Products

 

Rose of Crete Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Grown and produced from the Malindretos family olive groves in the small Greek village of Xamoudochori, Crete, this small-batch high quality extra virgin olive oil is the perfect all-purpose olive oil to add to your pantry staples. Rich in green olive fruity flavor with a smooth and velvety texture in the palate, it is characterized by aromas of fresh cut grass and aromatic herbs. The extra virgin olive oil is produced through cold extraction with 100% Koroneiki olives harvested from the olive trees surrounding the estate, some of the younger trees planted by me some 30 years ago!

We closely care for all the olive trees and there is full traceability along each phase of olive oil production, from planting, pruning, hand harvesting to the immediate pressing and packaging of the resulting liquid gold. You can be confident that you will be enjoying the freshest olive oil from our trees directly to your table.

Going back to my roots

My entrepreneurial spirit, along with my expertise on olive oil (from my Greek background) resulted in the bottling and marketing of my family’s olive oil while working for a publishing house in Boston in the 90’s. I held an olive oil tasting for all of the employees and had a crowd 3-deep waiting for a taste of the “liquid gold”. This was the start of my dedication to educating anyone I could on why they should be using olive oil on a daily basis and that passion continues to this day.

What makes our olive so unique?

I could endlessly write and talk about this topic, but in a nutshell, it’s all about terroir and traceability, just like in fine wines, combined with the human experience and know-how when it comes time to harvest and press the olives.

Terroir is the particular region’s natural growing environment - its climate, soil, terrain, sunlight, elevation - which affects the characteristics (taste, flavor and aromatics) of the resulting olive oil produced there. The rich soil, mild climate and natural environment gives the olives their distinctive traits. The shared harmony of the land and our experience and dedication result in the synergy of nature in the production of the olive oil.

The high quality of our olive oil is attributed to this specific terroir which can’t be found nor replicated anywhere else. Terroir establishes the personality and DNA of the olive oil. Think of it like a finger print- one of a kind!.

What can I use it for?

This olive oil is super versatile and can be used as an everyday cooking oil- sautéing, pan-searing, roasting or frying thanks to its high smoke point - as well as the perfect well-rounded finishing oil. Use it fresh in salads. Use it in marinating and baking, use it in desserts. Use it in place of butter for a healthier alternative to frying an egg, even drizzle over popcorn. The uses are endless!

Food pairings: vinaigrettes, marinades, roast vegetables, pasta, sauces, chicken, and any dish where you want to cut through and brighten up the flavors already present. Enjoy simply drizzled on grilled bread and sprinkled with sea salt. Use in place of butter to make olive oil cake.

Health benefits

Olive oil is not only a delicious condiment for your cooking, but it is also so good for you! Since ancient times, olive oil has been praised for its health and beauty benefits, well before it was used as an edible oil.

The Koroneiki olive is known to have high levels of polyphenols (the natural antioxidants found in plants that may reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer) and rightfully considered “the queen of olives” in Greece. Our olive oil is less than 0.4% acidity. To quality for extra virgin, an olive oil must be less than 0.8% free oleic acid.

The wide range of health benefits of evoo, a key component of the well-known Mediterranean diet, includes: the prevention of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, increases good cholesterol (HDL) and lowers “bad” cholesterol, fights acid reflux, slows cerebral aging, to name a few. It also contains the antioxidants beta-carotene and Vitamin E.

SO DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH and don't save your EVOO for special occasions! Unlike fine wine, olive oil doesn't get better with time. Drink it fresh & young! Limited quantities are available, so please email me if you're interested. Payment by Venmo: @Rose-Malindretos.

REGION:  Xamoudochori, Chania region of Crete

DATE OF HARVEST: October 2022

Taste: Medium-bodied, slightly more robust oil with a grassier and more complex taste profile, with a slightly peppery finish.

Limited production: 800 liters

How to buy our olive oil

To stock up on this essential pantry staple, which also makes a great gift for the foodie on your list, e-mail me at roseofcrete@gmail.com.

BUYING OPTIONS:

1. For those who drizzle, I have5 liter tins available for $90, $18/liter.

2. For those who prefer to drink it, like the Greeks (who consume 20 liters of olive oil per year on average, compared to 1 liter for Americans), I have17 liter tins available as well for $275, $16.18/liter. Please note: as this is a high quality olive oil, it will last for over 18 months if stored in a cool, dark place. The flavor just mellows over time, it does not go "bad" unless exposed to light, air and heat (the enemies of olive oil!).

3. If you fall somewhere in between, I can arrange a fill your own favorite olive oil decanter option. We can even set up an olive oil loyalty program for frequent refills.**I can arrange for local delivery in the NYC area, and tristate area. Please email me to see if we can delivery to your address. Unfortunately, at this time, we are not shipping the olive oil. Stay tuned and we’ll keep you posted when we are ready to ship the liquid gold!

Payment by Venmo: @Rose-Malindretos

Recipes

Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Ingredients:

Olive Oil for greasing pan
½ cups flour, plus more for the dusting baking pan
¾ cup cornmeal
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon finely ground sea salt
¾ cup Rose of Crete Extra Virgin Olive Oil
¾ cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest, divided
1 cup granulated sugar plus 3 tablespoons sugar for glaze
Juice of 2 lemons

Directions:
Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Oil an 8” X 4” loaf pan with Olive oil & dust with flour. Tap out the excess.

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda & salt.

  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together Rose of Crete Extra Virgin Olive Oil, buttermilk, eggs, 1 cup sugar & 1 teaspoon lemon zest.

  3. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients & mix until just combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan & bake until golden brown & a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean,55–60 minutes.

  4. Let cool for 30 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack & let cool completely.

  5. Meanwhile, heat the lemon juice, 3 tablespoons sugar & remaining teaspoon of fresh lemon zest in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil & reduce until slightly syrupy. Brush over the top & sides of the cake. Serve with a dollop of mascarpone & fresh berries.

Simple Greek Salad Dressing Recipe

A rough guideline for making vinaigrette is using a ratio of 3:1 - 3 parts olive oil to one part vinegar.

3 tbs Olive Oil
1 tbs freshly squeezed lemon or your favorite vinegar
1 mashed garlic clove
Salt and pepper to taste

Place the oil, lemon or vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper in a glass jar. Tighten the lid and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds or until fully combined.