The Furies EVOO is made from the Koutsourelia olive. This rare and highly prized variety is used exclusively for oil production, as the fruit has a high concentration of oil. Only 4% of Greece’s 140 million cultivated olive trees bear Koutsourelia olives. The oil has superb taste and texture. Koutsourelia olives, also called Patrinia, are small and round. The EVOO is highly aromatic, medium fruit flavor, with a lush, soft texture without intense bitterness.
The Furies EVOO is exclusively produced in the Achaia region of Greece where this varietal is native. Trees bear fruit every other year. Farmers carefully prune trees to stagger the trees production. Our oil is milled during the early harvest that takes place in November. The olives are less ripe, small, and green. They produce less oil; however, yield the highest levels of phytonutrients and is packed with antioxidants and polyphenols. Special care is taken during the harvest to minimize stress to the fruit. Hand collection, cold water, and mechanical extraction protects the olives and produces the finest quality oil with exceptionally low acidity (0.2%)
This varietal is rarely sold commercially because local farmers tend to reserve this oil for their families. The Furies is very privileged to offer this EVOO. The mill adheres to the highest international standards for food safety and is ISO 22000 certified. Family owned; it has been in operation for 4 generations recently investing is state of the art equipment. It is the best of old-world knowledge and modern technology.
]]>Greece is home to 11 million people with 140 million olive trees. It produces between 150-175 tons of olive oil annually. Half of this production remains in Greece with an average consumption of approximately 18 kilos per person per year. This translates to 1.35 liters per month per person. My family of 6 keeps pace, as we use at least a liter of EVOO a week!
]]>As of 2012, the United States and the European Union have an Equivalency Agreement that recognizes the inspection and certification of the respective country. Products that have been certified organic in the US or in member countries of the EU are deemed authentically represented. This reciprocity agreement means that the USDA organic logo can be affixed to EU organically certified goods.
Greece is part of the European Union. The Furies EVOO has been certified organic by DIO, Inspection and Certification Organization of Organic Products. Established in 1993, DIO is authorized by the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food of the Hellenic Republic as the official Inspection & Certification of Organic Products Body, according to EU legislation in Greece with the code GR-BIO-01.
Proper paperwork must be included when organic products are imported. We, Achaia Imports, import The Furies EVOO directly from Greece eliminating middlemen. The mill that produces our oil has been registered with the FDA as a foreign food facility and is ISO 22000 certified for International Food Safety.
We are deeply committed to the authenticity of our EVOO, organic and sustainable harvesting practices, and unparalleled health and safety standards. Both the USDA organic and DIO logos are proudly displayed on every can of The Furies EVOO.
Further reading:
https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/US_EUQAs.pdf
https://www.usda-eu.org/trade-with-the-eu/trade-agreements/us-eu-organic-arrangement/
https://www.dionet.gr
]]>There’s a reason why the Mediterranean Diet was rated #1 in Best Diets Overall by U.S. New and World Report in 2020. The Mediterranean diet not only provides a wide variety of health benefits but, is also versatile and rich in flavor. The Mediterranean Diet is labeled as a “diet”, but can be considered more of a lifestyle due to its ability to be easily maintained over the lifespan. This “diet” limits red meat, sugar and processed foods and includes many fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, herbs, spices, and healthy fats such as olive oil.
Olive Oil:
Olive oil is a heart healthy fat that is a staple in the Mediterranean Diet. Olive oil is a type of fat classified as an unsaturated fat, meaning it has one or more double bonds. Consuming foods comprised of unsaturated fat, such as olive oil, can have many health benefits such as helping to lower LDL, also known as “bad cholesterol, and raise HDL or “good” cholesterol. Not only can olive oil help to promote heart health, it has many other benefits such as supporting the nervous system and helping to reduce inflammation.
Other Health Benefits of Olive Oil:
Olive oil can be used in both savory and sweet dishes so next time you cook try reaching for this heart healthy and delicious addition to any meal!
written for The Furies by Isabelle Corgel, RD
Sources:
What is a peroxide value of EVOO and what does it indicate?
Like acidity indexes, the peroxide value of extra virgin olive oil is a standard chemical analysis done to determine and validate the quality of the oil. The peroxide index is measured in milliequivalents of active oxygen per kilogram. Olive oil becomes oxidized when it encounters air, resulting in the formation of peroxide. A low peroxide level indicates a high quality EVOO. It is achieved by the extraction process during milling and the storage conditions of the oil immediately after the crush to packaging. Prior to packaging, it is important that olive oil gets stored in stainless steel tanks that are nitrogen flushed and temperature controlled, protecting the oil from light, heat, and oxygen. BPA free tin and dark glass have been shown to be the best packaging material to preserve EVOO quality and freshness.
The maximum peroxide value for extra virgin olive oil is 20. High peroxide levels indicate that oil has been damaged by free radicals and will give rise to aldehydes and ketones that can cause oil to smell musty and rancid. These reactions are accelerated by heat, light, and air. Like with levels of Free Fatty Acids, be wary of refined or blended olive oils. The refinement process uses heat and or chemicals to make oil odorless, tasteless, and colorless, removing all products susceptible to oxidation thereby eliminating peroxide levels. High quality EVOO should have a peroxide value below 12.
