Ziro Sitia Early Harvest Organic EVOO is an organic early-harvest extra virgin olive oil produced in Sitia, on the Greek island of Crete. It is made from Koroneiki olives, a native Greek variety traditionally cultivated in the region and appreciated for producing intensely aromatic oils with a high concentration of natural antioxidants.
The olives are harvested in October, while still firm and intensely green. At this early stage of ripeness, the fruit contains elevated levels of polyphenols and aromatic compounds, giving the oil its pronounced organoleptic character. The finished oil is presented in a 500 ml glass bottle, which helps protect its freshness and sensory properties.
Ziro Sitia Early Harvest Organic EVOO has an expressive aroma combining flowers, exotic fruit, olive leaves, and pear. On the palate, it offers the freshness of unripe olives, followed by peppery and leafy notes that create its characteristic bitterness and pungency. It pairs particularly well with fresh fish, potatoes, savory spreads, and, more unusually, chocolate mousse.
Producer
Ziro Sitia is an olive oil producer based in the Sitia region on the eastern part of Crete, an area known for its Protected Designation of Origin status for olive oil. Established in 2014, the company focuses on the production, processing, and distribution of extra virgin olive oil with a strong emphasis on quality and regional identity.
Its oils are primarily made from the Koroneiki variety, which is well adapted to the local environment and known for its stable composition and aromatic potential. The olives are cultivated in the Ziros area, within the Sitia Geopark, where specific climatic and geological conditions influence the character of the oil. Production is carried out in limited quantities, with careful harvesting practices often taking place early in the season to preserve both aromatic intensity and nutritional value.
The olives are processed shortly after harvest through cold extraction, reducing oxidation and maintaining freshness. In sensory terms, Ziro olive oils typically show pronounced fruitiness, balanced bitterness, and a clear pungency, with aromatic notes that may include fresh grass, artichoke, and green fruit.