The olive tree is an emblematic symbol of the Mediterranean basin, playing a central role in the agriculture and culture of Greece, Turkey, and Syria. Each region has unique olive varieties influenced by climate and terroir, producing olive oils with distinct profiles and highly prized table olives.
Table of Contents
1. Olive Varieties in Greece
Koroneiki (Κορωνέικη)
- Origin: Peloponnese
- Characteristics: Small olives rich in oil
- Oil: High polyphenol content, fruity flavor with a slightly peppery finish
- Use: Extra virgin olive oil
Kalamon (Καλαμών)
- Origin: Kalamata region (Peloponnese)
- Characteristics: Medium to large olives, violet to black color
- Oil: Medium yield, smooth and balanced taste
- Use: Table olives (Kalamata Olives)
Manaki (Μανάκι)
- Origin: Eastern Peloponnese and Ionian Islands
- Characteristics: Medium-sized olives, tree resistant to low temperatures
- Oil: Mild and slightly sweet, herbal aromas
- Use: Extra virgin olive oil
Tsounati (Τσουνάτη)
- Origin: Crete
- Characteristics: Small olives, resistant to mountainous conditions
- Oil: Very fruity, complex aromas
- Use: High-quality olive oil
Athinolia (Αθηνολιά)
- Origin: Peloponnese and some islands
- Characteristics: Elongated olives, late ripening
- Oil: Mild and fragrant, low acidity
- Use: Extra virgin olive oil
Lianolia Kerkyras (Λιανολιά Κέρκυρας)
- Origin: Corfu Island
- Characteristics: Small olives, robust tree
- Oil: Mild and light flavor
- Use: Olive oil production
Hondrolia (Χονδρολιά)
- Origin: Central Greece and Chalkidiki
- Characteristics: Fleshy and juicy olives
- Oil: Medium yield, balanced taste
- Use: Table olives and olive oil
2. Olive Varieties in Turkey
Memecik
- Region: Aegean (Aydın, Muğla, İzmir)
- Characteristics: Medium-sized olives, highly drought-resistant
- Oil: Intense fruity flavor with hints of herbs and almonds
- Use: Extra virgin olive oil
Gemlik
- Region: Marmara (Bursa, Balıkesir)
- Characteristics: Plump black olives
- Oil: Smooth and balanced
- Use: Table olives
Ayvalık (Edremit)
- Region: Aegean Coast (Balıkesir, Ayvalık)
- Characteristics: Small to medium-sized olives, high oil yield
- Oil: Fruity and herbal aromas, slightly peppery
3. Olive Varieties in Syria
Sourani (Souri)
- Region: Western Syria and Northern Lebanon
- Characteristics: Medium-sized olives, drought-resistant tree
- Oil: Intense fruitiness, herbal and slightly spicy aromas
- Use: Extra virgin olive oil
Zeiti (Zeitouni)
- Region: Northern and Central Syria
- Characteristics: Medium to large olives, good oil yield
- Oil: Mild, well-balanced aroma
- Use: Olive oil and table olives
Kaissy (Qaisi)
- Region: Northern and Northwestern Syria
- Characteristics: Large-sized olives
- Oil: Mild with a slight bitterness
- Use: Table olives and olive oil
This document gathers the most representative olive varieties from these three countries, highlighting their unique characteristics and their importance in olive oil and table olive production.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best olive variety for extra virgin olive oil?
Koroneiki (Greece), Memecik (Turkey), and Sourani (Syria) are among the best olive varieties for producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil due to their high polyphenol content and rich flavors.
2. Which olive variety is best for table olives?
Kalamon (Greece), Gemlik (Turkey), and Kaissy (Syria) are popular choices for table olives, known for their size, taste, and texture.
3. How does climate affect olive oil quality?
The Mediterranean climate, with its hot summers and mild winters, enhances the oil content and polyphenol levels in olives, contributing to their health benefits and taste complexity.
4. Are Syrian olive oils different from Greek and Turkish oils?
Yes, Syrian olive oils, such as those from the Sourani variety, often have a more intense and slightly spicy profile compared to the typically fruity and mild Greek and Turkish olive oils.
5. Which country produces the most olives in the Mediterranean?
Spain is the largest producer, followed by Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Syria also has a significant olive industry, particularly in the northern regions.
