The olive harvest in Greece typically runs from late September to January, with most olives picked between October and December, and olives are picked by hand, with rakes or with mechanical shakers, usually over nets spread under the trees. The exact timing depends on the region and variety: early harvest olives are green and slightly bitter, while later harvest olives are riper, softer and milder. Hand picking is gentle and common on smaller farms, while rakes, shakers and nets make the work faster on larger groves. Below we explain the season, the methods and our tips in more detail.
In Greece, olive harvesting is more than just farming , it’s a centuries-old tradition that shapes local cuisine, culture, and economy. how olives are harvested affects both their taste and the quality of olive oil.
When is Olive Harvest in Greece?
The olive harvest season in Greece usually begins in late September and can continue until end of January, depending on the region and type of olive. early harvest olives are green and slightly bitter, perfect for robust extra virgin olive oil, while later harvest olives are riper, softer, and milder, ideal for table olives.
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SHOP GRAND CRU πHow to Harvest Olive Trees
There are a few common methods used in Greece:
- Hand-picking: traditional, gentle, keeps olives intact, widely used in smaller farms.
- Raking or shaking: uses small rakes or mechanical shakers to make harvesting faster.
- Nets and tarps: placed under trees to catch falling olives efficiently.
- Once picked, olives are quickly processed to prevent spoilage, especially for high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
Tips for a Successful Olive Harvest
- Avoid harvesting in wet conditions to prevent mold.
- Handle olives carefully to avoid bruising and reduce oxidation.
- Plan for storage and immediate processing if making olive oil.
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FAQ About Olive Harvest in Greece
How long does olive harvest last in Greece?
It usually lasts 1–3 months, depending on the region, olive variety, and weather conditions.
Can I harvest olives myself in Greece?
Yes, You can try it with us we are welcoming visitors for hands-on olive picking experiences, often combined with olive oil tasting tours, and so much more. Wrie to us if you are intrested, we will provide you with all informations.
What is the best time of day to harvest olives?
Early morning is ideal because temperatures are cooler, and olives are firmer, reducing damage during picking.
Do all olives get harvested at the same time?
No, olives on the same tree can ripen at different times, so farmers often pick in multiple rounds to ensure the best quality.
How are olives processed after harvest?
Olives are washed, sorted, and either pressed immediately for oil or cured for table consumption. quick processing is key to preserving flavor and preventing spoilage.
What tools are commonly used for olive harvest in Greece?
Simple tools like hand rakes, small mechanical shakers, nets, and tarps are standard. larger commercial farms may use specialized machinery.
When are olives ripe?
Olives change colour as they ripen, from green to yellowish green, then reddish or purple and finally black. In Greece this typically happens from early autumn into winter, depending on the region, variety and weather. Early harvest olives are picked while they are still green or just starting to change colour, and olives that stay longer on the tree become riper, softer and milder.
How are olives picked by hand?
Hand picking means taking the olives gently off the branches and collecting them in baskets or crates, or on nets laid out under the tree. Small hand rakes can help to loosen the fruit. It is slower than using machines, but it is gentle on the olives, which is why it is widely used on smaller farms and for table olives.
How do you know when to harvest olives?
Growers mainly look at the colour of the skin and the flesh, and many also test samples for oil content to find the right moment. The timing also depends on the oil you want to make: earlier for green, slightly bitter and robust olive oil, later for riper, softer and milder olive oil.
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