Efkrato Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Early Harvest Tsounati, 250ml, Organic (NMR: Total 947 mg/kg, D1 Index 208 mg/kg)

EFKRATO — premium early-harvest extra virgin olive oil, Tsounati, Crete

EFKRATO is a top-of-the-range Greek organic extra virgin olive oil — pressed exclusively from the fruit of the ancient Cretan Tsounati variety, hand-picked at an early stage of ripeness in the Rethymno area of central Crete. This is what the ancient Greeks called ‘ωμοτριβές’ — oil pressed from fruit that is still green, the most nutritious and highly prized. A single sip of EFKRATO provides an immediate answer to why this type of oil was considered a treasure in ancient times: a dense, green aroma, full-bodied flavour, a pure organoleptic profile, and one of the highest documented polyphenol contents in Greek EVOO.

About the brand

EFKRATO is produced by the Cretan company Silvergreen, based in Episkopi near Rethymno. The brand’s philosophy is based on three pillars: biodynamic and regenerative agriculture, hand-picking of the fruit (olive by olive) and full control of the process from tree to bottle. The producer collaborates with the myClimate foundation, which calculates the carbon footprint of olive cultivation and oil pressing, with emissions offsets funding environmental projects worldwide. This is an olive oil where every stage — from field to bottle — is designed to leave the smallest possible footprint on the land from which it comes.

Tsounati — the variety that defines the taste of EFKRATO

Tsounati is an indigenous Cretan variety, also known as Mastoidis — grown almost exclusively in western and central Crete. Unlike Koroneiki, which dominates in Greece, Tsounati is rarer, yields smaller harvests, and the oil pressed from it has a more intense polyphenolic structure and a more complex aromatic bouquet. It is a variety that requires patience to cultivate and rewards it with a distinctive, characteristic profile — distinctly green and fruity, with notes of artichoke, fresh grass, almond and herbs, and a delicate, pungent aftertaste typical of early-harvest olive oil.

Sensory profile — organoleptic panel results

EFKRATO is regularly tested at the accredited Quality Plus / Olive Oil Sensory Evaluation Laboratory of Crete in Rethymno (ISO 17025), in accordance with the method of the International Olive Council (COI/T.20/Doc. 15). Every season confirms its classification as Extra Virgin Olive Oil with a median of sensory defects equal to zero — it is a pure, flawless oil.

In practical terms, this means a medium-intensity, well-balanced oil — with distinct but not aggressive bitterness and pungency, harmoniously integrated into a full, green fruitiness. Bitter and pungent do not dominate over fruity — this is the classic profile of a well-pressed early harvest olive oil, where all three positive attributes work together, not against one another. The aroma clearly reveals notes of green fruit, artichoke, freshly cut grass, almond and herbs.

Polyphenols and EU Health Claim 432/2012

EFKRATO is also regularly tested for its phenolic composition at the World Olive Center for Health in Athens, in the laboratory of Prof. Prokopios Magiatis of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens — one of the world’s leading authorities on olive oil polyphenol analysis. Season after season, the results confirm that this oil significantly exceeds the threshold required to make an official European Union health claim in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 432/2012:

“Olive oil polyphenols help protect blood lipids from oxidative stress.”

EFKRATO is distinguished by its very high content of oleocanthal and oleacein — the two best-studied secoiridoids present in EVOO, linked in scientific literature to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective and neuroprotective effects. The current phenolic analysis certificate for the batch in question is attached to the product as a separate document.

Awards and distinctions

EFKRATO is one of the most award-winning Cretan premium olive oils in the world. Key accolades from recent years:

• 2023: Gold — New York IOOC, Premium Gold — Paris Olio Nuovo Days, Gold — Athena IOOC, Gold — China IOOC, Gold — Amsterdam IOOC, Silver — Berlin IOOC, Gold — JOOP Japan IOOC, Gold — Dubai IOOC (Ultra Premium EVOO category), Gold — ARISTOLEO Awards, Honourable Mention — Cretan Olive Oil Competition (Organic)
• 2022: Gold — New York IOOC, Gold — London IOOC, Gold — Paris Olivonomy, Silver — Berlin GOOA, Silver — JOOP Japan IOOC, Gold — Dubai IOOC (Early Harvest Edition), Honourable Mention — Cretan Olive Oil Competition (Organic), 1 Star — AFFA (Athens Fine Food Awards)
• 2021: Gold — TERRA OLIVO Israel Olive Oil Competition, Gold — OLYMPIA Health & Nutrition Awards, Silver — London IOOC (Health Claim), Gold — 4th Gourmet Exhibition Greece (Specialist Award), Gold — Dubai Olive Oil Competition (Early Harvest Edition), Bronze — Canada Olive Oil Competition, Silver — ARISTOLEO Awards, 1 Star — AFFA
• 2020: Gourmet (Fruitée Verte) — AVPA Paris, Silver (Quality Organic) — Berlin GOOA and many others

Culinary uses

EFKRATO’s medium-intensity profile makes it a versatile oil, but it best showcases its character when used raw, as a finishing oil. We recommend it for: tomato and Greek feta cheese salads, fresh bread with sea salt, cooked pulses (beans, chickpeas, lentils), grilled fish and seafood, simple vegetable soups, meat and fish carpaccio, and mature cheeses. The oil’s distinct bitterness and piquancy contrasts beautifully with the natural sweetness of stewed tomatoes, roasted root vegetables and creamy pumpkin or bean soups. The oil is also excellent on sourdough bread with a touch of oregano and garlic.

Packaging and storage

EFKRATO is bottled in elegant glass that protects the oil from light — the main enemy of polyphenols and fresh aromas. Available sizes: 500 ml and 250 ml (tasting and gift sizes). Store at room temperature, away from light and heat sources. Once opened, consume within a few weeks to preserve the full aroma and health-promoting properties.

About the producer

Manufacturer: Silvergreen EE, Episkopi Rethymno, Crete, Greece.
Manufacturer’s website: efkrato.com

Organoleptic certificate: Quality Plus / Olive Oil Sensory Evaluation Laboratory of Crete, Rethymno (ISO 17025 accreditation).
Phenolic analysis certificate: World Olive Center for Health, Athens (Prof. P. Magiatis, University of Athens).
Organic certification: in accordance with EU regulations on organic farming.