Cretan Heritage – Krissa

The best olive oil to buy is an extra virgin olive oil from a single harvest, with a known harvest date and an independent lab result. Pay attention to polyphenol content, acidity (below 0.8%), and origin. At Olijfolie Markt, you will find only award-winning oils, directly from Italian producers — from delicate to robust.

Polyphenol-rich olive oil is extra virgin olive oil with a high content of natural antioxidants (polyphenols). According to the EU, olive oil may officially be called "polyphenol-rich" from 250 mg/kg; supermarket olive oil typically contains only 50-150 mg/kg. Polyphenols contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress. View our high intensity olive oils with 500+ mg/kg.

A daily olive oil shot—one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil on an empty stomach—is a simple way to get polyphenols and healthy monounsaturated fats. For this, choose a polyphenol-rich, robust oil: the more peppery the finish, the more antioxidants. Our robust oils are most suitable for this.

Good extra virgin olive oil contains at least 250 mg/kg of polyphenols — the EU threshold for the designation "rich in polyphenols". Premium oils reach 300–500 mg/kg, and exceptional harvests such as our Coratina exceed 700 mg/kg. In comparison, regular supermarket oil often only contains 50–150 mg/kg. You can find each lab result on our product pages.

Yes, extra virgin olive oil is among the healthiest fats available. It is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, which contribute to a healthy heart and healthy blood lipid levels. It is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet. Important: choose unrefined, cold-pressed oil from a recent harvest — that way, the nutrients are maximally preserved.

Yes, baking with extra virgin olive oil is perfectly fine. Its smoke point (around 190–210°C) is above normal baking and frying temperatures, and the polyphenols actually make the oil more stable when heated than many other vegetable oils. For daily cooking, a medium oil is ideal; save your robust top oil for cold applications.

The best Italian olive oils come from small producers who press within hours of harvesting — from regions such as Puglia, Umbria, Abruzzo, and Sicily. Think of single-cultivar oils from Coratina or Ogliarola olives, awarded by guides like Bibenda and Flos Olei. Our range exclusively consists of these types of award-winning Italian oils.

You can reach us by email at info@olijfoliemarkt.nl or via WhatsApp (icon bottom right). We are always ready to help you with your questions and advice.

Yes, we offer beautiful gift packaging for our premium olive oils. Perfect for a luxury gift for friends, family or business relations.