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The olive stone mill in Malta, Stavropigio, is a remarkable living testament to the region's rich history and its enduring relationship with olive oil production. Established during the period of Turkish rule in 1765, the mill has the unique distinction of being perhaps the only traditional olive stone mill in Greece still operating today.
The mill is steeped in history, having once been the site where the first bey of Mani, Tzanetos Koutifaris, produced his oil. Intriguingly, the mill was also frequented by the Turkish tax collector, Mavrikos, who would collect the "tax of the Tenth" based on the weight of the products. A steelyard used for this very purpose still exists at the mill, connecting the present day with its historic past.
One of the defining features of this mill is its use of millstones made out of granite. These stone wheels rotate to crush the olives, creating a pulp known as "hamouri." This traditional method has the advantage of preserving all the beneficial elements and vitamins found in olive oil, offering a product of exceptional quality.
Over the centuries, the mill has evolved to keep pace with technological advancements. Initially operated manually, it later transitioned to horsepower and is now motorized. Despite these changes, the fundamental way the mill processes olives remains the same, ensuring the preservation of traditional methods.
The Skarpalezos family has been at the helm of this olive oil production for over 200 years, intertwining their own history with that of the mill. This makes the olive stone mill not just a place for olive oil production but also a living repository of Messinia’s folklore and tradition.
For anyone interested in the history of olive oil, traditional agricultural practices, or the folklore of Messinia, a visit to this olive stone mill would offer a rare glimpse into a way of life that has been preserved for centuries.
