Biolea extra virgin olive oil traditionally pressed with stone mills PDO Chania 500ml ORGANIC (NMR: Total 786 mg/kg, Index D1 223 mg/kg)

Biolea BIO – Cretan olive oil with passion, tradition and an innovative approach

Biolea is a family business from the picturesque village of Astrikas in north-western Crete, in the Kolymbari region with a protected designation of origin (PDO). Its history goes back several generations of the Dimitriadis family, who have passed down their knowledge and passion for authentic, artisanal olive oil production methods from generation to generation.

The location itself – the gentle hills of Crete, sunny for most of the year – provides the ideal environment for growing Koroneiki olives, prized for their rich aromas and high content of natural antioxidants. The olives are harvested by hand, which preserves their highest quality and avoids damage that could adversely affect the final taste of the oil.

Tradition with a modern twist: Innovative Stone Milled & Cold Pressed

One of the greatest advantages of Biolea oil is the unique combination of the traditional stone milling method with modern production standards. The company uses innovative solutions, developed through more than 30 years of experimentation and refinement, including:

• Shorter olive milling batches to reduce oxidation and preserve the full flavour and aroma.
• Stainless steel filters (instead of plastic or natural fibres) to enhance the organoleptic qualities of the oil.
• Pressure press and cold extraction (cold press) – a gentle pressing process at low temperature, protecting valuable nutrients.

Although the traditional method is labour-intensive and requires a great deal of experience, Biolea consciously opts for "slower" pressing, as it produces exceptionally high-quality oil and is also environmentally friendly. This makes Astrikas Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil one of the few stone-ground and cold-pressed oils available on the global market.

Chemical analysis and high polyphenol content (High Phenolic)

The latest tests on Biolea Organic EVOO Harvest 2025-26 were carried out on 5 December 2025 by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NMR method by Prof. Magiatis). They confirm the high level of phenolic compounds (polyphenols) – key to the health-promoting properties of olive oil. Below are the most important results:

• Oleocanthal: 142 mg/kg
• Oleacein: 81 mg/kg
• Oleocanthal + Oleacein (D1 index): 223 mg/kg
• Ligstroside aglycone (monoaldehyde form): 67 mg/kg
• Oleuropein aglycone (monoaldehyde form): 102 mg/kg
• Ligstroside aglycone (dialdehyde form)*: 260 mg/kg
• Oleuropein aglycone (dialdehyde form)**: 134 mg/kg
• Free tyrosol: <5 mg/kg
• Total tyrosol derivatives: 469 mg/kg
• Total hydroxytyrosol derivatives: 317 mg/kg
• Total polyphenol content: 786 mg/kg

*Ligstrodial + Oleokoronal **Oleomissional + Oleuropeindial

Comments from the certificate:
- The oleocanthal level (142 mg/kg) is higher than the average (135 mg/kg) found in an international study by the University of California, Davis.
- A 20 g serving of the analysed oil provides 15.71 mg of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol or their derivatives, which exceeds the minimum of 5 mg specified in Regulation (EU) No 432/2012. This allows the oil to make a health claim regarding the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress.
- Oleocanthal and oleacein have significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective and neuroprotective effects, which further emphasise the health benefits of olive oil.

Low acidity and quality certificates

Thanks to a careful production process, Biolea olive oil has low acidity (0.37%), which means it is delicate while retaining an intense flavour bouquet. In addition, it has the prestigious "Kolymvari Chanion Kritis P.D.O." (Protected Designation of Origin) and is fully organic (BIO) – produced without the use of chemicals or artificial fertilisers.

The current physicochemical analysis also confirms its excellent quality parameters: K232: 1.915, K268: 0.169, ΔK: −0.004. The report shows no detectable pesticide residues (n.d. at LoQ 0.01 mg/kg) and very low levels of MOSH/MOAH fractions (including MOAH sum C10–C50 <1.0 mg/kg).

Organoleptic profile (tasting test results)

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

• Median of fruity (Mf): 4.4 – distinct fruity note.
• Median of bitter (Mb): 4.5 – pleasant, distinct bitterness.
• Median of pungent (Mp): 4.0 – spicy accents, adding depth to the oil.
• Median of defect (Md): 0.0 – no taste defects, confirming the highest quality.

These results clearly classify Biolea olive oil as Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).

"Single Estate" – a guarantee of consistent quality

All olives used in production come froma single estate, which ensures full control over the entire process – from tree cultivation and manual harvesting to pressing and bottling. This translates into consistent, high quality and a consistent flavour profile for each batch.

A diverse range

Biolea offers both classic extra virgin olive oil (certified as BIO and P.D.O.) and unique flavour variants:

• Nerantzio – with the addition of bitter oranges (nerantzi), with a distinctive citrus aroma.
• Lemonio – with whole organic lemons, bringing fresh, refreshing notes to the oil's bouquet.

Health benefits

In addition to its high polyphenol content (including oleocanthal and oleacein), Biolea oil is rich in other antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidation. Thanks to its compliance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 (above 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol in 20 g of oil), it can be officially classified as a product that protects blood lipids from oxidative stress.

Sustainable development and tourism

Biolei's priority is not only excellent taste, but also care for the environment. The farm limits its energy and water consumption, and production residues are recycled or reused. In addition, the company supports sustainable tourism by inviting visitors to its estate in Astrikas, where they can tour the traditional oil mill and take part in tastings, learning about the entire olive oil production process "behind the scenes".

Why choose Biolea?

• Traditional stone grinding in a modern form – an innovative approach and shorter grinding batches reduce oxidation, enhancing the flavour.
• Extremely high polyphenol content – (786 mg/kg) confirmed by research; 20 g of oil provides as much as 15.71 mg of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and their derivatives.
• Awarded "Health Claim" – compliance with EU 432/2012 standards for the protection of blood lipids against oxidative stress.
• Low acidity (0.37%) – evidence of exceptional quality and a mild flavour profile.
• P.D.O. Kolymvari Chanion Kritis – certifies unique origin and traditional cultivation methods.
• Organic (BIO) – product manufactured without the use of synthetic plant protection products.
• Single Estate – full quality control from the olive grove to the bottle.
• Variety – in addition to the classic Extra Virgin, flavour variants are also available (Nerantzio, Lemonio).
• Respect for nature – working in harmony with nature, with minimal impact on the environment.

Summary

Biolea olive oil is the essence of Cretan heritage – it is produced on the Astrikas estate based on the Dimitriadis family's multigenerational experience. Carefully selected Koroneiki olives, stone mills, cold pressing and attention to every detail of production guarantee a unique taste and aroma. The latest chemical and organoleptic analyses prove that Biolea has an exceptionally high polyphenol content, low acidity and no taste defects.

As a result, Biolea olive oil not only delights with its culinary qualities, but also supports health and fits in with the idea of sustainable development. By choosing Biolea, you are choosing a product that fully reflects the spirit of Crete – its natural wealth, craft tradition and love for simple, authentic flavours.

Location and contact details:

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

Manufacturer: Biolea