The main source of income for Zakynthos, besides tourism, is olive oil. During the wintertime the olives of the approximately 2 million olive trees on the island are harvested. Each and every olive is hand picked and this takes enormous efforts.

First big nets are laid out underneath the trees. Then every branch is battered with a stick so the olives fall on the sheet below. The olives are gathered in jute bags and brought to a pressing mill. Here the olives are crunched and gently heated, the resulting pulp is separated from the warm liquid oil.

Depending on the age and size of the tree, it gains up to a 100 kilo's of olives, which turns out roughly 10 litters of the finest extra virgin olive oil. This liquid green gold has many healing qualities besides being particular healthy. Pure olive oil prevents many illnesses, slowing down the aging process and revitalizing the skin.