Basil Olive Oil + Arsenal Pulp Press = Greatest Olive Oil Cookbook Ever!

Basil Olive Oil has joined forces with local publisher, Arsenal Pulp Press, to publish an olive oil cookbook. Filled with Helen's family recipes and some modern twists and favorites, the cookbook is sure to wow seasoned cooks and nubbies! Not only that, local renowned chefs who use our certified organic olive oil and other products have contributed recipes of their own...showing us all what wonders can be made with delicious olive oil. Did I mention chocolate ice cream? Craziness I tell you!!!

Coming to a bookstore near you in Fall 2010.

PS: We're in the midst of figuring out a title for the cookbook. Got any ideas? Your feedback is much appreciated!!! Thanks!

Just Honey? Fir Get it!!! Our Newest Find: Fir Honey...

Happy to announce our newest product: certified organic elatomelo or fir honey. A little info below on this super healthy (and delicious!) honey. In stores soon.

This is an exclusive Greek product. Produced and collected at 2000 metre altitude in the fir forests of Mount Mainalon in central Peloponnese, Elatomelo (or Fir Honey) is called the ‘vanilla of Mainalon’. (The name ‘vanilla’ however was given because of the honey’s colour, and not its taste.) Fir Honey is unique in that it has an international protected district of origin (PDO) acknowledgement and never crystallizes (granulates). This is due to the Fir Honey’s low moisture content (anywhere from 14 to 15.5% per 1 kg container). Fir Honey of Mainalon is also very low in natural sugars because of its low glucose and fructose content. It does not have a strong aroma and its taste is reminiscent of caramel.

Fir Honey is high in iron and calcium content which helps the body to absorb the iron it needs. For this reason, the Fir honey is beneficial for people with anaemia, pregnant women (as it prevents osteoporosis), athletes, children and anyone in need of a little extra iron.

Due to its low natural sugar content, Fir Honey is recommended for diabetics, people on a diet and anyone with a sugar metabolism problem.

Fir Honey contains a chemical called choline which protects the gut from cancer [Research American Health Institute, Valhalla, NY, Rao ET Al 1994]. As an antiseptic, diuretic, anti-anaemic, Fir Honey helps to protect against stomach ulcers.

Honey does not need to be pasteurized as it is naturally low in bacteria. On the other hand, excessive heat destroys the honey’s beneficial enzymes.

Honey contains more than 180 different substances; its complex structure makes artificial production of honey impossible. The composition and nutritional value of honey differs in relation to the sources honeybees have visited. Whether a honey is organic or not, its percentages of minerals, proteins and other trace elements play a significant role in human metabolism and nutrition.


Nutritional values (in mg) per 1 kg container of Fir Honey

Glucose 24
Fructose 32.10
Potassium 3.93
Sodium 0.28
Calcium 3.8
Magnesium 3.9
Manganese 0.39
Zinc 0.006
Iron 0.032
Copper 0.003