KALAMATA OLIVE PASTE FROM KALAMATA PELOPONNESE

The olive tree is known for thousands of years and most probably is originated from the East Mediterranean region . According to Greek mythology, the homeland of olive tree is Athens and Greeks were the first who grow olive trees. The olive tree has been a symbol of culture and honor in Greece and it had been used even as prize for the winners of Olympic Games.

The olive fruit is popular for its nutritional properties and its high value in contemporary diet.

The Kalamata Olives, often known as the Greek olives, have distinctive taste and appearance, with oval shape, dark purple color, big size, intense flavor and fleshy texture.

The Original Kalamata olives are produced in Kalamata Peloponnese, a fruitful and productive region where the sounds of the sea and of the olive tree leaves are mixed harmonically along with the other nature’s gifts. Messinia is of the most well known olive production areas of Greece. The mild Mediterranean climate with long periods of sunshine becomes ideal for agriculture and especially olive growing.

When Kalamata olives are pitted and ground,offer one more excellent product, olive paste.

We went directly to the source of original Kalamata olives. They come from the most taken care Messinian olive groves. They are collected by hand when ripened, one by one, they are washed and brined patiently in salt. After pitting, their skin is removed and then they are minced and crushed repeatedly. Finally, they are amalgamated with Extra Virgin Kalamata olive oil.

We pack them using pasteurization, through state of the art technology answering all the safety and hygiene requirements of today.

We offer them in a packaging that this product deserves: top quality glass jar, hand-labeled with graphics which narrate its story and a lot of care and love up to the last detail.

“Stories of Greek Origins” Kalamata Olive Paste from Kalamata Peloponnese, is a 100% natural olive product, with intense but natural flavor and smooth texture which describes an original gourmet delicacy.

Discover the story….enjoy the taste experience…

Price: €7.00

The olive mills that have been found by archeologists prove that Ancient Greek people, had acquired the knowledge to cultivate and harvest olive trees.

The olive tree according to the myth was created by Goddess Athina, who gifted to the Athenian people the “first olive tree of the world”, by thrusting her spear under the Acropolis. This olive tree was used for feeding, lighting, heating, health and beauty in Ancient Athens. The next olive trees around became a strong symbol of the city and were protected by law.

Aristotles studied the olive tree in a more scientific way. Solon, was the first to legislate about its protection.

Olives are very rich in monounsaturated fats which are exceptionally healthy for the heart. Due to these fats there are benefits for the cardiovascular system and the control of blood sugar. The fat oleic acid lowers bad cholesterol and raises good cholesterol levels, while alpha-linolenic acid also reduces the risk of cancer, hypertension, auto-immune diseases, gallstones and blood clots.

Moreover, as a popular part of the Mediterranean diet, Kalamata olives are a remarkable source of Vitamins E, polyphenols and flavonoids, which fight against free radicals. Their Vitamin A content helps cancer prevention and healthy eye-sight. Minerals include calcium, copper, iron and magnesium, which are good for strong bones and clear skin.

The town of Kalamata is situated amphitheatrically between the Messinian gulf and the hillsides of Taygetos, the highest mountain of Peloponnese in South Greece. The landscape is marvellous since it combines kilometers of golden sandy beaches, wild mountains, gorges and water springs. Besides those, the Messinian plain provides generously with numerous fruits and vegetables which are growing in the area thanks to the ideal Mediterranean climate. The euphoria and fruitfulness of this land along with its strategic position by the sea, were the main reasons for the continuous dominations and wars in the area.

The first elements of human presence in the area come close to 2.600 b.C. The ancient name of the city was Phares and as it was the intermediate stop between Pylos and Sparta, it was the cause for the 4 Messinian Wars from 743- 459 b.C. The area was granted to Messinians by Phillip B’ of Macedonia after the Heronia battle (338 b.C.). It was used as a basis for the Byzantines after 7^th century, especially when fighting the Slavs. The city was occupied successively by Franks and Turkish, being free for a period by Konstadinos Palaiologos, the last emperor of Byzantium. It had been developed extensively as an agricultural source, as well as a commercial and exporting center for destinations of the West. Someone had referred to Kalamata as the “Marseille of Peloponnese”. Kalamata played a significant role in the preparation of Greek Revolution of 1821.

It is a fruitful land with respectively rich history which is taking breath from the numerous archeological and historical monuments, some of them being ones of the most important of the country.


Details	Kalamata Olive Paste from the greater Kalamata region of Messinia Peloponnese.
Harvest	Hand picked in November- December 2015
Quality attributes	Olive Paste derived from very well selected Kalamata olives, with natural olive flavor, rich taste and texture, dressed generously in Extra Virgin Kalamata Olive Oil and salt. Not pasterized.
Packaging	Luxury glass jar of 180g labelled by hand with a silver cap and a safety seal.
Expiry Date	Within 18 months after packing.Once opened it is best when consumed with 2 months.
Storage	Heat, light and air can affect the quality attributes of olive products, so please store in a dark, dry and cool place to enjoy their exceptional taste until the last spoonful. Once opened, it should be refrigerated.
Usage	An ideal spread for sandwiches, crackers, Greek traditional double baked bread crisps (paximadia) or even vegetables. Perfect as a dip, or as a flavor intensifier in sauces or salads.