Organic PDO Messara Valley EVOO is an organic extra virgin olive oil produced on a single estate in the Messara Valley on the Greek island of Crete. It is made from selectively harvested Koroneiki olives, which are transported to a modern olive mill on the same day they are picked.
The oil is cold-extracted at temperatures below 27°C, without chemicals, solvents, additives, or preservatives, helping preserve its natural aromas, polyphenols, and monounsaturated fats. The producer describes it as an unrefined and unfiltered oil, extracted and bottled within its region of origin.
It is characterized by a rich fruity aroma, herbal nuances, and peppery notes, accompanied by moderately pronounced bitterness and pungency. Its delicate-to-medium intensity makes it suitable as a finishing oil for leafy and vegetable salads, boiled or grilled vegetables, fish, white meat, soft cheeses, pasta, pizza, soups, legumes, and rice.
Producer
Ellora Farms is a premium olive oil brand developed by Ellora Fine Foods, built on a model that connects traditional Cretan olive cultivation with modern standards of traceability and quality control. The brand sources its oils exclusively from Crete, focusing on three key areas: Single Estate Kolymvari, Messara, and Sitia, each representing a distinct olive-growing environment.
Kolymvari, located in the Chania region, is influenced by coastal conditions that tend to produce balanced and aromatic oils. Messara Valley, one of the largest agricultural zones on the island, is known for its warmer climate and consistent olive yields, contributing to fuller and more structured profiles.
Sitia, in eastern Crete, is associated with PDO-certified oils and a long-standing reputation for quality, often linked to a more refined and stable character. By separating production into these defined estates, the brand avoids blending across regions and maintains a clear connection between origin and flavor. Each batch is produced using cold extraction shortly after harvest, which helps preserve natural antioxidants and aromatic compounds.
A central feature of Ellora Farms is its traceability system, where every product includes a lot number that allows detailed tracking of origin and production data. This approach provides a level of transparency that is not standard across the olive oil category.
The oils are primarily made from the Koroneiki variety, known for its high phenolic content and characteristic sensory profile. In tasting terms, they typically show fruitiness with notes of green olive and herbs, supported by moderate bitterness and a peppery finish.
The brand also emphasizes low acidity levels, aligning with higher quality standards within the extra virgin category. Beyond production, Ellora Farms highlights sustainability and responsible sourcing, aiming to preserve soil health and long-term agricultural viability. Their portfolio includes both conventional and organic oils, as well as PDO-certified options tied to specific regions.
Although the production is rooted in Crete, the company operates internationally, positioning itself within premium retail markets. Overall, Ellora Farms represents a structured approach to olive oil production where origin, process, and transparency are central to the identity of the product.