Cretan Olive Oil Guide

Introduction to Our Cretan Olive Oil Guide

A glass bottle of golden Cretan olive oil sits on a white tablecloth, accompanied by a small bowl of mixed olives and fresh olive branches.

Welcome to our Cretan Olive Oil Guide.

Cretan Olive oil is very special. And we believe it is the best olive oil in the world.

Cretan Olive Oil has been the hidden secret in the world of olive oil producers, consumers and top chefs. The legendary vibrant health and long lives of the Cretans has been attributed, in part, to their vast consumption of their home grown olive oil as part of the Traditional Cretan Diet.

The ancient land of Crete is home to 30 million olive trees and the Cretans make full use of the abundant fruit and have been cultivating the olive tree since 3500 BC during the early Minoan period. The Minoan palace of Knossos has an olive press room.

Cretans consume far more olive oil than any other population in the world and live longer and healthier lives too! This leaves very little of this "elixir of life" for the export market.

Today the Cretans still eat far more olive oil than any other people in the world. And as a famous study proved, are the healthiest and longest living people.

Rolling hills covered in neatly arranged olive groves stretch towards the blue Mediterranean Sea in the distance, under a clear sky.

A lush olive grove with ancient, gnarled olive trees standing over a carpet of vibrant green grass, bathed in soft natural light.

A close-up view of ripe, purple-hued olives hanging from a branch, surrounded by silvery-green olive leaves in a natural setting.

So it's not surprising that the traditional Cretan Diet uses only olive oil rather than other fats or oils. Substituting olive oil, a monounsaturated fat, for saturated fats or polyunsaturated fats can assist your body to maintain a lower weight, reduce the effects of ageing and reduce blood pressure.

It's been shown to inhibit the growth of some cancers and is beneficial for people at risk of or who have diabetes. It also lessens the severity of asthma and arthritis. With all these health benefits it is little wonder that some hail this precious oil as a miracle cure. The octogenarian Cretan farmer and his 100 years old mother are living proof!

Cretan Olive Oil Guide: Harvesting

A worker in an orange shirt harvesting olives from a tree using a long mechanical pole, with nets spread on the ground to collect the fallen olives.

In Greece in general and on Crete, olives are usually harvested from early November right through to February dependent on the area and variety. Harvesting of the Crete olives is usually a family affair with children, the elderly, women and men all contributing to the labour intensive and time consuming process.

Hand picking Crete olives is still the best method for harvesting from the olive groves because it causes the least amount of bruising to the fruit and thus yields the best oil.

Some olive farmers beat the olive trees with large poles to loosen the olives that fall to nets laid on the ground. Others use large wooden or plastic devices to "comb" through the foliage and loosen the olives.

Cretan olive oil has to be the very best in the world as it is still hand harvested using traditional methods to produce the olive oil and is entirely organic. The unpolluted Greek island is the ideal setting for truly wonderful tasting and nutritious Cretan olive oil to be produced.

Olive Oil: The Heart-Healthy Elixir of Crete

Olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil, is a cornerstone of the Cretan diet, celebrated not only for its rich flavor but also for its remarkable health benefits. Packed with monounsaturated fats, olive oil has been shown to lower "bad" LDL cholesterol while raising "good" HDL cholesterol, promoting heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Beyond its cardiovascular advantages, olive oil is rich in antioxidants and possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect against chronic diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's. Its inclusion in daily meals not only enhances taste but also contributes to overall well-being, embodying the essence of the Mediterranean diet.

For a deeper understanding of why olive oil is such a healthy choice, you might find this video insightful:

How to Use Cretan Olive Oil in Cooking

Cretan olive oil isn’t just an ingredient—it’s the heart and soul of Cretan cuisine. With its rich, fruity aroma and golden-green hue, it transforms even the simplest dish into something truly special. Whether drizzled over fresh salads, used in slow-cooked stews, or simply soaked up with warm crusty bread, this liquid gold enhances flavours and adds a touch of Crete’s sun-kissed essence to every meal.

Drizzle, Dip, or Dress

One of the easiest ways to enjoy Cretan olive oil is raw. A generous drizzle over a classic Greek salad brings out the sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the tang of feta cheese. Or, for something even simpler, pour a little into a dish, add a sprinkle of sea salt and oregano, and dip in a chunk of fresh, warm bread—it’s Crete on a plate!

Cooking with Olive Oil

Unlike many other oils, high-quality Cretan olive oil is stable at high temperatures, making it perfect for frying, roasting, and sautéing. Use it to gently fry vegetables, coat potatoes before roasting, or stir it into a traditional Cretan dish like briam (a delicious baked vegetable medley). It’s also the key to the island’s famous slow-cooked lamb and rich tomato-based stews.

Baking with Olive Oil

Olive oil isn’t just for savoury dishes—it’s a well-kept Cretan secret in baking too! Swap butter for olive oil in cakes and biscuits to add moisture and depth of flavour. Try it in kalitsounia, the traditional Cretan sweet cheese pies, or in a simple orange and olive oil cake, where the fruity richness of the oil shines through.

A Daily Essential

On Crete, olive oil is more than a cooking staple—it’s part of daily life. Whether used in a quick weekday meal or a slow, lovingly prepared feast, its flavour, health benefits, and versatility make it an essential ingredient in any kitchen. Keep a bottle within easy reach, and let a little bit of Crete infuse your cooking every day!