Kalpáky’s values reflect the respect Messinian olive trees are cared for.
Messinian olive oil is communal.
Pressed olive oil is stored together in large stainless steel containers - after being categorised for quality.
When farmers press their olives, they receive a receipt indicating how many litres they own within the collective olive oil pot.
This works on communal trust and perseveres across generations.
Most farmers in the region are small-scale,
operating family-owned groves.
Labour-intensive methods are used during harvest. Farmers use long, hand-held tree rakes and machines that separate the olives from the branches without affecting the fruit.
These traditional methods ensure each tree is respected, cared for, and pruned according to its unique needs.
(fi-lo-kse-ní-a)
Φιλοξενία
From the words φίλος (friend) and ξένος (stranger).
Meaning “care and generosity toward strangers/guests”.
A virtue ingrained in Greek culture emphasising kindness, hospitality, warmth.
When asking for the bill at a classic Greek taverna, you will receive a dessert
free of charge. This is φιλοξενία.
(di-ke-o-sí-ni)
Δικαιοσύνη
Meaning “just, fair”.
Associated with righteousness, integrity, fostering trust, social comfort.
A key virtue in Greek philosophy.
Respect for the tree flows into its fruit.
Messinian extra virgin olive oil is high in polyphenols, the compounds with health benefits.
This is ensured by caring for the olives also after harvest. Olives are cold-pressed (temperature stays below 27°C) into an olive paste, before separating the oil.
Cold-pressing ensures all nutrients and qualities remain intact.
The quality of olive oil is measured with free fatty acidity (FFA). This indicates how many ‘bad pieces’ are present in the oil by nature or by sneaking through pressing.
Olive oil with FFA <0.8% is classified as ‘extra virgin’.
Kalpáky’s extra virgin olive oil ranges between 0.2-0.5%, depending on the harvest.
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(All photos taken in Messinia, Greece on analog film.)
