salad dressings, and in cake-making, as well as as eaten with fresh bread or bread soaked in oil and heated, with oregano added. As a cooking oil, Olive Oil enhances flavour and is considered more nutritious than many other oils and fats.
Olive Oil - healing
Olive oil is said to have healing properties and is certainly soothing for scratched arms after harvesting lemons or as a lotion before and after sun. It provides a top layer for sealing prepared olives against the airborne contaminants.
Olive oil - Lighting
Olive oil is not highly flammable but burns slowly when provided with a wick. Place about 3 cm water in a small glass tumbler, and add a similar amount of oil which will float on top. place a prepared wick (purchased in Greece with a metal capped cork circle) carefully on the surface of the oil. Light the wick with a match or lighter and place the lamp well away from any flammable objects. It will burn gently with a small yellow flame similar to a small candle or tea light.
Olive oil as a lubricant and restorative
Not perhaps a conventional use, but can be used for cleaning shoes and adding a shine to wooden objects and furniture.
Olive seeds
The olive seed is removed when olives are prepared or oil is made. At modern olive factories the seed, called the pit, is dried and used as fuel to run the factory.