FAQ

The water of Zakros flows in abundance and quality from the natural springs of the mountains into the river, then in the sea. A state program for the construction of a dam in our area to store this water, is under consideration. It is a gift of nature, that allows us to use it for the washing of the olive fruit in the mill, clean and in natural flow, without any additional energy use. After its use, it ends up in the sewage tanks for evaporation. A goal of the Cooperative for the future, provided that the respective resources allow it, is to construct a water recycling unit.

An olive tree of the Koroneiki variety, around 50 years of age, can give about 150 kilos of olive fruit. The Koroneiki olives, almost a monoculture in Zakros, may be small in size, but produce delicious, quality and aromatic olive oil. As for proportions, one needs about 4 kilos of olives to produce one kilo of olive oil, if picked within November to December. In January, about 3 kilos of olives produce 1 kilo of olive oil. These months are the best timeframe for the olive harvest, because the fruit is at the proper ripening stage. It is ripe enough to produce more and better-quality olive oil, with a distinct fruity taste. In October, the olive fruits are harvested for the production of early harvest olive oil or “agoureleo”. At that time, 7 kilos of olives are needed to produce one kilo of olive oil, using the means currently at our disposal. Despite the lower yield, this olive oil, the “omfakinon” or “omotrives”, according to our ancient ancestors, has a strong pungent (spicy) taste and burning sensation in the throat, an indication of a particularly high concentration of antioxidants.

Our current goal is to develop our production process in conformity with the requirements of the Integrated Management System. We are working on sustainability - oriented cultivation methods and invest in research and development of new products and services. We are working on establishing our brand identity and direct contact with our consumers. Our main goal is for olive oil consumers to get to know our region, the lifestyle revolving around the olive tree, and the true value of the product, which lies in its contribution to health and to the preservation of rural communities, so that they can smoothly produce real food, for the whole world.

The offer is satisfactory; however, we are always open to new collaborations, as there is plenty of work to go around! Our workforce consists of the producers’ families, of residents of the area, as well as of seasonal workers covering our needs and ensuring a quick harvest and transfer of the fruits to the olive mill within a few hours. Then, the speed of production, done in two lines using a common (joint) milling system, ensures the freshness and vitality of the fruit, offering its natural juice. Harvesting period is a celebration to us and, traditionally, one of the most joyful times of the year. We are happy to offer work to people who are not just eager to make a living, but who also appreciate the contact with earth and nature, performing a task that is perfectly compatible with human nature and the functionality of the human body. Recruitment starts in October. For more information, you can submit your request to [email protected].