The Furies EVOO was tested with a result of 5.9. This is reflective of the freshness of our oil. This very low peroxide value means that it will be more stable and if stored correctly the shelf life will be extended. Oxidation is a natural process. It occurs more slowly, however, in Extra Virgin Olive Oils with the highest levels of oleic acid and polyphenols.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4375245/
https://www.oliveoiltimes.com/world/olive-oil-peroxide-value/35516
https://www.milwaukeeinst.com/web/blog/16-blog-olive
https://theolivescene.com/the-olive-scene-blog/
https://theolivescene.com/the-olive-scene-blog/
What do acidity levels tell you about your EVOO?
Acidity is a parameter of quality that cannot be detected by taste. The measurement of acidity in EVOO refers to the percentage of free fatty acids per 100 grams of oil. To be labeled as Extra Virgin Olive Oil the limit of free fatty acid is 0.8%. The best EVOOs have acidity levels less than 0.3%.
Olive oil consists of 99.9 percent fat, known as triglycerides. It is a healthy monounsaturated fat primarily composed on oleic acid. When olives are milled, the formation of free fatty acids occurs from the action of enzymes released in the presence of water. Hydrolysis happens as enzymes break some of the fatty acids off the triglycerides and they become free acids or free fatty acids.
The highest quality EVOO has the lowest levels of acidity. Free fatty acid speaks to the condition of the fruit at the time of crush. Levels of acidity increase when olives are damaged, bruised, overripe or heated during production. Increased acidity can also occur when there is a delay between harvest and crush, allowing fermentation. For olive oil to have the lowest levels of FFA, it must be made with the best quality olives, use entirely cold water, state of the art production processes, and handle the olives with the utmost care.
Be incredibly careful when purchasing olive oil. Acidity is only an index applied to virgin olive oils. It can be used as misleading marketing when shown on bottles of olive oil that are blended or refined, sometimes labeled as ‘light’ or ‘pure’. The refining process often takes poor quality oil and removes all free fatty acids by adding caustic soda that converts acids to soap that can be removed.
The Furies EVOO is tested at an independent laboratory at 0.18%. We have the very freshest, premium EVOO available! Use it liberally and Cook with a Vengeance!
Further reading:
Mueller, Tom. Extra Virginity: The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil. New York, W.W. Norton Co, Inc. 2012.
What is the shelf life of EVOO?
Discussion of acidity and peroxide testing of EVOO, leads naturally into the question of shelf life. We believe it is best to buy the highest quality olive oil and use it generously and quickly. After bottling, EVOO should be consumed withing 18-24 months. An opened can is best used within 1-2 months. We recommend buying a size that fits into this parameter. Proper storage of your EVOO helps to preserve its freshness. It is important to store EVOO away from light and heat. Try not to keep it directly next to the stove. Our tin cans are completely opaque so light will not penetrate, but direct sunlight may increase the internal temperature. The optimal storage temperature is between 60-72 degrees.
We chose BPA free tin canisters with these considerations in mind. Tin has been shown to be effective in preserving EVOO quality on par with dark glass. It is also lighter and experiences less breakage during shipment overseas. Fun fact: tin has been shown to be recycled more frequently than dark glass bottles.
Times have changed since EVOO was used sparingly or only on special occasions. We now know that cooking with EVOO brings out natural antioxidants and polyphenols in vegetables. So, use The Furies with confidence and Cook with a Vengeance!
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4375245/
What are polyphenols?
Polyphenols are phytonutrients found in plant foods, especially in extra virgin olive oil. Polyphenols are shown to have amazing health benefits. The olive tree produces multiple polyphenols including flavonols, lignans, and glycosides. The abundance of polyphenols in EVOO promotes health and longevity. They work to improve cholesterol balance, lower oxidative stress, and enhance the lining of blood vessels. This helps to decrease a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease and lower blood pressure. Phytonutrients act as antioxidants in the body to lower inflammation, strengthen the immune system, improve metabolism, stave off dementia and balance blood sugar levels. Olive polyphenols can also decrease angiogenesis, a process necessary for the spread of cancer cells.
Remember, these power phytonutrients remain when you cook with EVOO and can even heighten the naturally occurring polyphenols in the vegetables that you cook, doubling up on their antioxidant power! Also, quality matters. Careful handling of the olives during harvest, same day milling, young olives, cold water extraction, and first press unfiltered contribute to the highest levels of polyphenols and best quality EVOO. Reach for The Furies with confidence to empower your heath and awaken your food!
Further Reading:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6315336/
Why is The Furies unfiltered?
