Mani Blauel – Kalamata (black) Olives Al Naturale [organic]

Mani Blauel are pioneers of organic traditional Greek cuisine as the first company to produce certified organic olive oil in Greece. Mani Blauel know that the main factors for producing high quality olives 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 provide exquisite organic olives.

This 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
• Strict quality control
• Adequate storage and packaging

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.

These exquisite Naturland Fair certified Mani Blauel Organic Kalamata Olives develop their typical mild fruity flavour under the glorious Greek sun. Once harvested by hand they are natural cured for six months, seasoned with Mani Blauel extra virgin olive oil, salt and aromatic oregano then vacuum packed in their jars.

Characteristics

• Kalamata olive variety
• Organic
• Vegan

Ingredients

Kalamata olives*º (64%), extra virgin olive oil* (36%), sea salt, lactic acid

*Certified Product of Organic Farming
º Naturland Fair certified (64%)

Taste and Aroma

Fresh, plump and juicy with a mild but satisfying flavour and delectable aroma.

Production

Mani Blauel table olives are carefully harvested, de-bittered (following the natural, traditional method of curing in sea salt brine) and carefully preserved and processed with no additives whatsoever. They are suitable for vegetarians and vegans more so, the olives in olive oil and the al naturale versions meet the criteria for a raw diet.

Easy to recognize, tree-ripened Kalamata olives are brownish-purple in colour and their flesh is juicy and mild. In comparison, the solid flesh of organic green konservolia table olives – also known as amfissa olives – impress with their wonderful spicy flavour. The mix of juicy and spicy, kalamata olives and amfissa, combine to bring out the best of both varieties.

The olives are marinated in extra virgin olive oil and oregano then vacuum packed. The olives in olive oil are preserved in fresh, organic, fruity Mani Blauel extra virgin olive oil. A typical specialty of Greece is green olives packed in olive oil with herbs and a slice of lemon. Mani Blauel olives in brine are available whole or pitted, preserved in fresh sea salt brine. In addition, green amfissa olives, hand-stuffed with spicy garlic cloves or whole, sweet almonds, complete the extensive Mani Blauel olive range: an olive for every occasion.

Perfect For

✓ An entrée or as a snack.

✓ Incorporating into culinary creations – such as with rice or pasta or making sauces.

✓ Picnics.

✓ Enjoying with a glass of wine!

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)