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Efkrato
Efkrato is a family-run producer based in Réthymnon, Crete. It offers an exceptional organic extra virgin olive oil, made from the local Tsounati variety. Its rich polyphenol content and distinctive taste make it a must-have in Mediterranean gastronomy.
A family tradition rooted in the Cretan soil
Located in the sunny hills of Rethymnon, this family-run farm has been cultivating the ancestral Tsounati variety for several generations. Thanks to an ideal microclimate and mineral-rich soil, the olive trees – some of which are over a hundred years old – produce an olive oil typical of Cretan heritage.
To preserve quality and authenticity, the producing family follows a rigorous process. Each harvest is carried out by hand, according to tradition, to fully preserve the oil’s natural aromas and nutritional properties.
The sustainable agriculture behind Efkrato olive oil
The olives are harvested by hand, olive by olive, before they are fully ripe. As a result, the oil obtained is naturally richer in polyphenols. What’s more, the entire process complies with certified organic farming standards, guaranteeing both purity and respect for the environment.
Fertilization is carried out naturally, using manure from the horses and sheep that graze in the olive grove. Cold extraction, carried out within 6.5 hours of harvesting, guarantees fresh, aromatic oil with no nutrient degradation.
Efkrato olive oil: recognized nutritional benefits
This organic extra virgin olive oil has remarkable nutritional values:
Total polyphenols: 814 mg/kg
This very high content helps protect blood lipids against oxidative stress (EU regulation 432/2012).Squalene: 10 600 mg/kg
This powerful natural antioxidant supports immune function, skin health and cellular longevity.
An oil that wins international awards
The excellence of this producer has been recognized by a number of prestigious competitions:
NYIOOC (New York) – Gold 2022 and 2023
Dubai Olive Oil Competition – Gold 2025
Paris Olive Oil Competition – Gold 2025
London Olive Oil Competition – Silver 2021
Best of Rethymno & Silver Elea – Pancretan Olive Oil Competition 2025
How to use Efkrato olive oil in the kitchen?
Rich in aromas, this oil will enhance all your recipes:
On fresh salads, crudités or grilled vegetables.
As a finishing touch on a mild cheese or carpaccio.
To accompany healthy, elegant and tasty Mediterranean cuisine.
Frequently asked questions about olive oil and its benefits
Do the polyphenols in olive oil have any health benefits?
Yes, the polyphenols present in olive oil reduce LDL cholesterol, limit inflammation and protect cells. What’s more, they support cardiovascular health and the immune system.
What's so special about the Tsounati variety?
The Tsounati variety, one of the oldest in Crete, produces an oil rich in beneficial phenolic compounds. It offers tomato, rosemary and walnut aromas, while producing a stable, fragrant oil.
What makes an oil “rich in polyphenols”?
Firstly, it must contain at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and derivatives per 20 g of oil, in accordance with European regulations. Secondly, it must come from an early, cold-pressed, quality harvest.
Why is cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil recommended?
Cold pressing (below 27°C) preserves sensitive compounds such as polyphenols. As a result, the oil retains its antioxidant benefits and fresh taste.
