Long before the concept of superfoods became a phenomenon, and way ahead of the curve of eco-conscious eating and plant-based diets, there was olive oil.
For decades, this natural wonder has defied the waves of faddish trends in the pursuit of longevity. It has remained a health stalwart, associated through the ages with life-enhancing conviviality. Is there anything more indicative of wholesomeness and deliciousness combined than wedges of warm sourdough scooped through bowls of extra virgin olive oil, platters of fresh salads, perhaps a carafe of wine, and the company of friends?
In the Franschhoek valley, it’s a way of life, and boutique farms like Terre Paisible are producing extra virgin olive oils expressive of its unique terroir while raising the quality bar ever higher. Quality over quantity matters if you wish to experience its full health benefits for your heart, brain, digestive system and skin. With increased demand across the globe by consumers enamoured of the near-mythical Mediterranean diet, there’s a glut of industrially produced olive oils available that forfeit nutrition for a lower price point.
Created in smaller batches
Authentic, extra virgin olive oils carefully pressed from smaller batches of superior olive varietals stand apart not only for their depth of flavour but also their higher levels of health-giving polyphenols. Cold pressing ensures that Terre Paisible Olive Oil preserves natural antioxidants and oleic and linoleic acids.
This, in addition to the lack of additives and preservatives, results in an artisanal product of substance, enhancing one’s overall well-being as much as it does cuisine, making it both a daily essential and a luxury worth investing in.
Rooted in science, olive oil comes with an impressive label, some of which include overall heart health, better cognitive function, and the prevention or management of diabetes and cancer. While the not-insignificant marvel of nature—fertile soil, the warmth of the sun, and all the elements that conjoin to produce the olive fruit—are part of its holistic allure as a superfood, consumers can look to a plethora of rigorous studies that endorse actual health benefits.
And the list is long. Quality extra virgin olive oil is especially rich in polyphenols, in particular oleocanthal, considered an enemy of cancer cells, and which also gives the oil its distinctive slightly bitter taste. Polyphenols and other antioxidants like vitamin E have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-atherogenic, anti-thrombotic, and hypoglycemic properties, which regulate inflammation in the body.
Good Fats
Nutritionists, health experts, and cardiologists extol the virtues of ‘good fats.’ Olive oil, with its abundance of monounsaturated fats and low saturated fat content, stands out, particularly for its oleic acid content. Oleic acid plays a crucial role in improving cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, and potentially reducing the risk of stroke when consumed as part of a healthy diet.
Reducing age-related cognitive decline
Studies show olive oil can support brain health, suggesting it may safeguard cognitive function and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline, even warding off neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. While perhaps somewhat lesser to these more consequential benefits, olive oil is just as powerful as a natural beauty aid.
For millennia, people have utilized gently fragrant olive oil in simple soaps for its moisturizing and softening properties. Additionally, its nourishing effects on hair and skin through diet are well documented, contributing to supple skin and shinier hair.
Olive oil is not only health-promoting when ingested in its raw state. New research points to its retention of many beneficial properties even after cooking, contrary to popular belief. With a higher smoke point compared to other unrefined oils, it’s among the healthiest oils to cook with and a taste-transforming ingredient to use freely in the most health-conscious of kitchens. Redolent of sunshine and the vitality of life, glug it over lemony grilled fish, pasta dishes, and bright bowls of leaves and herbs, or drizzle over goat’s cheese with figs and a myriad of other nutritious dishes with wild abandon.
Only the finest quality extra virgin olive oil
Terre Paisible delivers the finest extra virgin olive oils, ensuring every bite or spoonful captures the full spectrum of wellness benefits. This dedication elevates the product from a daily essential to a luxury, acknowledged with medal status in the 2023 SA OLIVE Awards for all three oils in the collection.
The Terre Paisible Extra Virgin Olive Oil collection comprises the Délicate Huile d’Olive, Modérée Huile d’Olive and Aromatique Huile d’Olive (Gold winner at the 2023 SA OLIVE Awards), each a masterful blend drawn from five superior Italian olive varietals – Favolosa, Frantoio, Leccino, Coratina and Delicata. Terre Paisible products are certified and subjected to the SA Olive code of conduct.
The estate
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Franschhoek Valley in South Africa, Terre Paisible is an oasis of serenity, a place where time seems to slow down and the cares of the world melt away. The name, Terre Paisible, translates to “Peaceful Land,” and it is a fitting moniker for this idyllic estate. With its sprawling vineyards, verdant olive groves, and luxurious accommodations, Terre Paisible offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Guests can wander through the manicured gardens, soak up the sun by the sparkling pool, or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment.
The estate is also home to a renowned winery, where guests can sample award-winning wines while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. And for those seeking culinary delights, Terre Paisible’s restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients. Terre Paisible is a place where guests can truly relax and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a corporate retreat, Terre Paisible has something to offer everyone.