Feature Photo Credit: The Olive House
During a recent holiday in Greece, a visit to The Olive House in Corfu led to an unforgettable olive oil tasting experience and a tour of The Governor Olive Oil Mill. The scenic landscape, lush with ancient olive trees, set the tone for a unique journey into the world of high-quality olive oil. Here, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the art of olive oil tasting, guided by experts who passionately share the story and benefits of their craft.
Guided tours lead you through the olive mill, unveiling every stage of both the traditional and more contemporary processing and extraction methods. We witnessed the meticulous storing and standardisation areas and were inspired by the internationally acclaimed awards of this amazing olive oil.
OLIVE OIL TASTING AT THE OLIVE HOUSE
The highlight of the visit was the moment we had our first taste of the award-winning, limited edition, The Governor Olive Oil. The experience was guided and deliberate, beginning with a small amount of the oil poured into a specially designed tasting glass. As instructed, we warmed the glass gently in our hands, swirling the golden liquid and inhaling deeply to take in its aroma.
The scent was rich and fresh, reminiscent of the sun-drenched olive groves with hints of lemon, mown grass and thyme and the aroma of the countryside after a sudden rain.
Next, it was time to taste the oil. As the oil touched the back of our throats, it activated taste receptors, producing a peppery sensation that was both surprising and invigorating. The distinct bite of oleocanthal was unmistakable, causing a slight cough – a natural response and a hallmark of high phenolic olive oils. This intense, peppery kick signified the oil’s rich concentration of phenols and its potent health benefits.
Following the initial tasting, we were encouraged to try the oil with a variety of foods. First, it was drizzled it over a classic Greek salad, where its bold, fruity flavour complemented the fresh tomatoes and creamy feta. Next, we dipped chunks of crusty bread into the oil, savouring its smooth texture and complex taste. Other interesting flavours that appeared as an aftertaste included green apple, almond, artichoke, green tomatoes and asparagus!
Olive oil is both enjoyable and health-enhancing
Finally, we were introduced to a delightful combination: the olive oil paired with Greek yogurt, drizzled with local honey, and a dollop of vegan jam. This unique blend of flavours was not only delicious but also showcased the versatility of the oil.
Throughout the tasting, our guide emphasized the importance of consuming high phenolic olive oil in its natural form daily to maximize its health benefits. This simple, yet powerful practice integrates easily into a variety of dishes, from salads and bread to sweet combinations with yogurt and honey, making the daily intake of this liquid gold both enjoyable and health-enhancing.
The Governor Olive Oil
The Governor Olive Oil, renowned for its high phenolic content, is a product of meticulous craftsmanship by the Dafnis family, who have been cultivating olives on the island of Corfu for over a century. The tour began with an introduction to the rich history of the olive tree in Greece, a symbol of life and vitality that has shaped Greek culture for millennia. The Governor, named in honour of Count Ioannis Capodistrias, the first governor of independent Greece, is crafted from the ancient “Lianolia” olive variety, tended with care at the family’s mill in the historic village of Aghios Mathaios.
The experience underscored the importance of olive oil in the Mediterranean diet, known for contributing to the high life expectancy of people in the region. The Governor Olive Oil, in particular, stands out due to its high levels of oleocanthal, a phenolic compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
What Does High Phenolic Mean?
Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant, which are naturally found in various plant foods, and are the main element of what makes olive oil healthy. You’ve likely heard of some types of polyphenols, such as tannic acid and flavonoids. Polyphenols can reduce your risk of disease by preventing or even reversing the damage to your cells caused by aging, environment, diet, and lifestyle. “High phenolic” simply means that a food is high in polyphenols.
What Makes High Phenolic Olive Oil Different?
While all extra virgin olive oils contain polyphenols, high phenolic olive oils like The Governor stand out due to their significantly higher concentration of these beneficial compounds. Unlike refined olive oil, which is made using high heat and chemicals that strip away phenols, high phenolic olive oil is produced with methods that preserve its healthful properties. Extra virgin olive oil is crafted without excessive heat or chemical treatment, maintaining its low acidity and natural fruity or bitter flavour, which reflect the character of the olives used.
Several factors contribute to the superior quality and health benefits of high phenolic olive oil.
Olive varietal
The type of olive used is crucial, as not all varieties can produce high phenolic content. The Governor, for example, as mentioned previously, is made from the ancient “Lianolia” variety, which is naturally rich in polyphenols.
Harvesting
The timing of the olive harvest is crucial for maximizing polyphenol content. To ensure the highest levels of these beneficial compounds, olives must be picked while they are still green and unripe. Although this method yields less oil, it greatly enhances the health benefits of the final product. This is why each crop yields only 140,000 of The Governor Limited Edition Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).
Harvesting at The Olive House, involves the olive trees being carefully shaken for just seven seconds, allowing the olives to gently fall onto a cotton sheet below. This meticulous process prevents damage to the olives, unlike modern methods that use plastic nets.