Because it is the healthiest and freshest EVOO! Unfiltered EVOO preserves additional polyphenols in the small amounts of water that is not removed during milling. Some of these nutrients get lost when oil is filtered. Polyphenols and antioxidants are the key to EVOO’s tremendous health benefits. Unfiltered EVOO is also produced during the early harvest when olives are smaller, greener, and most nutritious. Finally, unfiltered EVOO is often the freshest on the market. Always check for both ‘harvest date’ and ‘best before date’ when purchasing EVOO.
Further reading:
http://www.lifesciencesite.com/lsj/life140517/04_31909lsj140517_17_26.pdf
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/19/3/686
Can I cook with EVOO? Why should I use good EVOO to cook rather than regular olive oil?
Yes, you should most definitely cook with EVOO! EVOO is one of the most stable and healthiest ways to cook food. The myth surrounding the question of not using EVOO to cook has been solidly debunked with research. EVOO’s smoke point of 410’ F is well within normal sautéing temperatures. Cold extracted EVOO produces fewer carcinogens when heated when compared to refined oils. Good quality EVOO has the highest levels of antioxidants that has been shown to contribute to its stability when heated. Research has shown that nutritious polyphenols and antioxidants are not lost when heated thereby increasing the nutritional impact of your food.
https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=641444165979266;res=IELNZC
https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/is-it-safe-to-cook-with-extra-virgin-olive-oil
Is The Furies EVOO Kosher?
Yes. The Furies EVOO is harvested and milled in small batches. It is never blended with any other EVOO. Our mill has been ISO 22000 certified for International Food Safety Standards. Olive oil is the sole product made onsite. The Furies is entirely cold extracted using state of the art equipment. It is Certified Organic.
]]>Moisturizes Without Clogging Pores
Olive oil has been used to centuries to nourish and hydrate skin (even Cleopatra was a fan) because of its high content of hydrating ingredients. Olive oil contains a large amount of anti-aging omega-3 and polyphenols. Omega-3 helps to protect skin cells from excess water loss and prevents the entrance of toxins. Polyphenols protect skin from premature aging. Another important component of olive oil is squalene. Squalene is a highly effective emollient and a natural antioxidant. When applied over time, the squalene in EVOO can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars, sun damage, and irregular skin pigmentation. Since it is also an antioxidant, squalene helps to fight free radicals that can be damaging to your skin. These ingredients combined help to plump, soften and moisturize your skin.
Rich in Vitamins
Olive oil is rich in several fat-soluble vitamins that can give your skin a healthy glow and preserve skin’s natural radiance and youth. EVOO contains vitamins A, E, D and K. Vitamin K is highly beneficial to the skin by aiding and supporting your skin’s natural barrier and reducing inflammation. Vitamin E protects your skin from premature aging and increases the production of collagen and elastin, which helps to maintain skin elasticity and prevent wrinkles.
Abundant Antioxidants
EVOO is a wonderful source of antioxidants, which fight oxidative damage in the body by combating free radicals. Free radicals are extremely destructive, and this damage is manifested as wrinkles, uneven skin tone and moisture loss in the skin. Antioxidants in EVOO work by preventing and reversing damage caused by oxidative stress and can help prevent sun damage and restore your skin’s overall health.
Antimicrobial
Olive oil also has been shown to possess antimicrobial properties and can be beneficial in fighting infection. Ingredients in EVOO, such as polyphenols and vitamin K, help to sooth inflammation. Polyphenols in EVOO also have antibacterial properties against human pathogens[1].
Withstood the Test of Time
The ancient Greeks cleansed and moisturized their skin with olive oil, and it endures as a healthy addition to skincare routines. EVOO softens, moisturizes, soothes, helps to maintain skin elasticity and has the ability to counter damage and infection. Modern Greek companies have been in the forefront of the development of pharmaceutical grade skincare using olive oil as a primary ingredient. Behind the scenes at The Furies we are working with these companies to develop our own brand of skincare products. Our goal is to provide the same exceptional quality and commitment to organic, pure ingredients to help nourish our bodies from the outside in as well as the inside out. Stay tuned for The Muses, coming 2021!
[1] Olive Oil and Infection https://www.oliveoiltimes.com/health-news/olive-oil-and-infection/51057
Stanway, Penny. The Miracle of Olive Oil, Practical Tips for Health, Home, & Beauty. London, Watkins Publishing, 2012.
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During this unprecedented and challenging time of COVID-19 it becomes so important to use everyday choices to support and strengthen our immune systems to stay healthy and fight off infections.
]]>During this unprecedented and challenging time of COVID-19 it becomes so important to use everyday choices to stay healthy and fight off infections. This blog post is adapted from Dr. Elizbeth Boham’s 2020 Kripalu Program, “Building a Better Immune System for Lifelong Health and Vitality”
During this weekend conference Dr. Boham outlined easy to follow nutritional and lifestyle guidelines to promote immune functioning and help us feel strong and healthy. Listed below are the highlights:
As we navigate this stressful and challenging time, I am thankful for health, home and family. It reminds me to slow down and pause in appreciation for those battling this virus on the front lines in healthcare, and to send supportive care to those who are sick or grieving. Be well.
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