DISCOVER THE DISTINCTIVE FLAVORS, HEALTH BENEFITS, AND CULINARY USES OF ATHENOLIA AND KORONEIKI OLIVES FROM GREECE
Greece produces some of the finest extra virgin olive oils, and among its cultivars are Athenolia and Koroneiki. Understanding the differences between Athenolia and Koroneiki olives can help olive oil lovers in choosing the perfect Greek olive oil.
Origins and Cultivation of Athenolia and Koroneiki Olives
Athenolia olives are native to the Peloponnese region of Greece, especially thriving in the groves of Lakonia. Athenolia trees produce medium-sized olives that yield oils rich in flavor and antioxidants. Koroneiki olives, often said to be the queen of olives, are among the oldest and most widely planted cultivars in Greece. They flourish throughout Greece, particularly in the Peloponnese, producing small but intensely flavored olives prized for their oil quality.
Flavor Profiles of Athenolia and Koroneiki Olives
Athenolia olive oil has a fruity flavor profile with subtle pepper notes balanced by a smooth buttery finish. The complexity of Athenolia olive oil makes it ideal for those who enjoy more character and depth from their olive oil, especially when drizzling over salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled fish. Koroneiki olive oil tends to be bolder and more robust with a grassy bite. This intensity makes Koroneiki olive oils a favorite for finishing dishes that benefit from a stronger flavor presence and for culinary uses where the olive oil's assertiveness enhances the dish.
Health Benefits of Athenolia and Koroneiki Olives: Polyphenols and Acidity Levels
Both Athenolia and Koroneiki olives produce oils rich in polyphenols — natural antioxidants linked to anti-inflammatory effects, heart health, and cognitive support. Acidity levels in both olive oils are lower than typical EVOOs, but the edge goes to high-quality cold-pressed Athenolia olive oils, which can have an acidity level as low as 0.2 percent.
Ideal Culinary Uses for Athenolia and Koroneiki Olive Oils
Athenolia olive oil’s balanced flavor makes it incredibly versatile and suitable for raw applications like salad dressings, finishing oils, baking, or dipping sauces. Its smooth texture also complements cooked dishes without overpowering them. Koroneiki’s intense character excels as a finishing oil where a bold flavor is desired. It pairs well with hearty vegetables, grilled meats, and Mediterranean recipes. It can also stand up to moderate cooking but is best used to enhance flavor rather than for prolonged high-heat frying.
Choosing Between Athenolia and Koroneiki Olive Oils
Athenolia and Koroneiki olive oils are both Mediterranean essentials found in every pantry in Greece and are essential to the Mediterranean diet. So the choice between Athenolia and Koroneiki comes down to personal preference and intended use. Both varieties reflect the quality and tradition of Greek olive cultivation, especially from Lakonia, where careful harvesting creates exceptional olive oils.
Discover the True Essence of Greek Olive Oil
Crafted in Lakonia, Greece, Truly Greek olive oils are rooted in family tradition and village pride. The olives, Athenolia and Koroneiki, are harvested from local groves to preserve their fresh flavor and naturally low acidity. The result is a collection of oils that reflect the soul of the Mediterranean: pure, balanced, and unforgettable.
Truly Greek Premium 0.2 Extra Virgin Olive Oil — 100 Percent Athenolia Olives
This internationally recognized olive oil is crafted exclusively from Athenolia olives grown in Lakonia. Cold-pressing within one to four hours of harvesting the olives gives our premium olive oil an acidity level of just 0.2 percent (a rarity in olive oils). Truly Greek Premium 0.2 delivers a smooth texture, buttery richness, and refined complexity. Ideal for salads, warm bread, or as a finishing touch, this olive oil reflects the finest expression of cold-pressed Greek tradition. This olive oil can be used for stovetop cooking at temperatures up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Truly Greek Classic Extra Virgin Olive Oil — 100 Percent Koroneiki Olives
Made from Koroneiki olives, known as the “queen of olives,” this bold and balanced olive oil features a naturally low acidity of 0.5 percent. Truly Greek Classic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is cold-pressed and offers a high polyphenol content. Use it for marinades, roasted vegetables, or everyday cooking to bring a true taste of Greece to the table.
