What is the best way to store a bottle of olive oil?
Store your oil in a cool, dark place, preferably in a cabinet away from heat sources such as a warm stove. This will preserve its quality, taste and nutritional values for longer. Olive oil deteriorates when exposed to light and heat.
Why does my olive oil taste bitter?
Bitterness is one of the main positive attributes of a high quality extra virgin olive oil. Degree of bitterness varies among different extra virgins but it is common, and good, for an olive oil to have a certain bitterness or peppery aftertaste. This indicates the presence of beneficial polyphenols and natural antioxidants.
What is meant by the terms “fruity”, “bitter” and “peppery” olive oil?
When evaluating extra virgin olive oil quality experts look for particular sensory and taste characteristics. Major positive characteristics, of which every self-respecting extra virgin should have plenty, are:
“fruity”- The element of fruitiness is detected by its aroma and on tasting. Fruitiness intensity in olive oil depends on the olive variety, its freshness and the quality and optimum ripeness of the olive fruit from which it has been pressed.
“bitter”, sometimes also described as “pungent”, “intense” or “robust”, is the olive oil characteristic that is most often misunderstood. It is a desirable taste characteristic, indicative of very fresh olive oil.
“peppery”, also described as “spicy after-taste”, is another desirable sensory characteristic of fresh extra virgin. Experienced as a slight and momentary tingling sensation at the back of the throat on swallowing, it is found in early harvest or very fresh extra virgin olive oil.
Can I give olive oil to my children? At what age?
Olive oil is a very healthy food for your child and can be added to their diet from the moment they start to eat food normally, after six-months of age.
Olive oil is the only oil in widespread use that comes from fruit. It is actually fresh fruit juice and ready to eat as soon as it is pressed. Fresh extra virgin olive oil contains vitamins which are not destroyed by cooking. It is a particularly rich source of vitamins E and K.
Why is high-phenolic olive oil good for me?
Research in many countries universities and institutes (i.e UC Davis, European regulation 432/2012) shows that high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil imparts considerable protection against the occurrence of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
In particular, the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet have been linked largely to the high levels of fatty acid content found in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).
Why are Green & Blu olive oils qualified to carry an EU health claim?
The European Authority for Food Safety (EFSA), which evaluates scientific health claims made on food products, has rejected all health claims relating to polyphenols to date, except those related to extra virgin olive oil. This is recorded on the label as: “polyphenols in olive oil contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress.”
The EFSA stipulates that the beneficial antioxidant effect is obtained with a daily consumption of 20 g of olive oil (equivalent to two tablespoons), as long as the oil contains at least 5 mg of the polyphenol hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives, per 20 g of oil.
This quantity can be found in good quality fresh extra virgin olive oil, and is found to be at particularly high content in Green & Blu Organic P.D.O. Kalamata Extra Virgin, Greek Pony Farm Premium P.D.O. Kalamata and Premium Organic P.D.O. Kalamata Extra Virgin olive oils.
What are polyphenols?
Polyphenols are micro-nutrients that we obtain from plant-based foods. They are packed with natural anti-oxidants and potential health benefits.
Polyphenols reduce damage to human cells caused by aging, lifestyle and environmental factors. Over time this damage has been linked with the increased risk of chronic disease.
Polyphenols are known to have anti-inflammatory, cardio-protective and neuro-protective action. They are also believed to exert cardio-protective action by improving the blood vessel function, helping to preventing blood clots in arteries, and positively influencing blood lipids and insulin sensitivity.
Why is acidity level in olive oil important?
The acidity level in olive oil is a measure of the oil’s quality. It is a reflection of the effort invested in the production process, from the olive tree and the harvest to the olive mill and the final bottling phase.
High quality, freshly pressed olive oil has a low acidity, expressed as grams of oleic acid per 100g of oil. To qualify as extra virgin according to international guidelines, an olive oil must have less than 0.8g or 0.8% acidity. But premium extra virgin olive oils will have an acidity level much lower than that: aiming for 0.3% or less.
What do the initials P.D.O mean?
PDO stands for Protected Designation of Origin. This label is given to products from a specific region with consistent characteristics which, over time, come to be perceived by consumers as superior.
