Olive oil is the oil that comes from the fruit of the olive tree (Olea europea). Virgin olive oil is produced by mechanical processing of the olive fruit in olive mills. It is a key element of the Mediterranean diet and is considered a healthy food product due to its content of monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, etc.
Physical and chemical characteristics
Crude virgin olive oil is a mixture of various ingredients. These can be distinguished into three categories: Glycerides, fat-soluble substances and water-soluble substances. They can also be distinguished into saponifiable and non-saponifiable components. Glycerides, which are also saponifiable components, are mainly triglycerides, i.e. esters of glycerol with fatty acids. The latter are mainly: oleic, palmitoleic, linoleic, stearic and palmitic. The first three are unsaturated fatty acids, and the other two are saturated
Historical data
In the Greek area, presses for the production of oil from olives and containers (jars) for oil storage dating from the Mycenaean era have been found. According to the excavations carried out in the Proto-Cycladic II (2,700-2,300 BC) cemetery of Spedos in 1903 by Klonos Stefanos, among the other finds, he mentions a silver-plated clay vessel which contained traces of spoiled olive oil. The careful research in the chemistry of the National University under Professor K. Zengeli proved, beyond doubt, the existence of olive oil. Klonos Stefanos (in the Proceedings of the Archaeological Society PAE 1906) notes that together with the silver-plated clay vessel, a triple clay oil lamp was found. Olive oil is referred to on a Linear B tablet from Knossos as erawo (oil) and on others with a special ideogram.
Olive oil and health
Olive oil contains high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) as well as an abundance of bioactive components. Of these, the phenolic components are the most extensively studied. Regarding the benefits of MUFAs in human health, the US Food and Drink Administration authorized qualitative health claims (health claims), for the first time in 2004, regarding the protection offered by monounsaturated fatty acids of olive oil against cardiovascular risk diseases. Overall, the benefits of olive oil fatty acids were summarized at the first International Conference on Olive Oil and Health, in 2005. But olive oil is more than a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids. Its phenolic components have shown anti-inflammatory and chemo-protective properties. Oleocanthal in olive oil has been found to have a similar effect to the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen. In none of the studies in which the role of phenolic components of olive oil has been examined, cytotoxicity has been shown.
We use the pulp of select lucuma fruit when fully ripe to truly capture its taste. The pulp is dried at low temperatures and then milled to preserve its nutrients. In powder form our lucuma is not only a great ingredient to bring forth an amazing flavour profile, but also a good source of fiber.
Our Raw Criollo Cacao Nibs are coated on our Yacon Powder Chocolate (50% raw criollo cacao and 50% yacon powder) in order to add an extra depth of flavour and a very pleasant crunch. The whole cacao nib inside will also boost the mineral content for an even more nutritious snack.
Our new Cacao Powder is a blend from 51% Peruvian Criollo Cacao and 49% Cacao from non-peruvian Beans. It provides a wonderful aromatic and as nutritious alternative and also complies to the new EU-regulation for cadmium values!
Almost as high in nutrients as our Peruvian Cacao Powder, aromatic taste, give it a try, give us a call!
Contrary to industry standards, our cacao is fermented for a shorter period of time in order to preserve its nutrients, using banana to boost the natural flavour and aroma, and we have a longer drying period that ensure the increased stability of the beans.
Criollo Cacao is full of nutrients such as magnesium, manganese, zinc and many more.
Cacao mass, or Liquor, is a vital ingredient in the preparation of all kinds of chocolates around the world. What better ingredient to prepare chocolate than a Raw Criollo Cacao Liquor that not only contains a higher content of the natural nutrients found in cacao, but also brings flavour and aroma like no other.
A healthier and more nutritious alternative to the "cocoa" commonly found in stores. The irresistible flavour and aroma of our Raw Criollo Cacao Powder is like no other, making it perfect for the development of drinks as well as confectionery.
Our organic criollo cacao beans are a unique variety grown in the amazon region of Peru. Criollo cacao beans are known for their higher nutritional content and wonderful taste and aroma.
Contrary to industry standards, our cacao is fermented for a shorter period of time in order to preserve its nutrients. Our Raw Criollo Cacao Nibs are a great alternative to cacao beans, as they are de-husked and in a smaller, much easier to consume form factor. They can be consumed as a snack on their own, but can also add a lovely cacao flavour to cereals, snacks, and other preparations.
Maras salt is very rich in mineral content, collected through its subterranean trip to the ponds.
These ponds are owned by the locals and the salt-water collected in them is dried naturally and then harvested by hand to avoid contamination.
Our Maras Pink Salt is collected by the locals and processed without any additives like anticaking agents to ensure a truly natural product is obtained. We preserve the natural mineral content this way and allow for it to highlight flavour unlike any salt.
Yacon Root Powder is an incredible sweetener prepared from select yacon roots. The root's nectar goes through a careful process of drying and milling without losing the FOS (Fructo-oligosaccharide) content. FOS is a dietary sugar which the body does not metabolize. As a sweetener, it provides a pleasant fruity taste that can be a great alternative for any preparation.
Our Yacon Root Chips are made from select, thinly sliced yacon roots, and dried to obtain crunchy dried chips with a pleasant sweet taste. It can be a great snack by itself, or it can be added as an ingredients confectionery and other preparations.
Our Yacon Syrup is a product like no other in the industry. It's lovely amber color and a sweet taste, resembling that of honey with a hint of citrus, is achieved by extracting the nectar of carefully selected yacon roots and using low temperatures in the process in order to avoid burning the FOS, a dietary sugar which the body does not metabolize. This is truly a great sweetener for drinks and meal preparations.
