Can anyone tell me the origin of the variety known as Jumbo Kalamata?
I understand that it does not originate in Kalamata [Greece].
As I have both the standard Kalamata and Jumbo Kalamata growing in close
proximity it would appear that the 'Jumbo' doesn't suffer from a lack of
boron in the soil which affects the standard Kalamata fairly dramatically in
our area [to the coast from Bega].
If anyone has experience in growing both I would be keen to learn of your
experience.

Alan Watt
Tanja Olives

Hi Alan

Whatever the origin, and assuming it is genetically different to cv.
Kalamata, the name of the cultivar and its products will have to be
changed rather sooner than later.

The Greeks have become very touchy about the use of "Kalamata".

We have a proliferation of various non-genuine cultivars being proffered
as "Calamata Type", "Calamata Style", "Calamata" and even "Kalamata". It
is my contention that this type of thing will inevitably lead to a
serious clampdown on the use of the word "Kalamata".

As long as one is using the genuine cultivar, originally obtained from
Kalamata in Greece, there is no way that anyone can be stopped from
using this correct cultivar name. In all other cases, it is inviting
trouble.

Regards,

Guido Costa
South Africa

I AM FROM GREECE AND THE TERM "JUMBO KALAMATA" IS NEW TO ME. GREEKS CALL THEM "ΧΟΝΔΡΟΕΛΙΑ" HONDROELIA (fat-olive) AND IT IS MARKETED HERE IN USA BY THIS NAME. europi@juno.com