By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold.
The olive tree and olive oil have symbolised peace and reconciliation for millennia, as well as playing key roles in the cuisine of the people of the Mediterranean region. Two producers of extra virgin olive oil from both sides of the Aegean Sea are now honoring these symbols with a collector’s case featuring extra virgin olive oils from Greece and Turkey.
After a year-long collaboration, Eftychis Androulakis from Crete and Emine Colin from Turkey are presenting a collector’s edition that includes a bottle of organic high phenolic Pamako extra virgin olive oil from Greece and a bottle of Oro di Milas extra virgin olive oil from Turkey.
The idea of creating a commemorative box that includes the two olive oils as an act of friendship and collaboration began with a discussion of the remarkable improvement in the quality of the two countries’ olive oil, the value of collaboration, and the unique ability of olive oil to unite people of different countries, religions, and cultures.
Anita Zachou, agricultural engineer, expert olive oil taster, and production and quality consultant for the Oro di Milas brand, and Eftychis Androulakis, producer, master miller and bottler of Pamako, were discussing these points. With great love for Greece, Emine Colin from Turkey (a resident of America for the last 40 years) and her husband Mark Colin embraced these ideas.
Produced from the ancient Tsounati olive variety, multi-awarded Pamako organic extra virgin olive oil comes from mountain olive groves in the region of Agrile in Chania, Crete. It is the first olive oil to be internationally certified as a food supplement because of its healthy high phenolic content. Oro di Milas is produced from olives of the famous Turkish variety Memecik in a privately owned olive mill in the mountains of the historic region of Milas. It stands out for its intense aromatic character, and in the first year of its release it won nine gold awards in some of the most prestigious international olive oil competitions.
The gift box showcases two of the finest extra virgin olive oils, oils meticulously crafted by artisans who have mastered the art of olive cultivation and state of the art milling techniques. With Greece and Turkey renowned for their olive cultivation and production, this collaboration embodies a union of expertise and tradition, offering a sensory journey through the flavors and aromas of the Mediterranean.
Both extra virgin olive oils pair perfectly with the flavours of Greek and Turkish cuisine. On the occasion of this collaboration between two producers, the famous award-winning Greek executive chef Michalis Marthas created two recipes that emphasise the harmonious pairing of flavors between the two cuisines.
He created two seafood recipes that are beloved in both countries: a recipe for steamed mussels with vegetables, Greek ouzo and Pamako extra virgin olive oil, whose intense character elevates the dish, and a recipe for marinated sea bass with tangerine, lemon, artichoke and Oro di Milas extra virgin olive oil, whose low bitterness and complex aromatic fruitiness combine harmoniously with the sea bass for a unique taste experience.
The gesture of the two producers reminds us that olive oil is a product that unites us and that invites us to collaborate creatively, with acceptance and respect for what makes us different. As consumers indulge in the exquisite flavors of these award- winning olive oils, they are invited to reflect on the enduring bond between the two sides of the Aegean Sea, celebrating not only the richness of their culinary traditions, but also the spirit of peace and friendship that unites them.
Part of the proceeds from the sale of this collector’s box will be allocated to support organizations involved in the promotion of peace and research on children’s health. Pamako has been used for three years in European studies on the beneficial effect of high phenolic olive oil on children suffering from autism. Both Eftychis and Emine, a mother of four children and a former athlete, are particularly aware of the positive effects of olive oil on human health.
The love for high quality extra virgin olive oil knows no borders.
The collector’s case is available for sale in the online store www.elenianna.com.
*Originally published on Greek Liquid Gold: Authentic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (greekliquidgold.com). See that site for recipes with olive oil, photos from Greece, agrotourism and food tourism suggestions, and olive oil news and information.
