🌿 Summer at Yapapi: Olive Fruit Fly, Drought & How to Protect Your Olive Trees Naturally
Dear friends of Yapapi, We’re now in the heart of summer (August 2025) and the olive trees have begun to show us how the season is going. You may remember that last year, we struggled with extreme heat and very dry soil due to almost no rainfall. This year, our greatest threat is the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae) — a tiny insect with a massive impact. It lays eggs inside the olive, triggering oxidation and deteriorating the oil’s quality day by day. What Does the Olive Fruit Fly Do? The fruit fly bites into the olive to...
Summer at Yapapi: Olive Trees, Sea Breezes, and the Greek Way of Life
We are deep in the heart of summer, and if there’s one thing everyone knows, it’s that Greece and summer are made for each other. Think hot sun, crystal-clear seas, long lazy afternoons, and the unmistakable scent of the Mediterranean. That’s exactly the view from Yapapi right now—a slice of paradise nestled between the sea and the olive groves. Just 5km from the charming coastal town of Foinikounta, Yapapi is surrounded by everything that makes a Greek summer unforgettable. Foinikounta may be small, but it’s beloved by those who’ve discovered it. Known for its laid-back vibe, family-friendly beaches, and...
Why Transparent Bottles Are a Poor Choice for Extra Virgin Olive Oil – and Why We Use Tinplate Canisters
☀️ Light “kills” olive oil Exposure to light — especially sunlight — causes photo-oxidation, a process that degrades the quality of olive oil. It leads to the loss of antioxidants, chlorophyll, carotenoids, and results in unpleasant oxidative notes. Studies show that within just 5 weeks, olive oil stored in clear glass bottles shows significantly increased peroxide levels and acidity. In contrast, oil stored in opaque or dark containers remains stable and protected. Example: Packaging Type Effect Over 12 Months Clear glass bottle Direct light → intense oxidation, loss of flavor & aroma Dark glass bottle No sunlight → much...
Why the Expiration Date of Olive Oil Matters | Freshness & Quality – Yapapi
Many people believe olive oil is indestructible and never really “goes bad.” The truth, however, is a bit different — olive oil is a living product, full of phenols, antioxidants, and nutrients that gradually diminish over time. What affects olive oil: • Acidity: A key indicator of how fresh and well-protected the oil is. At Yapapi, it remains below 0.3% (often around 0.221%) — proof of top-quality fruit and careful pressing just hours after harvest. • Nutrients: Phenols (like oleocanthal, oleuropein), vitamin E, and monounsaturated fats naturally decrease over time. Why you should check the date: • Legislation: Sets expiration...