Colive from Cyprus is an innovative olive oil made with olives from either side of the green line dividing the Turkish-occupied north and the independent south. Hasan Siber, an olive oil expert whose family is native to the Greek-speaking southern part of the island, wanted to show the world the quality of Cypriot olive oil and to “bridge the divide in Cyprus,” as he said in an email. He brings the handpicked olives from the harvest in the north across to the south where they are cold-pressed within 24 hours with olives from the south. The greenish-gold oil — mostly from Kypriaki olives, an indigenous variety, with some koroneiki and arbequina — has a grassy aroma and warm richness finishing with a touch of bitterness. It complies with the international regulations for extra virgin and is now available in the United States. The company is donating 10 percent of profits from each bottle to organizations promoting peace and education.
Colive Olive Oil $17.99 to $18.99 for 16.9 ounces; sold at amazon.com and all Whole Foods markets.
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