Production

In Asterousia, the production of olive oil and dairy products is dominant, but the residents also occupy themselves with other activities as well. Fishing, tourism, olive cultivation, cheese making, livestock husbandry, poultry farming, bee keeping, cultivating herbs and vegetables, production of wine or sultana grapes are only some of the activities of the residents of Asterousia.

The region has been inextricably linked with olive oil for thousands of years. The cultivation of olive trees is evident as early as the Neolithic era; however, the first remains proving the production of olive oil (mainly at a family level) are observed in the pre-palatial period. In fact, olive pomaces have been discovered in tombs in Levina (nowadays known as Lentas). Olive cultivation in Crete developed even more during the Old Palatial Period, the New Palatial Period, and the Final Palatial Period, constituting the main source of income for the Minoans.

This information is attested to by pithoi, amphorae, jars, murals, and sculptures that have been found in Asterousia and other areas as well.

Furthermore, cheese making is yet another important chapter of the gastronomy and history of the Cretan land. Cheese making is the art of making cheese, and the Cretans, especially the residents of the Asterousia Mountains, seem to be very familiar with it.

The rare flora of the Asterousia Mountains, in combination with the sea breeze and the ancient expertise inherited by their ancestors, renders the dairy products of these people especially delicious and of high quality.
Traditional Cretan cheese making is even present in Cretan mythology, seeing as Zeus grew up drinking the milk of the goat Amaltheia. Although the production methods have evolved in order to meet modern requirements and standards, the basic techniques have remained unchanged throughout history.

The Asterousia Mountains are still “decorated” with the mitata “shelters”, which – even today – some producers use as cheese dairies, preserving the great reputation of their past.