The Mediterranean diet has been discussed as one of the healthiest all over the world for many centuries. But every dish follows a pattern and leads to this mysterious key element, which is almost part of every meal. What exactly is the gold chalice in the very middle? It's Greek olive oil.
Forget all you know about low-priced cooking oils; here we are only talking about the rich, spicy, usually fruity nectar of the best Greek olive oil that has been keeping Greek society going since ancient times. When you have been using that generic bottle, and you are wondering why your recipes are not turning out the way they should be, it is easy to say that you have not tried the original one.
This guide will not just present you to the exclusive world of Greek olive oil but will also inform you where to purchase the best bottles, either online or in your local neighborhood
The Correct way to go shopping for Greek olive oil
Before you go shop for the best Greek olive oil, I want you to take notes because this is going to make you be able to see the best out of the best. It may seem like a gambling dice roll or a lucky day charm to get a pure, undetected bottle of Organic Greek olive oil, or even better, Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).
Start by going to a large shelf in a store with a few important pieces of information, and by reading them with the eye of an expert, you will avoid the palliative fakes with ease.
This is a secret, which consists of some essential details. Firstly, the first step would be to locate the label Extra Virgin (EVOO), which would imply that it should be cold-pressed and that the biggest number of nutrients would be left. Then, have a form of abbreviation called Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) seal typically applied to an area like Crete or Kalamata, certifying its geographical origin and quality standards. Any oil in clear bottles must be suspicious; light is a foe to quality, so dark glass must be used. Lastly, the oil must be of high quality, which will be demonstrated by a low level of acidity (preferably less than 0.5%) and must be taken within 18 months of harvesting. When the label is not specific and just states Product of the EU, then forget it and go on; you need the details of where and how this Greek olive oil was produced.
Best places to buy Greek olive oil online
These are the top 6 places we recommend you if you are looking to purchase the Best Greek olive oil. Some of them also sell Traditional pure Greek olive oil soaps too.
Sakellaropoulos Organic Farms
Website: bioarmonia.gr
The Single-Estate Star: This is a family-owned estate in Sparta that is devoted to the production of high-quality organic olive products such as olive oil. They have a single-estate model, which is renowned as everything is produced and monitored on their land, and they have numerous international quality awards of somewhere in the hundreds.
Cretoikos
Website: cretoikos.com
You got olive oil straight from Crete, the land of olives: This store is operated by manufacturers in the island of Crete, which is a popular place for olives. Buying here is akin to buying certified and high quality, at the source, and its originality.
Shop Antigoni's Deli Concept
Website: shop.antigonisdeliconcept.com
Shop Antigoni's Deli Concept is a traditional store for Greek delicacies and traditional artisan foods. They have a wide variety of all dedicated to olive products, and sell only PGI and PDO verified high-quality organic Greek olive oil, and they also have a natural replacement for your chemical based harsh soaps; try their natural, traditional, pure Greek olive oil soap from Samos.
Greek Flavours
Website: greekflavours.com
The All-Greek Delicacy Hub: Although their product offerings are diverse and include numerous Greek foods, they also have a large assortment of olive oil, which is all Greek. They sell oils of numerous suppliers and origins and are a good choice when purchasing in large quantities (tins) and shipping it easily anywhere in Europe.
Best Olive Oils Store
Website: bestoliveoils.store
The Award-Winner Platform: This is an excellent marketplace, and it specifically collects the Greek olive oil brands that are the winners of gold and silver in international competitions (such as the Dubai Olive Oil Competition). They focus on complete transparency since the producers determine the prices.
The Olivest
Website: theolivest.com
The Greek Expert: They are right in Athens and collect an outstanding assortment of high-end Greek EVOOs. They classify oils by type (Koroneiki, etc.), by source (Crete, Peloponnese) and pay much attention to High Phenolic oils - the kind to which the EU has granted health claims. They provide tasting experiences in Athens, and this strengthens their expertise.
Last message
With all this, you are now over with the generic mystery oils on the supermarket shelf. Let me tell you that real Greek olive oil is not a cooking fat; it is the golden chalice, it is one of the cornerstones of health, history, and flavor that makes the Mediterranean table. It is no longer a matter of chance to find the best bottle, but a premeditated decision.
Note: make sure that it has the Extra Virgin(EVOO) writing, ensure that it has a low acidity level, and find a regional mark, such as PDO or PGI. It may be as simple as picking your favorite online expert, such as The Antigoni's Deli Concept, or going out and finding a local and honest shop; the result is the same.
FAQS
What does the label EVOO tell us about that oil?
It means the bottle of oil you are holding and reading the label EVOO from is the extra virgin olive oil. It is a very high-grade type of oil, extracted through cold pressed, giving you the purest olive oil as possible
Why should I go with the Organic Greek olive oil and not the normal olive?
Let’s begin with an understanding of olive oil, which is a kind of oil used for cooking. Some people use it as a cosmetic, and some drink it; it is rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. And the Greek olive oil has more nutritional value than the normal one, plus it has a bit better flavor too.
