The Best Olive Trees for Olive Oil
Our Ancient Olive Trees Lianolia, A Native of Corfu
International studies show that the olive variety is the essential factor determining the quality of the olive fruit and its oil. The Lianolia olive is native to Corfu and the Ionian Sea region. It is a demanding variety which, under the right conditions and care, produces an exceptional quality extra virgin olive oil unusually high in beneficial polyphenols.
Corfu is Greece’s northernmost region for olive cultivation. It receives considerably greater rainfall compared to the rest of Greece and provides the ideal micro-climate for the demanding Lianolia olive. The Lianolia olive variety, in particular, likes a high amount of ground and atmospheric moisture to produce its rich foliage and finest quality olives.
The family groves are located near Agios Mathios village, on Mount Gamillios, between sea level and 130 meters. Three generations of Dafnis family members lovingly tend the aged Lianolia olive trees, none of which are under 100 years old. Many of the family trees have been flourishing for over 500 years on the fertile slopes leading down and into the sea.
Each one of the 1500 olive trees is treated like a friend. The secret to the family's healthy trees is maintaining a balance between the roots, trunk, leaves and respecting the different needs of the younger and the older trees. Nature, the sun, wind and rain- take care of the rest.
There are estimated to be as many as 4 million olive trees on Corfu island, both wild and cultivated. Corfu olive trees are special. Many of them were planted hundreds of years ago and Corfu hosts some of the world’s oldest olive groves.
During the 16th century, under the Venetian Occupation, the island produced olive oil for the Vatican. The olive trees were not destroyed in Greece’s wars and were allowed to grow very tall, 25 meters high, providing cool shade as well as olives and oil. Corfu’s ancient olive groves have inspired many artists. There is an olive museum at Kynopiastes, where visitors can see many interesting traditional exhibits of olive production.
