Nestled in Northern Greece on a path with no given address lays a single orchard bearing trees and trees of Chondrolia Chalkidikis. Otherwise known as “big fat olive of Chalkidiki” in greek, the Hondroelia variety is best known for the giant green table olives associated with martinis or as pricey snack in bars with cute dainty peppers stuffed in their core. early harvest olive oil, notes are defined by a vibrant, herbaceous aroma of freshly cut grass and green tomato vine, balanced on the palate by a distinct bitterness and a sharp, peppery sting in the throat. What distinguishes this sort, besides the extreme ‘fatness’, is the fact that it is doesn’t bear much olive oil at all. The Hondroelia Halkidikis yields just one litre of olive oil from 10kg of olives, compared to other varieties who can extract the same amount from only 3kg of fruit. The difference in yield is huge, which is why this olive oil is pricier, harder to find and more difficult to sell. Many of the locals of Halkidiki either don’t bother to press HH into olive oil, opting for popping the plump little beasts in jars. Alternatively, farmers with bigger orchards of Hondroelia Halkidikis use the olive oil for cooking and gifting purposes, avoiding the hassle to try and sell it when other olive oils are offered for a fraction of the price.
So why do we even bother? These big fat olives hold a hell-of-a-lot of benefits, which one cannot absorb by simply chomping on one. Multiple clinical and laboratory studies in major international medical journals have shown that Halkidiki’s early harvest high phenolic EVOO can help patients fight off mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s. Early harvest Halkidiki olive oil comes with a flavour that is unmatched. It has a beautiful peppery bite, which is a direct consequences of the high polyphenol count.It’s colour is swampy and muddy green when it first comes out of the press, completely different to what most consumers associate with ‘good’ olive oil. When describing EVOO - Liquid gold is a common phrase used by many in the industry, however gold has absolutely nothing to do with quality or health benefits.
Our mission with Big Fat Olive is to bring a part of the EVOO world to you that has been in the shadows for a long time and may very well always remain tucked away from the spotlight. With all their flavour and wellness qualities, these bad boys may bring less litres but pack a big punch that should not be underestimated. So, pour some Big Fat Olive oil on your next tartine or kale salad, add a couple spoonfuls to your green goddess dressing, or simply take a swig and you’ll see what we mean. Our goal is to bring you great olive oil without the pretensions. We want you to use this olive oil the way the farmers in Halkidiki do, for everything and anything, without sparing quantities or keeping for special occasions. Seeking to elevate your daily life with a proper olive oil is a great idea, but Big Fat Olive doesn’t exist to elevate. Its mission is to nourish, and if you can also add a peppery punch and insane flavour palette while you’re at it, then let’s go.
