Marmarabirlik Extra Virgin Olive Oil - 1L

Greece, Italy and Spain tend to get the attention, but Turkey is one of the world's great olive oil producers, and a good bottle of Turkish extra virgin olive oil deserves a place in any kitchen. This 1 litre bottle from Marmarabirlik is made from carefully selected olives, with a smooth, fruity flavour and a rich aroma that works for everyday cooking and finishing alike.

Who Is Marmarabirlik?

Marmarabirlik is a long-established agricultural cooperative based in the Marmara region of north-west Turkey, the area around Bursa and Gemlik that is famous for its olives. Thousands of local growers bring their harvest to the cooperative, which is why the brand is a household name in Turkey for both table olives and oil. When you buy Marmarabirlik olive oil, you are buying from producers who have been working with olives for generations.

What Extra Virgin Means

Extra virgin is the highest grade of olive oil. It is extracted from fresh olives by mechanical means only, without heat or chemical solvents, and must meet strict standards for low acidity and good taste. That process keeps the natural colour, aroma and character of the fruit, so the oil tastes of olives rather than simply of fat. Expect a mellow, rounded flavour with fruity notes and a gentle peppery finish at the back of the throat. That gentle balance is typical of a good Turkish extra virgin olive oil from the Marmara region, which tends to be softer and less bitter than some of the punchier oils from elsewhere in the Mediterranean, so it suits everyday use without overpowering delicate ingredients.

How to Use It

Dressing and Finishing

This is a lovely olive oil for salads. Whisk it with lemon juice or pomegranate molasses, a little salt and garlic for a simple Turkish-style dressing, or drizzle it straight over a shepherd's salad, white cheese, hummus or labneh. A small saucer of oil with bread for dipping, sprinkled with dried thyme and chilli flakes, makes an easy starter.

Traditional Turkish Cooking

In Turkey, there is an entire family of vegetable recipes cooked gently in olive oil and served at room temperature, known as zeytinyağlı dishes. Think green beans with tomato, stuffed vine leaves, braised artichokes, celeriac and leeks with carrots. They rely on good oil for their flavour and silky texture, and this bottle is ideal for them.

Everyday Cooking

• Roast vegetables, potatoes and chicken.
• Gently fry eggs for menemen or a Turkish breakfast.
• Marinate meat, fish or halloumi before grilling.
• Toss through pasta, grains and pulses.

Storage Tips

Light, heat and air are the main enemies of olive oil. Keep the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dark cupboard away from the hob, and use it within a few months of opening for the freshest flavour. Do not store it in the fridge, as it can turn cloudy and thick. Always follow the best before date on the label.

Order Turkish Extra Virgin Olive Oil Online

Robin Food delivers Turkish pantry essentials across the UK, with same-day delivery available in many London postcodes. Pair this bottle with our Gemlik olives, stuffed vine leaves and feta PDO for a simple Mediterranean spread.