These days, Single Origin seems to be the buzzword among foodies, particularly those willing to pay premium prices for exclusive products. Whether it’s coffee, olive oil, or even chocolate, the allure of Single Origin is hard to resist. But does this term genuinely reflect reality, or is it merely another marketing ploy? The answer, as with many things, lies somewhere in between.
The Myth and Reality of Single Origin
Reflecting on my first trip to Thailand over a decade ago, I remember a fascinating tour in Chiang Mai that ended in a national reserve park where an ancient tribe had lived since the time it was part of Burma. Our hike took us past tiny homes, modest strawberry fields, and kettles nestled near their dwellings. At the end of the tour, we were treated to coffee grown by the tribe—some of the best I’ve ever tasted.
When I inquired about purchasing this coffee on a larger scale, I learned that while some Americans had expressed interest, the tribe was hesitant. They balked at the demands for massive quantities and strict supply schedules. This experience solidified my belief that exceptional products often come in limited quantities. For agricultural goods especially, Mother Nature’s unpredictability—droughts, floods, frosts—further limits production.
Single Origin in Large-Scale Production?
When I see products like “single origin” olive oil being supplied to every Starbucks in the U.S. for their Oleato line, I have questions. What does “single origin” mean in this context? Is the origin as vast as an entire country? Most olive oil producers claiming “single origin” rarely disclose specific details.
This contrasts sharply with our olive oils. We welcome visitors to our farm in Greece, where they can see firsthand where our olives are grown and pressed. Many of our guests tell us this tour is the highlight of their trip to Greece. These visits not only offer transparency but also create lifelong customers who value our fourth-generation family traditions.
Why Visit Our Farm?
The olive oil industry is notorious for being one of the most compromised in the food world. Visiting the farm where your olive oil is made says a lot about the product’s quality and the producer’s practices. For us, this is a point of pride. Our oils come from a single, authentic source: a family’s farm in Ancient Olympia.
Now that the holiday season has passed and spring or summer vacations are on the horizon, consider adding a visit to our farm to your travel plans. Located near the beautiful Ancient Olympia, we offer a variety of itineraries that showcase the full journey of our olive oils, from grove to bottle. And since flights to Athens from the U.S. often require a stopover, why not pay a visit to our farm while enjoying some other sights of interest en route?
For more information, please contact us at support@mygreekbasket.com. We’d love to share the experience of true single origin with you.
