Laconiko has announced the release of its 2026/2027 harvest of ZOI ultra-high phenolic extra virgin olive oil, a product that last year was named the world's healthiest olive oil by the Oleocanthal International Society for having the highest oleocanthal content. This year's harvest delivers even greater concentrations of polyphenols and oleocanthal, reinforcing the company's focus on maximizing health-promoting properties in its oils. The announcement matters because it brings to market an olive oil with measured levels of beneficial compounds that are increasingly linked to health benefits, and it does so with a flavor profile that appeals to culinary enthusiasts.
ZOI is made from Koroneiki olives that are intentionally harvested early, when they are still unripe, to capture a vivid green color and a robust, peppery finish. The 2026/2027 harvest was measured at 1,552 mg/kg of polyphenols and 1,147 mg/kg of oleocanthal, compounds that are naturally present in extra virgin olive oil and contribute to its distinctive character. The intense peppery aftertaste is a direct reflection of these high concentrations, and the oil's deep green hue signals the freshness of the early harvest.
Produced in Laconia, Greece, and air-freighted to the United States within days of production, ZOI is positioned to reach consumers at peak freshness. "It's such a green olive oil that makes you stop and stare! It's made from olives harvested early in the season, delivering a magical peppery finish. Every year, we look forward to sharing the first taste of the new harvest, and this year's ZOI is truly special," said Dino Pierrakos, producer at Laconiko. The oil's aroma has been described as evoking fresh-cut grass, green olive leaves, green walnuts, and almonds, with a bold yet balanced palate.
The health implications of such high phenolic content are a key part of the story. Dr. Mary Flynn, a registered dietitian and associate professor of medicine at Brown University who has studied extra virgin olive oil for decades, noted that "high-polyphenol oils are particularly interesting for their concentrated source of these compounds and the robust flavors that make early-harvest olive oils unique." For consumers seeking functional foods, ZOI offers a measurable dose of polyphenols in a versatile everyday ingredient.
The 2026/2027 Laconiko ZOI is available through national specialty retail partners, the company's online store, and its showroom in Manassas, Virginia. The product is sold in a 375 mL bottle at $59.95. Laconiko, a fourth-generation family business, produces its oils with a focus on purity, flavor, and quality, and its ZOI line exemplifies the growing intersection of culinary excellence and nutritional science.
