Nurturing the Groves

A Year’s Effort for a Perfect Harvest Day

365 days of cultivation care culminate in one crucial day: the harvest. At Mikri Elia, we believe that exceptional olive oil begins with exceptional cultivation. Our traditional methods, passed down through generations, ensure that each olive tree is nurtured with care. We avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, embracing sustainable farming practices that promote biodiversity and soil health. By cultivating our olives in harmony with nature, we produce fruit that is not only rich in flavor but also packed with nutrients. This dedication to quality every day ensures that our extra virgin olive oil is among the finest in the world.

The Unique Terroir

Capturing the Soul of Our Olive Oil in One Day

The exceptional terroir of our olive groves shapes the unique character of our olive oil, all captured in a single day, the harvest. Between ancient Olympia and the Temple of Epicurean Apollo, our olive groves thrive on the sunny slopes of Mount Minthis at an altitude of 480 meters. The rugged, stony soil, combined with the Mediterranean climate, creates a unique environment that imparts a distinct character to our Koroneiki olives. This exceptional terroir is the soul of our olive oil, giving it a flavor and aroma that truly embodies the essence of the Mediterranean. The terroir of our olive groves makes Mikri Elia extra virgin olive oil apart. 

Morning’s First Light

Ensuring Peak Quality with Precision Picking

The day begins early in the morning. Our commitment to quality extends to our harvesting methods. We harvest our Koroneiki variety olives early in November when they are at their peak antioxidant content. Each olive is picked with care, ensuring that only the best fruit is selected. This meticulous approach helps to preserve the freshness and flavor of the olives, which is crucial for producing premium extra virgin olive oil. By harvesting in early November, we capture the vibrant, robust flavors that make Mikri Elia extra virgin olive oil exceptional. This careful process ensures that our oil maintains its superior quality and taste.

Swift Afternoon Transition

From Our Olive Groves to Olive Mill in Hours

In the afternoon, we take the olives harvested during the day, carefully storing them to prevent bruising and spoilage. These olives are then promptly transported to the olive mill for processing. This swift transition from olive grove to olive mill ensures our olives retain maximum freshness, taste, and nutrient content. By minimizing the time between harvest and extraction, we produce an exceptionally flavorful and antioxidant-rich extra virgin olive oil. This meticulous process, perfected every year, guarantees the highest quality and authentic Mediterranean taste in every bottle of Mikri Elia extra virgin olive oil.

Evening Extraction

Preserving Freshness and Rich Flavor

Until the night, our extra virgin olive oil is ready. Our extraction methods are designed to maintain the integrity and quality of our extra virgin olive oil. Using cold extraction techniques, we process the olives at low temperatures to preserve their natural antioxidants, polyphenols, and other beneficial compounds. This method ensures that our olive oil retains all its robust flavor and health benefits. Once extracted, the olive oil is carefully stored in controlled environments to protect it from light and heat. This attention to detail in every stage ensures that Mikri Elia extra virgin olive oil is consistently achieved of the highest quality.