TERRA CENTURIA

Aristoleo Certification Protocol

Aristoleo Certification is a Free designation offered to High Phenolic EVOO producers who have received an Aristoleo Award which qualified them according to the phenolic profile as per the qNMR analysis and for organoleptic analysis for no defects.

Aristoleo Certified is a prestigious designation awarded to producers of High Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (HP EVOO) who meet rigorous standards of quality and demonstrate a commitment to preserving the health-promoting properties of this exceptional product.

Established in 2016 as an extension of the annual Aristoleo Awards, this certification program recognizes excellence in HP EVOO production, ensuring consumers have access to olive oil with superior quality and health benefits.

The foundation of the Aristoleo Certified program lies in the scientific recognition of the health benefits associated with specific phenolic compounds found in olive oil. In 2012, the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) confirmed the positive impact of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and oleuropein complex derivatives on human health. This landmark decision led to the EU labelling regulation 432/2012, which allows health claims related to these “active polar phenols” in olive oil

Certification Criteria

TERRA CENTURIA

TERRA CENTURIA inspires a new generation of olive growers in Istria, Slovenia

The name TERRA CENTURIA is derived from Ancient Rome ‘aestivum,’ ‘Oleum omphacium,’ and ‘Oleum ex albis ulivis’ used for their olive oils with exceptional health and cosmetic benefits. Today, TERRA CENTURIA specializes in crafting high polyphenolic EVOO, known for its rich antioxidant content and robust flavor.

Our production process involves pressing olives at an early, unripe stage, which maximizes polyphenol levels and enhances the health benefits of our oils. This method makes our high polyphenolic EVOO not just a healthy fat but a powerhouse of wellness and taste.

Co-founded by Dr. Danijel Stojković Kukulin, a specialist in molecular genetics and biotechnology, Terra Centuria is committed to producing high-quality olive oil while maintaining ecological balance and sustainability in all our practices. Discover the benefits of
our high polyphenolic EVOO and experience the legacy of ancient olive oil craftsmanship.

Our Cooperative: A Journey of Love and Passion

A beautiful olive grove brought us together, where we invest and share our love for the Istrian land, olive trees, and a more sustainable approach to nature. Our work blends thousand-year-old olive tree cultivation traditions with modern expertise, where we strive for the best, for us and for the environment, while preserving traditional quality.

Passion

When daily care for olive oil transforms into something greater. When we dedicate ourselves to every aspect of producing premium high-polyphenol extra virgin olive oil – from the day we plant the tree, to observing the first flowers, leaves, and healthy green fruits, to the first drops produced under expert supervision. That’s when our hearts race.

Production

Our olive oil reflects our choices – when we harvest the oil, how we pick the olives, how we press them, how we store them. Our oil undergoes chemical and organoleptic analyses, which affirm its health benefits.

Mission

To inspire people in Slovenian Istria to plant and cultivate olive trees in an organic way, to take care of their grove with dedication, and to process premium olive oils suitable for cuisine, medicine, or natural cosmetics through shared knowledge and strength.

TERRA CENTURIA Highlights

Oleocanthal = 733 mg per kg

Oleacein = 432 mg per kg

Oleocanthal + Oleacein = 11665 mg per kg

Ligstroside Aglycone (monoaldehyde form) = 136 mg per kg

Oleuropein Aglycone (monoaldehyde form) = 124 mg per kg

Ligstroside Aglycone (dialdehyde form) = 256 mg per kg

Oleuropein Aglycone (dialdehyde form) = 168 mg per kg

Free Tyrosol Derivatives = 1037 mg per kg

Free Hydroxytyrosol Derivatives = 812 mg per kg

Total Phenolic compounds per kg = 1849 mg pr kg

 

Certification Criteria for TERRA CENTURIA

Olive Grove Management

1. Employs regenerative/organic farming methods.

2. Certified organic farming methods.

3. Employs biodynamic farming methods.

Harvesting Practices

1. Optimizes harvest timing to preserve phenolic content.

2. Utilizes appropriate harvesting techniques to minimize damage to olives.

Milling Process

1. Employs climate-controlled facilities to maintain optimal temperatures.

2. Employs efficient milling processes to minimize the time between harvest and processing.

3. Optimizes olive mill settings to preserve phenolic compounds.

Storage Conditions

1. Maintains optimal storage temperatures (12.5 – 15°C or 54 – 59°F).

2. Uses approved storage containers (e.g., stainless steel) to protect phenolic content.

Bottling & Packaging

1. Selects appropriate bottle types (e.g., dark glass) to minimize light exposure.

2. Uses packaging materials and methods that prevent oxidation and preserve quality.

Quality Control

1. Implements regular testing of phenolic content using approved methods.

2. Maintains traceability measures to track olives from grove to bottle.

Sustainability Practices

1. Demonstrates environmental responsibility in production methods (e.g., water conservation, waste reduction).

2. Employs organic or biodynamic farming methods (if applicable).

Social Responsibility

1. Adheres to fair labor practices, providing safe working conditions, and promoting fair wages.

2. Engages with the local community through educational programs or support initiatives.

Consumer Education

1. Provides transparent labelling that clearly indicates phenolic content and health benefits.

2. Endeavors to educate consumers about the importance of high phenolic content in EVOO.