Long before the concept of superfoods became a phenomenon, and long before the curve of organic eating and plant-based diets, there was olive oil.

For decades, this natural wonder has defied the waves of passing trends in the pursuit of longevity. It remains a health stalwart, associated throughout the centuries with a coexistence that improves life. Is there anything more indicative of combined health and deliciousness than chunks of warm sourdough served in bowls of extra virgin olive oil, plates 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 produce extra virgin olive oils that express their unique terroir while raising the quality bar ever higher. Quality is more important than quantity if you want to experience all of its heart, brain, digestive system, and skin health benefits. With increased demand around the world from consumers enamored of the almost mythical Mediterranean diet, there is a glut of industrially produced olive oils available that lose nutritional value for a lower price.

Created in smaller batches

Authentic extra virgin olive oils, carefully extracted from smaller batches of superior olive varieties, stand out not only for their depth of flavor but also for their higher levels of healthy polyphenols. Cold pressing ensures that Terre Paisible olive oil retains natural antioxidants and oleic and linoleic acids.

This, coupled with the lack of additives and preservatives, results in a handcrafted product of substance, which improves overall well-being as much as cooking does, making it an everyday 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 preventing or managing diabetes and cancer. While the not-insignificant wonder of nature—the fertile soil, the heat of the sun, and all the elements that combine to produce the olive—are part of its holistic appeal as a superfood, consumers can draw on a host of rigorous studies. that support real 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 characteristic slightly bitter taste. Polyphenols and other antioxidants such as vitamin E have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiatherogenic, antithrombotic and hypoglycemic properties, which regulate inflammation in the body.

good fats

Nutritionists, health experts and cardiologists extol the virtues of “good fats.” Olive oil stands out for its abundance of monounsaturated fats and its low content of saturated fats, especially 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.

Reduce age-related cognitive decline

Studies show that olive oil can support brain health, suggesting that it can safeguard cognitive function and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline, and even prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Although perhaps a little less than these more important benefits, olive oil is just as powerful as a natural beauty aid.

For millennia, people have used mildly 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 not only promotes health when ingested in its raw state. New research suggests that it retains many beneficial properties even after cooking, contrary to popular belief. With a higher smoke point compared to other unrefined oils, it is among the healthiest cooking oils and a flavor-transforming ingredient for free use in the most health-conscious kitchens. Smelling of sunshine and the vitality of life, add it over lemon-grilled fish, pasta dishes, and bright bowls of leaves and herbs, or drizzle it over goat cheese with figs and a host of other nutritious dishes with wild abandon.

Only extra virgin olive oil of the best quality

Terre Paisible offers the finest extra virgin olive oils, ensuring that every bite or spoonful captures the full spectrum of wellness benefits. This dedication elevates the product from a daily essential to a luxury, recognized with a medal at the 2023 SA OLIVE Awards for all three oils in the collection.

The Terre Paisible collection of extra virgin olive oils comprises Délicate Huile d’Olive, Modérée Huile d’Olive and Aromatique Huile d’Olive (gold winner at the SA OLIVE Awards 2023), each a masterful blend extracted from five superior varieties of Italian olives: Favolosa, Frantoio, Leccino, Coratina and Delicata. Terre Paisible products are certified and subject to the SA Olive code of conduct.

The state

Located amid the hills of South Africa’s Franschhoek Valley, Terre Paisible is an oasis of serenity, a place where time seems to slow down and the worries of the world fade away. The name, Terre Paisible, translates to “Peaceful Land” and is a fitting nickname for this idyllic estate. With its sprawling vineyards, verdant olive groves and luxurious rooms, Terre Paisible offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Guests can stroll through the manicured gardens, sunbathe by the sparkling pool or enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment.

The estate is also home to a renowned winery, where guests can sample award-winning wines while taking in stunning views of the surrounding countryside. And for those seeking culinary delights, Terre Paisible’s restaurant offers a menu of delicious dishes made with fresh local ingredients. Terre Paisible is a place where guests can truly relax and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or corporate retreat, Terre Paisible has something to offer everyone.

Where to get

Available on the Terre Paisible website at https://terrepaisible.com