Olives were first introduced into Cyprus in 3000.B.C, from Micro Asia. The olive tree which now exists is believed to have been bought to Cyprus by the Romans. It is known as the 'Cyprus Olive Oil Tree'. This olive tree takes many forms and produce is varied in shape. The oil is known as very high quality oil, with a fruity aroma. It's production is unreliable from season to
season.

In 1977, the 'Koroneiki' was introduced. Very productive with excellent results. It's characteristics are acknowledged in the resistance to many diseases; it's high production of olives; withstanding winds, frost and heat. Moreover, it is drought resistant.

Some areas of Cyprus are very much like the climatic conditions of Darwin and Western Australia. Cyprus also has spells of severe drought in some areas of the island. There is currently a 6 year drought in our area. Unusually, there is more than one variety of 'Koroneiki'. The variety we have is guaranteed to be pure in quality (perhaps grafted?). It is a medium size
olive with the same potential of oil production.

I have translated the varieties in Cyprus from a Greek-Cypriot Agriculture booklet.
'Many olive trees are grown and sold by the Cyprus Government, at very competitive prices', compared to the retail outlets.
The varieties are as follows:

TABLE OLIVES: Kortal; Sevillano; Kouko; Kalamata.
OIL OLIVES: 'Cyprus olive oil tree'; Picual; Manzalino; Koroneiki; Morayolo.
ON TRIAL: St. Agoustino; Askolana; Pisiolina; Karolea and Hojiblanca.

OUR ENTERPRISE

We currently have a selection of trees on our property. Ten 'Cyprus olive oil trees ' (70-150 years old); Arbequina; Manzalino; Picual; Morayolo and Sevillano.

We produce oil from some or all of the varieties mentioned and bottle it for the tourists who visit us. The oils are used for hair conditioner; salad dressing and massage (aromatherapy). This is integrated to our other venture 'Utopia Tribal Gallery'. The home grown products are under the label name and are sold as 'extra virgin oil' organic. We use animal manures and spray crops with a garlic/bio-degradable detergent solution. It appears to protect the crop, and with the encouragement of the use of permaculture; camilion lizards and birds.

The property is in a valley which is 60 feet above sea level. It comprises undulating ground and various climatic conditions throughout the day and night. There are 200 hundred trees at the moment, in different stages of growth. It has ground irrigation, a bore 500feet underground.
Although slightly salty in taste, the water does not seem to have any adverse affect on the final product.

In concluding: the Cyprus Government believes that the best variety of olive is the 'Koroneiki', for the island's terrain and conditions. As mentioned previously, it is for oil production.