Thema Early Harvest is an extra virgin olive oil produced by Terra di Sitia, made from Koroneiki olives grown in the Sitia region of eastern Crete under the Sitia Lasithiou Kritis PDO designation. It is an early harvest oil, with olives picked at the beginning of the season while still unripe, which directly influences its chemical composition and sensory intensity.
Harvesting is carried out carefully to avoid damage to the fruit, and the olives are processed on the same day using cold extraction below 27°C to preserve their natural properties. The production is limited, often sourced from selected groves, sometimes at higher elevations, contributing to a higher concentration of polyphenols and aromatic compounds.
The oil is characterized by very low acidity and a high level of bioactive components, placing it in a category of oils with strong nutritional and functional value. In sensory terms, it presents an intense green profile with notes of fresh grass, olive leaves, and tomato, complemented by hints of unripe fruit such as green banana.
The taste is more pronounced than in standard extra virgin oils, with a noticeable bitterness and a persistent peppery finish. This type of oil is typically used raw, as a finishing element for salads, vegetables, fish, and simple Mediterranean dishes where its aromatic profile can stand out.
Producer
Terra di Sitia is a Cretan olive oil producer and brand based in the eastern part of the island, in the Sitia area of the Lasithi region, known for oils carrying the Sitia Lasithiou Kritis PDO designation. Established in the early 2000s, the company was created to bring together local growers and position the region’s olive oil on international markets with a clear geographical identity.
Production is centered on the Koroneiki variety, which in this area yields oils with stable chemical composition and a distinct aromatic profile. The olives are cultivated in dry and often windy conditions, sometimes at higher elevations, which contributes to slower fruit maturation and a higher concentration of aromatic compounds.
Harvested olives are transported quickly to the mills and processed in modern facilities under controlled temperatures to preserve low acidity and the oil’s natural characteristics. Terra di Sitia works with a network of local producers, ensuring continuity of supply and traceability.
Their oils typically display medium fruitiness with notes of green almond, fresh grass, and herbs, supported by balanced bitterness and a mild peppery finish.