Cretan organic olive oil, Biolea 500 ml

Biolea Cretan Organic Olive Oil is an exceptionally high quality extra virgin olive oil, produced from Koroneiki olives using the traditional stone mill method. This 500ml bottle represents a true farm olive oil, where every step from field to bottle takes place on the same farm. Biolea is one of the few remaining stone milled and cold pressed olive oils in the world.

The product is produced on the Astrikas farm in the Kolymbari area of northwest Crete, a protected designation of origin (PDO Kolymbari Chanion Kritis). The farm is located at an altitude of 300 meters above sea level and has an ideal microclimate for the growth of Koroneiki olives. The olives are hand-picked at optimal ripeness and processed within 24 hours of harvest.

Biolea is a company founded and run by the Dimitriadis family, with a history dating back to the mid-19th century, when the farm was acquired by the family. Today, the sixth generation, Chloe Dimitriadis, runs the farm. Biolea has been certified organic for over 20 years and adheres to strict sustainability principles. The farm has been certified by BioHellas since 1993 and meets the ISO 22000 food safety standards.

The production process is completely traditional. Stone grinding and pressure pressing are used instead of modern steel rollers or centrifugation. This slow and laborious method produces an oil with an exceptionally high polyphenol content. According to the latest laboratory tests (analysis of the 2024-2025 harvest), Biolea has a polyphenol content of 1346 mg/kg, which is up to seven times higher than in an average olive oil. 20 grams of Biolea oil contains 26.92 mg of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and their derivatives.

Biolea meets the requirements of EU Regulation 432/2012 for Health Claim. This means that the oil contains at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives per 20 grams of oil, and a daily consumption of 20 g protects blood lipids from oxidative stress. The acidity of the oil is very low, only 0.35%, which is significantly below the legal limit of 0.8%.

Sustainable farming methods:

Dry farming without irrigation – saves the island’s limited fresh water and avoids the use of plastic irrigation systems. No ploughing or heavy machinery – reduces soil erosion, a growing problem in Crete. Organic farming without chemical fertilisers or pesticides – certified for over 20 years. Minimising energy and water consumption – production by-products are recycled or reused.

Flavor profile:

Biolea is a well-balanced olive oil, characterized by a mild and sweet taste that enhances the flavors of dishes without ever overpowering them. The oil has a unique fruitiness, hints of tomato, nuts and wild herbs, and a pleasant spicy aftertaste. Bright green color with golden reflections. The aroma is fresh olive and Mediterranean herbs.

Tips for use:

The perfect finishing oil for salads, soups, pasta dishes and toasted bread. Suitable for moderate temperature cooking, but avoid high temperatures that destroy delicate flavors and polyphenol content. Use for marinating with meat, fish or vegetables. Dip bread directly in the oil in the classic Greek way. Finish grilled vegetables or meat with the oil before serving.

Producer:

Biolea is a Cretan family-run organic olive oil farm located in the village of Astrikas in northwestern Crete. The company was founded in 1997 by George Dimitriadis together with his wife Christine. Today, their daughter Chloe Dimitriadis runs the farm, representing the sixth generation. Biolea has received numerous international awards and recognitions for its quality products. The farm also offers tours and tastings to visitors between April and October, where visitors can see a traditional stone mill and learn about the entire olive oil production process.