Mani Blauel are pioneers of organic olive oil production as the first company to produce certified organic olive oil in Greece. Mani Blauel know that the main factors for producing high quality organic olive oil are the environment (the soil and climate) and the olive tree variety. The Mani region in Greece offers the ideal growing conditions and well-established olive tree varieties which, along with century-old olive-growing technical skills create what is known as ‘green gold’ – exquisite olive oil.
‘Green gold’ such as Mani Blauel Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil requires:
- Stone and mineral-rich soil
- Optimal location and climate conditions
- Ecological soil management
- Professional pruning of the trees
- The local olive variety
- Immediate, gentle processing after harvest
- Correct extraction methods
- Strict quality control
- Careful storage and bottling
This perfect combination of elements creates the unique fruitiness, complexity and nuance of flavour of Mani Blauel Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).
Respect, appreciation and love for the people, for the environment and for their origins are the pillars of the Bläuel family business. Mani consider certified organic farming to be an expression of appreciation for nature and the environment. Through responsible usage of precious resources, sustainable processing and largely local sourcing of raw materials, the Mani Blauel brand contributes to the preservation of the cultural landscape of the Mani region whilst minimizing the environmental footprint of the company.
Mani Blauel EVOO is obtained solely from koroneiki variety olives, harvested to obtain a high content of polyphenols (antioxidant compounds) – making it one of the healthiest olive oils. Polyphenols are responsible for the characteristic spicy and bitter aftertaste of superior extra virgin olive oil and are associated with profound health benefits. Polyphenols protect blood lipids from oxidative stress, contribute to the reduction of cholesterol levels, fight cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, certain types of cancer, reduce stroke risk, contribute to longevity and have anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory qualities.
Characteristics
- Koroneiki variety
- High Polyphenols
- Cold pressed <27°C
- Unfiltered
- Organic
Taste and Aroma
Fresh and mildly fruity with aromas of almond, artichoke and wild herbs.
Production
Mani Blauel olives are harvested by hand and exclusively cold extracted to achieve the highest quality. Only the best olive oils from small family farms who cultivate their olive groves traditionally and organically are selected to be part of the Mani Blauel brand.
During November and December with painstaking, careful craftsmanship and with simple hand-portable mechanical tools, the olives are harvested. The ripeness of the fruit is critical, not too green nor, too ripe – experience has shown the Mani Blauel team that the fruit should ideally be picked when its colour is between yellowish-green and light purple. At this stage aromas, polyphenols and oil content are optimal. Polyphenols are plant compounds that among other factors, affect the colour and taste, protect the oil and as antioxidants they have been scientifically proven to provide many health benefits. Strict selection methods guarantee the best raw materials for producing Mani’s premium quality olive oils.
Mani Blauel understand that critical to the quality of olive oil is the immediate processing of the olives as soon as possible after harvesting and so, that same evening, the precious olives are cold-processed in one of the 15 medium-sized oil mills in the region. The olive oil is extracted at a maximum temperature of 27 degrees Celsius, so that the valuable nutritional components of the olive are retained. Strict quality controls ensure that only the best quality Mani Blauel olive oils qualify as ‘extra virgin’.
Only exceptional oils are bottled by Mani Blauel and all Mani Blauel EVOOs meet the highest standards for ‘extra virgin’. According to legal requirements, EVOO must be under 0,8% acidity and have a peroxide value of no higher than 20 meq/kg, must be free from defects as regards to taste and must present a certain degree of fruitiness. Mani oils far exceed these criteria. First, the olive oil must pass the food technologists quality control procedures. Batches are checked in terms of chemical composition as well as the organoleptic qualities of the oil. Analysis of acidity levels provides information on the proper handling of the olives. Only olive oils with acidity below 0.4% are accepted and subsequently bottled. The peroxide value reflects the freshness of the oil. Thanks to careful storage, even after twelve months, Mani Blauel olive oils maintain peroxide levels of 10 to 12 meq/kg. The lower the value, the fresher taste.
Health Benefits
Historically, olive oil has been an integral part of Mediterranean tradition and diet. Consumption of extra virgin olive oil is associated with increased life expectancy as it contains high levels of phenols, tocopherols and phytosterols. EVOO has been the subject of many scientific studies and research in recent years. The presence of polyphenols such as, oleocanthal (a potent antioxidant in plants) has been linked to a number of health benefits including, decreasing inflammation, regulating blood sugar levels and potentially reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Olive oil is also an example of a heart-healthy fat source, consisting primarily of monounsaturated fatty acids. A review by the American Heart Association has shown that replacing saturated fats (such as those found in butter, lard, and coconut oil) with monounsaturated fats (such as those found in olive oil) is linked with a significantly lower risk of heart disease. Mani Blauel EVOO is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that help lower ‘bad cholesterol’ (LDL) and offer a good ratio between HDL (‘good cholesterol’) and LDL (‘bad cholesterol’) cholesterol.
More information about polyphenols can be found here.
More to the Gourmet Story…
Appreciation for man and nature has always been the basis of all economic activity for the Bläuel family. Fritz and Burgi Bläuel came to the Mani in the late 1970s in search of an alternative way of life. They soon started expanding an organic agriculture project together with the local olive farmers and oil-millers. With entrepreneurial vision, respect for people and for the cultural landscape of the Mani together with much effort and enthusiasm, they managed to unite the farmers. Through effectively communicating to the farmers the benefits of organic agriculture and the associated market opportunities they gradually gained their cooperation and support.
The reward of this cooperation was Greece’s first Organic certified olive oil, that is today exported worldwide. In 2009, Fritz and Burgi’s son Felix joined the company management and contributes to setting new goals for the future. Goals such as their recently obtained Naturland Fair certification, which makes the long-term environmental and social commitment of the company transparent and measurable. Ethical business in harmony with man and nature has been the hallmark of the Bläuel family business for over 30 years.
The fruits of their labour are not in the form of award-winning Mani Blauel organic extra virgin olive oils, organic olives and organic mezes but even more so, in the preservation of Mani’s cultural landscape as the centre of traditional, organic olive cultivation in Greece. Mani Bläuel is inspired by the ancient cultural heritage of Greek Mani and works to maintain it with dedication and love.
Awards and Features
More information about Mani Blauel’s multiple awards can be found here.
- Certification according to EU standards for organic farming by Greek certifying body “Bio Hellas”(Download PDF)
- Soil Association Organic Certificate (UK)(Download PDF)
- Soil Association Trading Schedule (UK)(Download PDF)
- EU certification for organic farming is recognized and accepted in the USA since 2013.
- Certification of most olive products according to Naturland organic(Download PDF)
and fair standards. (Download PDF) - Certification according to EU standards for organic farming by Austrian certifying body “Lacon”(Download PDF)
- Certification according to EU standards for organic cosmetic products by Austrian certifying body “Lacon”(Download PDF)
- Certification according to Swiss standards for organic farming(Download PDF)
- Vegan Certification of the European Vegetarian Union(Download ZIP)
- Certifications of the facility: ISO 22000 (HACCP)(Download PDF), ISO 9001 (Download PDF) and IFS (International Food Standard) (Download PDF)
- FDA registration(Download PDF)
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