Biolea Single Estate, Stoned Milled & Cold Pressed, Organic EVOO 500ml BIO

Biolea – A Cretan Olive Oil with Passion, Tradition, and an Innovative Approach

Biolea is a family-owned company located in the picturesque village of Astrikas in northwestern Crete, within the Kolymbari region that boasts a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). The Dimitriadis family, spanning several generations, has cultivated expertise and a love for artisanal olive oil production, passing this tradition from one generation to the next.

Nestled on the gentle hills of Crete, bathed in sunshine for most of the year, Biolea’s olive groves provide an ideal environment for the renowned Koroneiki olive variety. Known for its rich aromas and high antioxidant content, Koroneiki olives are hand-picked to maintain their highest quality and avoid damage that might affect the final taste of the oil.

Tradition Meets Modernity: Innovative Stone Milled & Cold Pressed

One of Biolea’s greatest strengths is the unique combination of the traditional stone-milling method with modern production standards. Over 30 years of research, experimentation, and improvements have led to various innovations, such as:

• Shorter milling batches to minimize oxidation and preserve maximum flavor and aroma.
• Stainless steel filters (instead of plastic or natural fibers), further enhancing the oil’s organoleptic qualities.
• Mechanical press and cold extraction – a gentle process carried out at low temperatures to safeguard precious nutrients.

Though this traditional method is labor-intensive and requires significant expertise, Biolea deliberately opts for a “slower” extraction to produce an exceptionally high-quality oil while also respecting the natural environment. As a result, Astrikas Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil is one of the few stone-milled and cold-pressed olive oils available worldwide.

Chemical Analysis and High Phenolic Content

The latest tests on Biolea Organic EVOO Harvest 2024-25, conducted on December 23, 2024, by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, confirm the impressive level of phenolic compounds (crucial for the oil’s health benefits). Key results include:

• Oleocanthal: 107 mg/kg
• Oleacein: 115 mg/kg
• Oleocanthal + Oleacein (D1 Index): 222 mg/kg
• Ligstroside aglycon (monaldehyde form): 93 mg/kg
• Oleuropein aglycon (monaldehyde form): 158 mg/kg
• Ligstroside aglycon (dialdehyde form)*: 526 mg/kg
• Oleuropein aglycon (dialdehyde form)**: 326 mg/kg
• Free tyrosol: 22 mg/kg
• Total tyrosol derivatives: 747 mg/kg
• Total hydroxytyrosol derivatives: 599 mg/kg
• Total polyphenols: 1,346 mg/kg

*OleoMissional + Oleuropeindal    **Ligstrodial + Oleokoronal

Certificate Comments:
- The level of oleacein (115 mg/kg) exceeds the average value (105 mg/kg) found in an international study by the University of California, Davis.
- A 20 g serving of this olive oil provides 26.92 mg of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, or their derivatives, greatly surpassing the minimum of 5 mg set by EU Regulation No. 432/2012. This meets the health claim criteria for protecting blood lipids from oxidative stress.
- Oleocanthal and oleacein demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties, further emphasizing the oil’s health benefits.

Low Acidity and Quality Certifications

Thanks to its meticulous production process, Biolea Olive Oil features a low acidity level (0.35%), indicating a delicate flavor profile alongside an intense aromatic bouquet. Additionally, it holds the prestigious “Kolymvari Chanion Kritis P.D.O.” certification (Protected Designation of Origin) and is fully organic (BIO), produced without chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.

Organoleptic Profile (Tasting Results)

According to the COI/T.20/Doc. No 15 method:

• Median of fruity (Mf): 4.4 – a pronounced fruity note.
• Median of bitter (Mb): 4.5 – a pleasant, distinct bitterness.
• Median of pungent (Mp): 4.0 – spicy notes that add depth.
• Median of defect (Md): 0.0 – no detectable defects, confirming top-tier quality.

These findings conclusively classify Biolea as an Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).

“Single Estate” – Consistent Quality Assured

All olives used by Biolea come from a single estate, ensuring complete control over every step of the process — from grove cultivation and hand-picking to pressing and bottling. This approach guarantees consistent, high-level quality and a uniform flavor profile in every batch.

Diverse Product Range

Biolea offers a classic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (both BIO and P.D.O. certified) as well as exceptional flavor-infused variants:

• Nerantzio – with bitter oranges (nerantzi), delivering a bold, citrusy aroma.
• Lemonio – produced with whole organic lemons, introducing a bright, refreshing twist.

Health Benefits

Beyond high levels of polyphenols (including oleocanthal and oleacein), Biolea Olive Oil is rich in other antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative damage. By meeting the requirements of EU Regulation No. 432/2012 (over 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol per 20 g of olive oil), it officially qualifies as a product that helps protect blood lipids from oxidative stress.

Sustainability and Tourism

Biolea’s priority extends beyond exceptional taste to encompass environmental stewardship. The estate minimizes energy and water usage, and any production by-products are recycled or reused. Moreover, Biolea supports sustainable tourism by welcoming visitors to Astrikas, where they can tour the traditional mill, take part in tastings, and gain insight into the entire olive oil production process.

Why Choose Biolea?

• Traditional stone milling with modern enhancements – innovative approaches and shorter milling batches reduce oxidation, elevating flavor.
• Exceptionally high polyphenol content – (1,346 mg/kg) verified by laboratory tests; 20 g of oil provides 26.92 mg of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and their derivatives.
• Health Claim – meets EU 432/2012 regulations for protecting blood lipids from oxidative stress.
• Low acidity (0.35%) – indicative of outstanding quality and a gentle flavor profile.
• P.D.O. Kolymvari Chanion Kritis – certifying the oil’s unique origin and traditional cultivation methods.
• Organic (BIO) – produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
• Single Estate – thorough quality oversight from orchard to bottle.
• Diverse offering – classic Extra Virgin as well as Nerantzio (bitter orange) and Lemonio (lemon) varieties.
• Eco-conscious approach – working in harmony with nature, minimizing environmental impact.

Conclusion

Biolea Olive Oil embodies the essence of Cretan heritage—produced at the Astrikas estate by the long-standing expertise of the Dimitriadis family. Carefully selected Koroneiki olives, stone milling, cold pressing, and meticulous attention to detail ensure a uniquely rich aroma and taste. Recent chemical and organoleptic analyses confirm Biolea’s remarkably high polyphenol content, low acidity, and complete lack of defects.

Consequently, Biolea Olive Oil not only delights the palate but also promotes health and aligns with sustainable development principles. Choosing Biolea means savoring the true spirit of Crete—its natural abundance, artisanal heritage, and devotion to straightforward, genuine flavors.

Location and Contact:

Astrikas, Kolympari Τ.Κ. 73006, Chania, Crete, Greece

Producer: Biolea