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Greek Olive Oil: Extra Virgin, Straight From the Producer
Greece is one of the world's largest producers of extra virgin olive oil, and thanks to the biodiversity of the Greek land the quality is high. At Greek Flavours you can buy Greek extra virgin olive oil online and have it shipped from Greece to the United States, chosen for how it tastes and cooks rather than how it looks on a shelf.
Greek olive oil comes from several native varieties. The best known are Koroneiki, Kalamon (Kalamata), Chalkidiki, Konservolia, Ladolia and Thasitiki, each shaped by the micro-climate of its region. Koroneiki, from Messinia in the western Peloponnese, is the variety behind most Greek extra virgin oil and is known for a high concentration of polyphenols.
How to Recognize a Good Extra Virgin Olive Oil
A good oil shows in its aroma and taste. Pour a little into a glass, warm it in your hand, cover it, then breathe in. The aromas of a quality oil range from fresh cut grass and almond to lemon, orange and herbs. Sip it and roll it in your mouth. A fruity note, with some bitterness and a peppery finish at the back of the throat, is the sign of a fresh, healthy oil.
How to Use Greek Olive Oil
Use extra virgin olive oil raw to finish salads, pulses, grilled vegetables and fish, where its aroma comes through. For everyday cooking a standard extra virgin oil works well. In a Greek kitchen it is the most-used ingredient, poured with a generous hand rather than measured by the drop.
A Short History
Olive cultivation in Greece goes back to the Bronze Age, and for the ancient Greeks olives and oil were the main source of fat in the daily diet. The olive tree was a symbol of peace and wisdom and, in myth, the gift of Athena to the city of Athens. The same tree still feeds the Greek table today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Olive Oil
What makes Greek olive oil different?
Most Greek extra virgin oil comes from the Koroneiki variety, which tends to be aromatic and high in polyphenols. Greece produces a large share of the world's extra virgin oil, much of it from small family groves.
Is Greek olive oil good quality?
Greek oil is largely extra virgin, the top grade, cold-extracted from the fruit. Look for a harvest date, a fruity aroma and a peppery finish, all signs of a fresh oil.
What is the difference between extra virgin and regular olive oil?
Extra virgin olive oil is pressed from the fruit without heat or chemicals and meets the strictest quality limits. Regular or refined oil is processed and milder, with less aroma and fewer polyphenols.
How should I store olive oil?
Keep it in a cool, dark cupboard, tightly closed, away from heat and light. Stored this way an unopened bottle keeps well for months.
How long does delivery take?
Orders are prepared in 2 to 4 working days and then shipped from Greece, with transit time added on top. Olive oil is shelf-stable and travels at room temperature.
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