At Myrtos by Asimakis, olive oil is far more than an ingredient – it is the very soul of Greek cuisine. We serve the Loukakos Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a single-varietal oil crafted from Koroneiki olives grown in the sun-drenched hills of Laconia in southern Greece. Deeply expressive and beautifully balanced, this exceptional oil reflects generations of care, tradition and respect for the land.
Golden-green in colour with a rich, buttery texture, our Koroneiki olive oil reveals fresh aromas of fruit, citrus, and wild grasses. Its flavour is vibrant and layered, with the classic gentle bitterness and elegant peppery finish that define truly great extra virgin olive oil.
Exceptionally high in polyphenols – certified at 870 mg/kg – the oil also offers remarkable antioxidant properties. Awarded for both its purity and complexity, Loukakos Estate olive oil embodies the same values we hold at our South Kensington restaurant: integrity and a deep connection to Greek heritage.
FROM ANCIENT TO MODERN GREECE: OLIVE OIL’S HISTORY
The history of olive oil stretches back over 6,000 years, rooted deeply in the landscapes and culture of the Mediterranean. Ancient civilisations in Greece and Crete were among the first to cultivate olive trees and produce oil, making it one of the earliest and most treasured ingredients in human history.
In ancient Greece, olive oil was used not only in cooking but also in medicine, beauty rituals, and religious ceremonies. Homer famously described it as “liquid gold,” while Hippocrates praised its healing properties.
Over time, olive oil became the foundation of Greek cuisine and the wider Mediterranean diet. Today, Greece continues this tradition, producing some of the world’s finest extra virgin olive oil. At Myrtos by Asimakis, this centuries-old tradition lives on in every dish, with a simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil connecting the flavours of Greece to our table in South Kensington.
THE POWER OF POLYPHENOLS: EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL’S HEALTH BENEFITS
Extra virgin olive oil with high polyphenols, such as our own, is celebrated not only for its flavour but also for its remarkable health benefits. Polyphenols – natural plant compounds such as oleocanthal and hydroxytyrosol – act as powerful antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. That’s why a spoonful of high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil each morning is a simple ritual, but one of nature’s great health powerhouses.
Diets rich in polyphenols have long been associated with improved heart health, better blood vessel function and reduced risk of chronic disease. They may also support brain health, help regulate blood sugar and contribute to a balanced gut microbiome. It is one of the reasons the Mediterranean diet, centred around olive oil, fresh produce and shared meals, is consistently linked with longevity and wellbeing.
HOW TO BEST ENJOY OLIVE OIL AT MYRTOS BY ASIMAKIS
At Myrtos, a bottle of our olive oil sits proudly on every table. Drizzle it generously over a Greek salad, mix it through our dips, or simply enjoy it with warm bread. It is the simplest and most authentic way to experience the true flavours of Greece.
At home, extra virgin olive oil is wonderfully versatile – perfect for roasting, baking, frying, or finishing dishes. Contrary to common belief, quality olive oil remains stable even at higher cooking temperatures. Just remember to look for “extra virgin” olive oil when shopping and embrace the gentle bitterness and peppery finish – these are signs of freshness and high polyphenol content.
For us, olive oil is indispensable. Through every dish at Myrtos, we celebrate the unmistakable flavour it brings – a taste that carries the spirit of Greece to the heart of London.
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