Our Cretan Greek Bio Olive Oil , the ‘royal’ type, is highly praised for its exquisite taste and texture. Our harvest begins in early December when the fruit is still green and unripe. This is because these olives have been proved to have the highest levels of antioxidants and polyphenols, essential to boost the immune system and to maintain a balanced healthy diet. 

An early harvest produces unripe olives. These are pressed into ‘agourelaio’ (early harvest oil) that is young and vibrant, with a strong flavour and very low acidity. This is mainly used in salads or eaten raw. A harvest from the same trees at a later stage will give an olive oil ‘elaiolado’ (mid harvest oil) that is smoother and more mellow, with a milder flavour. These oils may be used in salads but are more generally suited to cooking and baking.

The olives are cold extracted at exceptionally low temperatures within a few hours of being picked. Lower extraction temperatures result in a smaller yield but a higher quality because the oil remains exceptionally rich in nutrients and has superior organoleptic properties.

Ancient Cretans used olive oil, which Homer called "liquid gold".

Fossilised olive leaves dating back 50-60 thousand years, have been found all over Crete, and in the village of Zarko the oldest edible olives were found (3,500 B.C.), most likely some offering by a Minoan priest to the earthly gods.

The fact that the olive tree was the most sacred tree for the ancient Greeks is obvious considering the name of the capital city. According to mythology, Zeus held a competition amongst the gods: he who would offer him the worthiest gift would be honoured with the most powerful Greek city as a prize. The two finalists were Athena, the godess of wisdom and Poseidon, god of the ocean. Athena offered Zeus an olive tree, symbol of peace, while Poseidon offered him a horse, symbol of war. Zeus chose Athena’s gift over Poseidon’s and so Athena became the city’s namesake.

For thousands of years, Crete has been known as a garden full of delicious fruits, vegetables and one of the finest olive oils in the world. The sacredness of the tree went hand in hand with a healthy diet- in reality health and longevity are gifts from above. Today, the traditional Cretan diet is more known as a Meditteranean diet. Despite the fact that these gifts from above have roots of origin, they are no longer exclusive.

The ancient Greeks considered that olive oil was beneficial to our health and recommended it in many cases such as: dermatological disorders, wounds and burns, gynaecological disorders, ear infections and birth control.

Modern medicine has confirmed that olive oil is beneficial to our health and recommends it in many cases such as: cardio-circulatory illnesses, prevention of prostate cancer, prevention of breast cancer, control of stomach ulcers, control of diabetes, sexual impotence as well as diets for children, athletes and the elderly.

Greek Thyme Honey Details & Benefits. One of the most precious varieties due to its flavor and its antiseptic properties, thyme honey is around 10% of total Greek honey production. Greek thyme honey has a spicy taste and intense aroma. Its color is usually light gold but it may be slightly darker depending on the region.Against coughs or sore throats, thyme honey has a soothing effect. Thanks to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, it disinfects the throat, calms cold symptoms and, by reducing the adhesion of bacteria to the respiratory wall, it prevents their proliferation.

It appears to be the main antiseptic substance in thyme, which is thought to forego the modern antibiotics. That's why most folk recipes use thyme honey to prevent and cure flus, respiratory infections, cough, mouth and gum issues, acne and other skin problems, including Candida. Commonly praised as a weight loss tea, this herbal remedy can suppress the appetite, yet still boost energy and deliver valuable nutrients, leading to less overeating and snacking between meals. The compounds found in this tea can also optimize metabolism, which can help in fat burning and weight loss efforts.

It is a premium honey with antibacterial properties, especially effective for healing respiratory and digestive problems. Health benefits of Cretan thyme honey: Thyme honey is perfect for relieving the worst effects of the sore throat associated with colds and flu. It also might help relieve coughing and have antioxidant effects. People commonly use thyme for cough, patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), dementia, and many other conditions .