Olive oil

Greece exported 50.38 tons of olive oil in the first half of the year for 214.9 million euros. This means it sold olive oil to other countries at 4.2 euros per kilo, while the cheapest brand of olive oil at local supermarkets costs at least 8-8.5 euros per liter (with a liter of olive oil weighing 915 grams).

The main idea behind new rules for product trading and service supply published on Thursday in the Government Gazette that will apply as of September 20 appears to be providing consumers with more information, while fines for those who break the law are seen dropping by up to 60 percent.

The Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil in the Peloponnesian city of Sparta offers fascinating insights into the history of olive cultivation and olive oil production in Greece from prehistoric times to the early 20th century, from their roles in mythology, religion and the economy to art, culture and cuisine. The museum is open every day except Tuesdays and holidays between 10 a.m.

Housed in the old communal olive press of Aghia Paraskevi on the island of Lesvos, the Museum of Industrial Olive Oil Production presents the fascinating history of this niche industry in Greece, focusing on the changes brought about by the introduction of modern machinery into the production process and the contribution of the region's inhabitants toward this industrialization.

Evoo World Ranking is an internet site ranking the world's best olive oil. This site gives points to the world's prestigious olive oil quality contests, according to their importance. For example, Mario Solinas is the most prestigious and highest scored contest.

The Economy Ministry has called a halt to the practice of restaurants and tavernas topping up the olive oil bottles on their tables from a source in the kitchen, saying it poses a hygiene risk to customers.

As of January 1, 2018, food service enterprises will be banned from using reusable bottles on their tables and will be forced to provide branded olive oil only.

The Assumption fast begins today and continues until August 15 when one of the greatest Christian feasts, the Assumption of Virgin Mary is marked, BGNES reports.

The assumption Fast is one of the four multiday periods for prayer and chastity during the year.

A 19th century olive oil and soap factory in the northwestern Turkish resort town of Ayvalık will be restored and converted into a wellness center by the local municipality.

The Kırlangıç Olive Oil and Soap factory, a property of the municipality stopped production in 2001.

Olive oil is at the foundations of the Greek nutrition.

Nadia Boule, apparently believes so as well and she is trying everything to persuade us that the Mediterranean diet is…good for us!

Don’t you agree?

A contentious draft law to make possible for the building of industrial facilities on olive groves if "public interest" can be imputed under the supervision of a preservation board will be withdrawn to the commission, a ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) official has stated.