The best olive oils with high polyphenol content from Turkey
Turkey, a country known for its rich history and diverse culture, also offers some of the world’s finest olive oils. These olive oils are not only known for their outstanding flavour profiles, but also for their high polyphenol content, which offers health benefits as powerful antioxidants. Discover the best Turkish olive oils with high polyphenol content.
1. Ayvalık olive oil
Ayvalık, one of Turkey’s most well-known olive varieties, comes from the region of the same name on the Aegean coast. Ayvalık olive oil has a very high polyphenol content and is characterised by a fresh, grassy taste with notes of green banana and a pleasant spiciness.
Health benefits:
- Reduces inflammation
- Promoting heart health
- Protecting against oxidative stress
2. Memecik olive oil
Memecik olives are grown primarily in the western regions of Turkey, such as Muğla and Aydın. The oil obtained from these olives is known for its high polyphenol content and intense, fruity flavour with notes of green tomato and fresh herbs.
Health benefits:
- Supports brain health
- Improves digestion
- Promotes healthy blood vessels
3. Gemlik olive oil
The Gemlik olive, named after the Gemlik region on the Sea of Marmara, produces an olive oil with a remarkably high polyphenol content. Gemlik olive oil has a complex aroma that combines fruity, bitter and spicy notes in a harmonious balance.
Health benefits:
- protecting the skin from free radicals
- supporting liver function
- improving metabolism
How do you recognise a high-quality Turkish olive oil with a high polyphenol content?
- Early harvest: Look out for olive oils made from olives harvested early, as these have a higher polyphenol content.
- Cold-pressed: cold-pressed oils retain the valuable antioxidants found in olives with high polyphenol content.
- Dark packaging: high-quality olive oils are stored in dark bottles to protect them from light and oxidation.
Conclusion
Turkish olive oils with high polyphenol content not only offer exceptional flavour but also significant health benefits. Varieties such as Ayvalık, Memecik and Gemlik represent premium quality and are a must for every olive oil aficionado. Enjoy these exquisite oils and benefit from the positive effects they can have on your health.