Discovering Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Gold of Irida

Whether you are a culinary enthusiast, a wellness aficionado, a foodie, or just an everyday person seeking to make better and healthier choices, you've likely heard a lot about “Extra Virgin Olive Oil” (or EVOO). You might be wondering what the term means, why it's so special, and how you can find authentic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. 

Technically, EVOO is the “juice” made from the very first pressing of olives. It is an unprocessed, unrefined olive oil that retains its natural antioxidants and vitamins. EVOO has naturally low levels of free oleic acid, and the term 'extra virgin' signifies the highest quality oil, known for its purity and excellence.

Olive Oil & Health Benefits

Throughout the rich history of Greece and the Mediterranean, olive oil has been a symbol of abundance, wealth, peace and prosperity. In ancient times, extra virgin olive oil was hailed as 'the great healer' by Hippocrates and 'liquid gold' by Homer. Today, scientific research confirms the immense nutritional value of EVOO, highlighting its numerous health benefits, including heart protection, inflammation alleviation, and even cancer prevention.

The premium Gold of Irida EVOO is your link between the earthly wonder of olive trees and the godsent gift of purity, longevity, and joy. Born from the bountiful land of Laconia, nestled in the southeastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece, this “liquid gold” is now available to you.

Origins & History of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) - The region of Laconia

Ancient Roots and Mythology - Greek Olive Oil History

In ancient Greece, where gods and mortals intertwined, lies the storied region of Laconia. Here, beneath the watchful gaze of Mount Taygetus and Parnon, the olive tree – a gift from Athena herself – flourishes in the fertile soil, caressed by the Mediterranean breeze and bathed in the golden Peloponnesian sunlight.

This land, where the mythical Irida, the messenger-goddess, witnessed the sacred ritual of harvest, is steeped in tradition and history. From these ancient groves, nurtured for centuries, comes the pure essence of Laconia: Extra Virgin Olive Oil. A symbol of life and vitality, this 'liquid gold' has been cherished through the ages, connecting us to the divine and the eternal wisdom of the ancients.

The Beginnings of Olive Oil

But how, when and where did everything start? Wild olives, originating in Asia Minor, were collected as far back as the 8th millennium BC by Neolithic people. Olive oil’s numerous benefits were early recognized, used in religious rituals, medicines, oil lamps, soap-making, and skincare. Spartans and other Greeks were using it cosmetically since the early 7th century BC. The earliest surviving olive oil amphorae date to 3500 BC (Early Minoan times), though the production of olive oil is assumed to have started before 4000 BC. Archaeological evidence suggests that ancient Greeks perfected the process of olive oil production devising press machines.

Mycenaean Influence and Modern Legacy

In the ancient days of Mycenaean Greece (c. 1450–1150 BC), the land of Laconia played a pivotal role in the flourishing trade of pure olive oil. This prized 'liquid gold' was meticulously crafted by placing olives in woven mats and pressing them until the precious oil gathered in vats. From the fertile fields of Laconia, olive oil journeyed across the Mediterranean, symbolizing the region's rich heritage and its vital contribution to the prosperity of Mycenaean civilization.

In modern Greece, it has been reported that Laconia produced an average of 28,000 metric tons of olive oil annually during the decade from 2009 to 2019.

Laconia boasts two of the best extra virgin olive oil varieties: Athinoelia and Koroneiki. 

The Athinoelia Extra Virgin Olive Oil Variety

The name “Athinoelia” translates to “Athena’s gift of olive.” According to myth, the wise and powerful goddess competed with Poseidon for the patronage of Athens and won by gifting the city the divine olive tree.

The Athinoelia Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a rare variety of exceptional taste and quality, unique to Laconia. It is considered one of the oldest varieties in Greece.

Athinoelia is pure and fresh. During the early harvest, the young olives are handpicked and swiftly transported to the master miller. Within hours, they are cold-pressed to preserve their vibrant essence, resulting in a golden-green oil with a robust character and a remarkably low acidity.

Athinoelia EVOO has a distinctive golden-green hue and a powerfully fresh taste that encompasses bold fruitiness, highlighted by prominent citrus and almond notes. Its flavor is vibrantly, perfectly harmonious, and well-balanced, with a subtle, spicy finish.

Experience Athena’s gift of purity, longevity, and joy with premium Athinoelia Olive Oil, freshly harvested from Laconia by Gold of Irida.

The Koroneiki Extra Virgin Olive Oil Variety

The Koroneiki olive, renowned for its small yet remarkably flavorful fruits, has rightfully earned its title as the king of olives. This tree, which produces Greece’s most beloved olive oil variety, thrives in the sun-kissed and sea-loved sacred land of Peloponnese. Its small, precious fruits mature quickly, brimming with nutritional value and unparalleled flavor, enhancing the scrumptious dishes of the renowned Mediterranean diet. Always handpicked and pressed within hours by a master miller, the essence of the fruit arrives on your plate fresh, its generosity preserved.

The Koroneiki Extra Virgin Olive Oil Variety: World-renowned and steeped in Greek heritage, this exceptional olive oil from Laconia excels in every taste challenge. Unveiling a harmonious blend of flavors and aromas, it delights the senses and, with its health benefits, attests to its remarkable nutritional value.

Discover the king of olives with the exceptional Koroneiki Extra Virgin Olive Oil, freshly harvested from Laconia by Gold of Irida.

Why Choose Gold of Irida's EVOO?

Laconia, strong and untamed, is the birthplace of Greece’s finest olive oil. The salty air, life-giving sun, and protective mountains create the ideal environment for ancient olive roots to flourish. For centuries, the olive oil from this land has blessed rituals and served as the essence of life.

The premium Gold of Irida EVOO embodies a divine and timeless heritage honored and perfected by dedicated, caring work across generations.

Our olive grove in Gouves, Laconia, passed down through four generations, is lovingly tended by local farmers who uphold ancient values of sustainability. During harvest, traditional methods ensure the olives are handled with utmost care, producing the pure and natural gift of our EVOO.

Experience the legacy of purity, longevity, and joy with Gold of Irida’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil – where tradition becomes taste.