Polyphenols are a group of compounds present in olive oil that are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds are easily degraded by exposure to heat, light, and oxygen during cooking. However, there are some cooking methods that can help preserve the polyphenol content in olive oil. The oil is unfiltered and unblended, made entirely from the juice of the fruit of the olive, which is harvested early in the season for maximum flavor and health benefits. At the time of bottling, this olive oil contains 420 mg/kg of polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals and promote health. As much as Solon’s law was recognition of the religious and cultural significance of the olive tree, it would have surely been aimed also at protecting the economic advantage gained from a vibrant olive oil industry. The Cretans and Phoenicians were the great oil salesmen of their day, trading throughout the Mediterranean. By the time of the Romans, olive oil production was codified and classified into 10 different grades. As ever, the slaves had the worst of it – their oil, known as “cibbarim”, was made from diseased fruit.

Racil H, Loukil M, Ferah Y, et al. The pollen-food olive-olive syndrome. Tunis Med. 2015;93(5):326-327. In essence, each drop of Istrian olive oil is not just a product but a testament to a time-honored tradition nurtured by nature itself. The story continues as we delve into the nuances of Croatian extra virgin olive oil in the upcoming section. Croatian Extra Virgin Olive Oil Olive oil was an important export of Mycenaean Greece (c. 1450–1150 BCE) when they frequently traded with the Phoenicians and even parts of North Africa. Researchers believe that at this time, olives were placed in woven mats and squeezed to extract oil. This process continued – and was also used by the Egyptians – through the Hellenistic period.Today, virgin olive oil and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) are still cold extracted via mechanical methods.

If all else fails, find a reputable company, and buy small bottles from them to try. If you’re local to a company that produces olive oil, ask to tour their facility or see where the olives are grown or produced. Olive trees are not easy to propagate by seed, as the juvenile phase is so long. It takes about 10-16 years for an olive tree to bear fruit. What’s more, the offspring also bear little resemblance to the mother tree. Berrougui H, Ikhlef S, Khalil A. Extra virgin olive oil polyphenols promote cholesterol efflux and improve HDL functionality. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:208062. doi:10.1155/2015/208062 The economic and cultural importance of olives has ensured that the mythology surrounding the tree is deep, varied and entirely without regard for social or religious boundaries. The olive was one of three trees (the others being the cypress and cedar) that sprang from seeds from the Tree of Knowledge sown by Adam’s son. An olive branch in the beak of a dove marked the end of the biblical flood, and has for centuries been a symbol of peace. All extra virgin olive oil is made from cold-pressed olives, whereas regular olive oil will be a blend, combining processed oils in the mix. Extra virgin olive oil is therefore a healthier choice, retaining more of the natural antioxidants and vitamins that can be lost during processing.

Unravel the threads of time, and you'll find the roots of Croatian olive oil intertwined with the history of Roman occupation. Olives and their liquid gold held a sacred place in Roman society. Whether for culinary use, lighting lamps, or anointing bodies in religious rites, olive oil was indispensable.

What makes this olive oil stand out is the unique combination of sun, soil, and microclimate of the Iblei Mountains. These elements create the perfect environment for the olives to develop intense and fresh aromas that are unmistakable. The "Segreto Degli Iblei" Extra Virgin Olive Oil has been recognized for its exceptional quality, winning the World's Best Olive Oil for 2021 in both the World Olive Oil Competition and the New York International Olive Oil Competition. Reduced risk of heart disease: Polyphenols in olive oil can improve heart health by reducing inflammation and promoting healthy blood vessel function. This olive oil has a delightful flavor that will enhance any dish. It has a fresh, green, and light texture with hints of tomatoes and artichokes, and a fine peppery finish that is a sign of its high polyphenol content. Just a daily tablespoon can go a long way in adding flavor and health benefits to your meals. That said, there have been instances in the world where it hasn’t just been an innocuous mix of cheaper vegetable oils. In an extreme case in 1981: 1,200 people died almost instantly and 25,000 people were hospitalized with neurological damage north of Madrid. It was from consuming olive oil that was in large part industrial rapeseed oil. It had an additive in it called aniline, which is a severe neurotoxin. It was one of the worst food catastrophes and food poisoning events in world history. And nobody talks about it.

An Extra Virgin Olive Oil Unlike Any Other

According to a University of California at Davis study, more than two-thirds of common brands of extra-virgin olive oil found in California grocery stores aren’t what they claim to be. The European Commission didn't simply stumble upon this gem from Croatia. It was recognition earned through rigorous standards and unyielding commitment to quality. The stamp of approval as a high-quality product underlines Croatia's dedication to preserving its ancient heritage while embracing modern techniques in olive oil production.