A majority of Greek farmers faced significant challenges during the 2018 harvest season. The adverse weather conditions and fruit flies affected the olive oil crops in Greece. According to Greek producers, there was a 35-45% reduction in olive oil produced compared to the last season. The harsh conditions led to lower production both in terms of quantity and quality. Despite the challenging conditions, small family-owned farms, like Olea True, who produce high phenol olive oil in smaller quantities were still able to yield high-quality high phenol olive oil. The 2018 Olea True Harvest represents one of the two highest phenolic content olive oils tested. Twice per year, we test our oil by a third party to guarantee quality and purity as well as to track the stability of the phenolic compounds and inform our customers. View our Science section to learn more about our scientific testing and to view our certificates with the most up to date phenol levels.
What Is NMR Analysis of High Phenol Olive Oil?
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, most commonly known as NMR spectroscopy, is a research technique that exploits the magnetic properties of certain atomic nuclei. This type of spectroscopy determines the physical and chemical properties of atoms or the molecules in which they are contained. The NMR analysis of our samples is conducted at the University of Athens. We use the revolutionary Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) testing to accurately measure phenolic compounds in Olea True. However, you don’t only need to rely on NMR testing and product labels to identify premium EVOO. Connoisseurs take a slurp and wait for a pleasant burning sensation in the throat that may cause you to cough. The reason for this peculiar practice? Sensor molecules found mainly in the throat latch on to polyphenols, such as Oleocanthal, that are found only in fresh, well-made premium olive oil such as Olea True. The results provide a scientific basis for the age-old custom of rating high-quality EVOO on a scale of one, two or three coughs.
If you're interested in learning more about high phenol olive oil, you may also want to check out the World Olive Center. Their mission is to certify and identify olive oil with a health claim, train producers on how to yield high phenol olive oil, and support research on therapeutic properties of all olive products. The idea for the World Olive Center for Health was inspired by Dr. Eleni Melliou, a scientist who has dedicated most of her career studying the pharmacological properties of high phenol olive oil. She has two degrees, one from the chemistry department of UOA and one from the department of food technology of the Technological Institute of Athens. She has received her master and doctorate from the Pharmacy department of UOA in 2005. Other founding members include Prokopios Magiatis, Associate Professor of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Athens. His research is focused on the isolation, chemical synthesis, and bioactivity of natural products, especially those reported in ancient medical texts. Together with Dr. Melliou he has created the first university lab offering analysis of olive oil by NMR regarding its content on health protecting ingredients. Ultimately, their goals are aligned with Olea True's mission: To educate consumers on the phenolic compounds found in some extra virgin olive oil so they can be aware of its health benefits and make an informed choice on whether incorporating a flavorful and healthful EVOO into their daily diet is worthwhile. And second, to leverage this consumer awareness to establish a new market and enable farmers of high phenol EVOO to proudly reach that market at a fair price.
Interested in learning more? Watch the Q&A with Dr.Prokopios Magiatis on the health benefits of high phenol EVOO.
Dr. Prokopios Magiatis explains the health benefits of EVOO from Athan Gadanidis on Vimeo.
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