Greek Olive Oil

Review by Debbie Mazo

Long-regarded as a holy gift more valuable than gold, olive oil has been used for food as well as for health, cosmetic, and sacred purposes. To Greeks, the olive tree grown on the slopes of the Aegean, where no other tree is able to survive, has become a symbol of endurance and its juice a symbol of health. At the Greek Olive Oil website, you'll learn all about the history of olive oil and why Greek olive oil has such a unique flavor.

According to Greek mythology, the goddess Athena was in competition with Poseidon, the sea god, to present humankind with the most valued gift. Poseidon donated the horse. Athena caused an olive tree to grow at the gates of the Acropolis. It was Athena's gift the people deemed most valuable. In the History section, you'll get more facts about the ancient mythology of Greek olive oil as well as a chronicled timeline of the cultivation of this sacred oil from 2500 BC to 200 BC.

Ever wonder about the difference styles of olive oil? with more than 300,000 tons of olive oil produced each year in Greece, there's lots of room for confusion. Check out the Styles section in this good-looking website to find out about the different properties of Greek olive oil along with popular brand names that represent the different styles. Examples of styles range from assertive oils with strong, up-front flavors or aromas to fruity oils with flavors that resemble the odor and taste of fresh fruit picked at the optimum stage of ripeness.

Able to bring out the taste of ingredients while adding a unique flavor, olive oil is a great accompaniment to most dishes. With over 50 recipes divided into categories such as salads, entrées, and breads and sweets, this website has all kinds of ways for you to explore the benefits of preparing dishes with Greek olive oil. To help make life easier, recipes are well-written, nicely organized, and may include substitutions.

Ready for an appetizer? Then, try the Feta Bread with a filling that includes feta cheese, basil, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. If you're big on vegetables, there's several salad offerings including Mixed Greens with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette or entrées such as Grilled Eggplant Roulade stuffed with Greek Skordalia. Whether you cook with olive oil because it's good for you or because you enjoy its flavor, the Greek Olive Oil website will definitely boost your interest in this distinctively-tasting, ancient oil.

Current Digest

1999 Reviews

January 1999
Light Living