The Olive Oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet and the base of Greek cuisine. It is considered to be the healthiest product the nature can offer.

When the goddess Athena was challenged by Poseidon to provide the Greeks with the most useful divine gift and then decide who should be the protector of Athens, she produced the olive tree.

Today olive oil is treated like wine. There are experts who taste the olive oil to determine its qualities and how to use it for cooking.

The healthiest form is the extra virgin olive oil, has less than 1% acidity and comes from the first pressing. Virgin olive oil also comes from the first pressing and has an acidity of less than 2%.

Aromatic olive oil is produced from high quality oil (extra virgin or virgin) in which aromatic herbs or spices are added. Very common choices are rosemary, oregano, red hot peppers or sage, but spices such as cinnamon, ginger or nutmeg are also used.

The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest diets in the entire world. The olive oil and fish provide the healthy fatty acids which protect the heart.

Did you know?

• Greece produces 430,000 tons of olive oil annually (more than 75% is extra virgin).




• Spain and Italy are the world’s leader in commercial olive oil production, followed by Greece.




• Olive oil helps to keep the human metabolism at a good balance and also assures a good level of Vitamin E.




• The best olive type for food is considered the Greek Kalamata Olive.

Buy your own

In case you don’t want to go shopping in the stores, you can always buy Greek olive oil on line:

• Iliada Kalamata Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil




• Organic Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil

And you’d probably want a cook book with suitable Greek and Mediterranean recipes:

• Olives and Olive Oil – Mediterranean Diet