Defining Permaculture
The term Permaculture, that derives from the combination of the words permanent and (agri)culture, involves the harmonious collaboration between humans and nature in an effort to make agriculture sustainable, long-lasting and resilient. Permaculture involves a selection of methods that aim to imitate the way nature works, and limits techniques that may be harmful to the ecosystem.
Applying Permaculture
Permaculture plays a fundamental part in our corporate philosophy, as our experts are working along with nature to produce premium organic olive oil. The farm is mainly growing olive trees, but at the same time it remains a welcoming natural habitat of many supportive species that assist in the proliferation of biodiversity. An abundance of fresh herbs and a selection of trees such as pomegranate, azaroles, carob trees and fig opuntias can be found on the farm, while wild flora is maintained for the sustainability of bees and other useful insects. Moreover, our organic farm acts as a friendly host to bird nests, which work as a natural pest control.
Our organic farm also functions as a “carbon sink” which not only contributes to the fight against climate change through building soil, but it also results in the valuable enrichment of the soil with carbon. In an effort to mimic nature, the farm features an artificial lake, which collects rainwater for the irrigation of our olive trees.
The Production Process of Atsas Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil involves all phases of planting, growing, harvesting, processing, and bottling.
Planting
The unique conditions of the location of the farm require using every single raindrop available. For this reason, planting at the Atsas farm begins with the preservation of rain. The farm employs a number of rainwater harvesting techniques, such as dams and gabions, which are crucial to the planting process.
Growing
A trivial part of growing involves maintaining the soil healthy, as it constitutes a necessary requirement for the trees to receive many essential nutrients. Our team of experts works towards preserving the soil in good quantity, while maximizing its diversity.
Harvesting
Harvest time is a crucially important time of the year. This part of the production process is completed in different stages, following the needs of each blend/variety. The harvesting period for the Atsas Silver and Gold editions begins at the end of August, while a month later the harvest for 7 Elies commences. Olives are handpicked with great care, so that bruising is avoided, and are quickly transferred to our in-house mill. Promptness in timing plays a crucial role in the making of olive oil as it aids in the preservation of its superior quality.
Processing
The technologically-advanced mill which is conveniently and strategically located in the premises of the Atsas organic farm incorporates a carefully designed system. Our organic farm abstains from any practices which may impact on the excellent quality of our organic products, such as milling with heat or with the addition of water. Further, we pay careful attention to the milling process in its entirety and examine all other critical parameters that may affect various quality attributes.
Bottling Process
The bottling process of Atsas Extra Virgin Olive Oil takes place on the ground of our organic farm. The process begins with the careful and manual cleaning of the bottles with compressed air. Then, the olive oil is bottled and packaged by hand, to ensure maximum protection and highest-possible quality.
The Bottle
Packaging and storage are critical in safeguarding extra virgin olive oil’s premium quality and organoleptic properties. By reason of that, 7 Elies is stored in an elegant dark brown bottle while the Silver, Gold and Limited Editions are stored in distinguishable and smart-looking black bottles, which prevent direct contact with light and oxidation that lead to quality deterioration.