Traditional Cretan Black Olives

Traditional Cretan olives from our family groves. 

These aren’t just olives — they’re part of our family’s story. Grown in the sun-drenched Messara valley, in the southernmost part of Crete, our olives come from trees that are over 200 years old. This ancient variety is unique to our region and can’t be planted anymore — once these trees are gone, they’re gone.

For generations, our family has cared for these trees using the same methods our great-grandfathers used. We still harvest the olives by hand and marinate them with sea salt and wild herbs, using a recipe that’s been passed down — and kept secret — through the years.

The green olives are picked early in the season for a firm texture and a fresh, slightly tangy taste. The black ones are left to ripen longer, giving them a deeper, richer flavour. Both come from the same trees — just harvested at different times.

These olives are a true taste of old Crete — simple, traditional, and full of flavour.

Approximately 65 olives per jar. Consume within 1 month after opening.

Note: After opening the jar, you might notice a white layer forming on top of the olives. This is a natural crystallization of the sea salt and is completely harmless. It is not mold, but a normal occurrence due to the absence of preservatives or chemicals. Simply stir or rinse gently — and enjoy!