In contrast to industrially or commercially-produced food products, where mass uniformity of taste is required, products of regional origin are distinguished by their unique personality.
Although many regions produce Koroneiki variety olives and olive oil, P.D.O Kalamata olives and olive oil have a distinct personality which has won a worldwide following.
Can vinegar help with weight management?
Since antiquity, vinegar has been associated with health benefits, but also to improve digestion and reduce appetite.
The acetic acid in vinegar is said to prevent spikes in blood sugar by blocking starch absorption and preventing fat deposits in the blood. Vinegar is also rich in natural enzymes and antioxidants which aid digestion and help to strengthen the immune system.
Due to these benefits, vinegars have attracted increasing interest in recent years. At Green & Blu we have developed one of the widest ranges of quality vinegars available on the market. Our vinegars are distinguished by the quality of the ingredients and by our special recipe, which retains the natural beneficial elements.
Are olives good for you?
A handful of olives is very healthy, as they contain vitamins, particularly vitamin E, antioxidants (polyphenols) and iron. They are also rich in beneficial monounsaturated fat and dietary fibre.
They will not set you back if you are on a diet: 1 fresh, medium-large black olive (6g) contains only around 4 calories.
You should prefer naturally ripened olives. Some olives are treated with a chemical additive to give them a uniform jet black colour. However, Greek olive producers do prefer to cure their olives using natural methods, some dating back to antiquity. You can tell a naturally-cured black olive because it varies in colour from dark purple to deep black.
The most famous table olive worldwide is the Kalamata olive, which is native to the Peloponnese region.
Do you sell wholesale?
Click here to contact us for wholesale.
Is there a physical store besides the e-commerce platform?
There is a physical store in Kyparissia, Messinia: “Green&Blu Greek deli & memorabilia.”
Which payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards including VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club.
Which countries do you deliver to?
We deliver to all countries.
What is the shipping cost?
The rate charged for the shipping of your order is based on the weight/volume of your products, and your location. Before the final checkout page you will be shown what the cost of shipping will be, and you will have a chance to not place your order if you decide.
Are there additional charges in the shipping costs?
For orders made in Greece there are no extra charges for taxes, duties or fees.
For orders placed within the EU, additional charges may arise in case air transport is selected where fuel surcharges, eventual duties, taxes and customs charges are not included. The shipping cost is always confirmed before shipping the order and is charged to the buyer.
For orders outside the EU, any extra charges that may arise (fuel surcharge, duties, taxes and customs charges) weigh on the buyer, with the total cost always confirmed before the order is dispatched.
What is the delivery time of my order?
The delivery time for shipments in Greece is 1 to 3 working days by courier from the completion of the order.
Delivery time for shipments outside Greece varies depending on shipping mode (by air or road transport).
Can I track my order?
You can follow the journey which your order makes using the tracking number you have received in your order’s shipment email, in the official web site of: UPS http://www.ups.com/tracking/tracking.html (for international orders outside Greece)
https://www.elta-courier.gr/search (for orders in Greece).
Can I make my purchase without creating an account?
You can complete your purchase quickly and easily as a temporary user without creating an account.
Why should I create an account at Green & Blu?
Once you have created a Green & Blu account, you can easily make changes to your personal and payment details, see your recent orders, manage your shipping and billing addresses, and edit your password. Also receive special offers and discounts.
Do I have security in my online purchases?
Your safety is our primary concern. In any case, the use of your personal data is absolutely secure by maintaining a GeoTrust Quick SSL Premium online security protocol.
SSL Certificate (Secure Sockets Layer) creates a secure, encrypted link between the user and the website, preventing the theft of sensitive data such as credit card numbers, names and addresses.
How long do I have to return an item?
If you are unhappy with any product, contact us directly either by email to sales@greenblu.gr or by telephone on 27610 22991. Refunds will be arranged at our discretion.
What should I do if I have a problem with my order?
If you would like to cancel or change an order, please let us know by email as soon as possible, as we do charge a restocking fee in some scenarios.
If you have a problem with an order (missing item, damage, etc.) send an email with your name and order number to sales@greenblu.gr and please include photos of any damage.
If you think you’re missing an item, please include a photo of the shipping boxes to help us reconcile the order and identify the issue.