Storage Conditions
Proper storage conditions are essential to preserving the phenolic levels. The freshness of the oil and the speed with which it reaches consumers are critical to maintaining its health-promoting properties, ensuring that the oil remains rich in polyphenols and is fully effective. At The Olive House the olives are harvested and processed on the same day, thus preserving the integrity and quality of the olives.
The Health Benefits of The Governor Olive Oil
High phenolic olive oil, such as The Governor, is an exceptional choice for anyone looking to enhance their wellness through food. More than just a gourmet product, The Governor Olive Oil is a testament to the profound health benefits associated with high phenolic extra virgin olive oil. Rich in polyphenols, particularly oleocanthal, hydroxytyrosol, and oleuropein, it provides powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect against cellular damage, reduce the risk of various diseases, supporting cardiovascular health, and potentially protecting against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and even manages conditions like cancer.
The Governor Olive Oil is also known for its participation in numerous scientific projects around the world. With one of the highest concentrations of oleocanthal ever recorded, The Governor Olive Oil stands out as a superior choice for those seeking to enhance their overall health and well-being through diet. Some of the great benefits of consuming this olive oil on a daily basis include:
Enhancing Brain Function
Studies have shown that replacing other vegetable oils with high phenolic olive oil can significantly improve cognitive function. For older adults, this change can lead to notable improvements in memory and mental clarity, even for those with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease. In animal studies, consistent consumption of high phenolic olive oil has been linked to a reduction in Alzheimer’s-related protein aggregates in the brain, promoting better memory and cognitive health.
Managing Diabetes
Research has demonstrated that high phenolic olive oil can be an effective tool in managing diabetes. The polyphenols in this olive oil type help regulate blood sugar levels by inhibiting enzymes linked to diabetes. In some cases, these compounds have been found to be more effective than conventional diabetes medications, providing a natural way to enhance insulin sensitivity and control blood glucose.
Reducing Inflammation
High phenolic olive oil is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, as oleocanthal has exactly the same pharmaceutical properties like ibupfofen. Compounds like oleocanthal and hydroxytyrosol work to neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which are major contributors to chronic inflammation. Regular consumption of this olive oil can help lower inflammation markers and protect against diseases such as arthritis and other chronic inflammatory conditions.
Fighting Cancer
The high concentration of polyphenols in this olive oil has been linked to reduced cancer risks, particularly in the Mediterranean region where high phenolic olive oil is a dietary staple. These polyphenols can selectively target and kill cancer cells while sparing healthy ones, reducing the side effects often associated with chemotherapy. Research has shown that high phenolic olive oil may have therapeutic potential against various cancers, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, glioblastoma, and melanoma.
The Governor Olive Oil has generously supported this crucial research by donating high phenolic olive oil. Preclinical research showed that oleocanthal from olive oil and curcumin could shrink NF1 tumours. The clinical trial involves increasing doses of curcumin with consistent doses of olive oil over a year, approved by the FDA and ongoing at the University of Minnesota.
Boosting Heart Health
Regular consumption of high phenolic olive oil has been associated with improved cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that it can reduce blood pressure, lower levels of LDL cholesterol, and prevent the formation of arterial plaques. One study found that participants who included high phenolic olive oil in their diet over five years experienced a significant reduction in heart disease risk. The presence of phenolic compounds ensures that this type of olive oil is not only beneficial but essential for heart health.
Supporting Gut Health
High phenolic olive oil also promotes a healthy gut microbiota. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet rich in EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), particularly those high in phenols, has been linked to a more diverse gut microbiome. This diversity supports various health benefits, such as preventing colorectal cancer, lowering blood lipid levels, enhancing intestinal immune function, and improving insulin sensitivity. Additionally, this type of olive oil has been shown to protect against infections caused by Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria linked to gastritis and stomach ulcers.
A Legacy of Quality and Innovation
The Dafnis family’s commitment to quality and innovation has placed The Governor Olive Oil at the forefront of olive oil production, not only in Greece but globally. Their dedication to preserving the ancient “Lianolia” variety and refining their production methods has resulted in an olive oil that stands as a benchmark for excellence. As the only olive oil brand with the most participation in scientific research projects worldwide, The Governor Olive Oil continues to lead the way in exploring the health benefits of olive oil, inspiring culinary and medical communities alike.
I was also excited to learn that nothing goes to waste at The Olive House, as the by-products of their olive oil production are used for fertilizer and are also made into moisturisers.
and finally........
The visit to The Olive House in Corfu was more than just a tasting experience; it was an enlightening journey into the world of olive oil and its profound impact on health and culture. The Governor Olive Oil, with its rich history, exceptional quality, and scientifically-backed health benefits, left a lasting impression. As myself, and other visitors departed, we carried with us not only bottles of this liquid gold but also a deeper appreciation for the ancient olive tree’s gifts to humanity. Visit Corfu Olive Tours to learn more, and book to experience this exceptional product firsthand.
