EVOLIA Brand High Phenolic EVOO Certified
Aristoleo Certified High Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (HP EVOO) Certification Protocol
1. Introduction
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.
2. Background
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 labeling regulation 432/2012, which allows health claims related to these “active polar phenols” in olive oil.
3. Certification Objectives
Recognize and promote producers dedicated to crafting HPEVOO.
Establish a standard of excellence in HPEVOO production.
Educate consumers about the unique qualities and health benefits of HPEVOO.
Ensure transparency and traceability throughout the HPEVOO supply chain.
EVOLIA ORGANIC FARM achieved the highest concentration of phenolic compounds since she began this journey into producing organic High Phenolic EVOO. Combining all the best methods from Official Certification of Organic, Regenerative and BIO Dynamic
Certificate of qNMR analysis in EN
Oleocanthal = 1005 mg per kg
Oleacein = 520 mg per kg
Ligstroside Aglycone (monoaldehyde form) = 67 mg per kg
Oleuropein Aglycone (monoaldehyde form) = 51 mg per kg
Ligstroside Aglycone (dialdehyde form) = 311 mg per kg
Oleuropein Aglycone (dialdehyde form) = 139 mg per kg
Free Tyrosok = 18 mg per kg
Total Phenolic compounds per kg = 2112 mg pr kg
4. Certification Criteria
4.1 Olive Grove Management by EVOLIA
1. Employing regenerative/organic farming methods.
2. Certified organic farming methods.
3. Employing biodynamic farming methods.
4.2 Harvesting Practices
1. Optimizing harvest timing to preserve phenolic content.
2. Utilizing appropriate harvesting techniques to minimize damage to olives.
4.3 Milling Process
1. Utilizing climate-controlled facilities to maintain optimal temperatures.
2. Employing efficient milling processes to minimize the time between harvest and processing.
3. Optimizing olive mill settings to preserve phenolic compounds.
4.4 Storage Conditions
1. Maintaining optimal storage temperatures (12.5 – 15°C or 54 – 59°F).
2. Using approved storage containers (e.g., stainless steel) to protect phenolic content.
4.5 Bottling and Packaging
1. Selecting appropriate bottle types (e.g., dark glass) to minimize light exposure.
2. Using packaging materials and methods that prevent oxidation and preserve quality.
4.6 Quality Control
1. Implementing regular testing of phenolic content using approved methods.
2. Maintaining traceability measures to track olives from grove to bottle.
4.7 Sustainability Practices
1. Demonstrating environmental responsibility in production methods (e.g., water conservation, waste reduction).
2. Employing organic or biodynamic farming methods (if applicable).
4.8 Social Responsibility
1. Adhering to fair labor practices, providing safe working conditions, and promoting fair wages.
2. Engaging with the local community through educational programs or support initiatives.
4.9 Consumer Education
1. Providing transparent labeling that clearly indicates phenolic content and health benefits.
2. Making efforts to educate consumers about the importance of high phenolic content in EVOO.
6. Eligibility
- Olive oil producers
- Distributors
- Retailers (based on verified proper storage and handling practices)
7. Certification Process
Application Submission: Producers submit an application with required documentation.
Documentation Review: Aristoleo reviews the submitted documentation for completeness and compliance.
On-site Inspection (if applicable): In person on-site inspection or Virtual will be conducted to verify adherence to the certification criteria.
Evaluation and Scoring:Producers are evaluated and scored based on the point system.
Certification Decision: Aristoleo issues a certification decision based on the evaluation.
Annual Review and Renewal: Certification is subject to annual review and renewal to ensure continued compliance.
The method of Analysis used to determine the concentration of phenolic compounds is the qNMR (quantitative Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) developed by Dr. Magiatis and his research team at the WOCH (World Olive Center) in Athens.
qNMR method: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7923275/
TUV Hellas taste analysis: pending
8. Benefits of Certification
Recognition of quality and commitment to excellence.
Use of the Aristoleo Certified logo on products and marketing materials.
Listing in Aristoleo’s directory of certified producers.
Participation in Aristoleo educational and promotional events.
9. Consumer Assurance
The Aristoleo Certified designation provides consumers with confidence in the quality, health benefits, and authenticity of the HPEVOO they purchase.
10. About Aristoleo
Aristoleo is a recognized expert in High Phenolic EVOO, dedicated to promoting the production and consumption of high-quality, health-beneficial olive oil. Through this certification program, Aristoleo aims to set the standard for excellence in the industry and educate consumers about the importance of high phenolic content in EVOO.
Contact Us:
Aristoleo Certified is an extension of the annual Aristoleo Awards, established in 2016 during the Oleocanthal International Society Conference held at the Olympic Academy in ancient Olympia. Athan, as a founding member of the society decided to hold the first Aristoleo Awards during the conference. The Aristoleo Awards honor our ancestors’ pioneering discovery of High Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (HP EVOO) as a natural medicine.
EVOO stands uniquely as both a gastronomic delight and a natural medicine. In 2012, the EU, following an EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) submission, recognized the health benefits of olive oil, specifically the positive effects of derivatives of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and oleuropein complex within hours of consumption. This led to EU Regulation 432/2012, which permits health claims for olive oil containing at least 250 mg/kg of these specific polyphenol derivatives.
Main polyphenol derivatives are: Oleocanthal, Oleacein, LIgstroside Aglycone monoaldehyde and dialdehyde forms, and Oleuropein Aglycone, monoaldehyde and dialdehyde forms.
While the term “polyphenols” was adopted from successful wine polyphenol health claims, olive oil contains these compounds in much lower concentrations and primarily as derivatives. These active compounds are more accurately termed “active polar phenols” or as we say, phenolic compounds. Clinical studies consistently demonstrate their superior efficacy compared to wine polyphenols.
But since the term “polyphenols” has stuck we’ll continue to use it at times with a disclaimer attached.
Health conscious individuals are following the growing body of clinical evidence for the efficacy of HP EVOO for its potential prevention and/or treatment of chronic illness. However, production, bottling, and climate controlled storage have a direct effect on phenolic compounds levels.
Misinformation regarding phenolic content and measuring processes causes confusion and distrust in the marketplace. Aristoleo Certification was introduced to ensure transparency so end users can make informed decisions when purchasing HP EVOO.
ARISTOLEO CERTIFIED
The Aristoleo Awards offer olive oil producers the opportunity to receive the Aristoleo Certified designation. This free, merit-based certification is awarded to producers who meet stringent criteria for the production and preservation of (HP EVOO). The criteria was established by the EU funded ARISTOIL Interreg MED study on best practices in the cultivation, harvesting, production, storage, and marketing of HP EVOO.
Aristoleo Certified aims to recognize and promote excellence in HP EVOO production and distribution, ensuring consumers have access to the highest quality, health-beneficial olive oil.
