Organic High-Polyphenol Olive Oil from Crete
OLEUM CRETE Bio Early Harvest is made from Koroneiki olives picked early in the season in the Messara area of southern Crete.
Picking the olives early gives the oil its fresh green character, with a rich flavour, a little bitterness and a peppery finish. It’s the sort of olive oil you notice when you use it on its own, rather than something that disappears into a dish.
It’s also certified organic and cold-extracted, and comes in a 500ml bottle that’s easy to keep to hand in the kitchen.
We particularly like it for simple dishes where the olive oil gets a chance to do its thing - a Greek salad, warm bread, tomatoes, grilled vegetables or a plate of fish.
What Makes Early Harvest Olive Oil High in Polyphenols?
Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds found in olives and extra virgin olive oil. The amount present can vary depending on the olive variety, when the olives are picked and the conditions in which the oil is produced.
Early harvesting, when the olives are still relatively green, can result in an oil with a fresher aroma, more pronounced flavour and a peppery finish.
OLEUM CRETE Bio Early Harvest combines early-harvest Koroneiki olives with certified organic production, giving you an olive oil with a fresh, lively character.
Taste Profile
There’s a fresh green aroma when you first open the bottle, followed by a rich olive flavour and a peppery finish.
The pepper comes through particularly well when the oil is used as a dressing or drizzled over food just before serving. There’s also a gentle bitterness, which is part of what gives an early-harvest olive oil its character.
How to Use OLEUM CRETE Early Harvest Olive Oil
- Drizzle over Greek salads or fresh vegetables
- Finish grilled vegetables, fish or meat
- Serve with bread for dipping
- Mix with lemon juice for a simple Greek-style dressing
- Add just before serving to keep the fresh flavour noticeable
- Use anywhere you want a more pronounced, peppery olive oil
It’s particularly good with simple food where you can taste the oil properly - tomatoes, feta, warm bread, grilled vegetables or a Greek salad.
From Messara, Crete
The Messara area in southern Crete has a long tradition of olive growing. OLEUM CRETE Early Harvest is made from Koroneiki olives grown in this part of the island.
The oil carries the Messara PDO designation, identifying its protected geographical origin and linking it to the Messara area of Crete.
