My Greek Table with Diane Kochilas Season 1 Episode 4 Episode 104: Olive Oil Everything

In Episode 104 of My Greek Table, titled "Olive Oil Everything," host Diane Kochilas explores the central role that olive oil plays in Greek cuisine. The episode begins in the quaint seaside town of Mytilene on the island of Lesvos, where Kochilas visits an olive grove and meets with a local farmer to learn about the cultivation and harvesting of olives.

Next, Kochilas visits the workshop of a skilled artisan who creates beautiful pottery oil containers, known as amphorae, which have been used in Greece for thousands of years. She also explores the long history of olive oil production in Greece, which reaches back to ancient times, and talks about how the widespread cultivation of olive trees has shaped the Greek landscape.

Then, Kochilas visits the home kitchen of one of Greece's top chefs, who shares his secrets for creating a delicious olive oil-infused dish with fresh seafood. She also stops by a local market to take a closer look at the different types of Greek olive oil and discusses how to properly use them in cooking.

Later in the episode, Koichilas explores the traditional method of olive oil production by visiting a traditional olive mill in the town of Stoupa. She learns about the delicate process of cold-pressing olives and how the resulting oil reflects the unique terroir of the region.

Finally, Kochilas visits the home of an olive oil expert who shows her how to use olive oil as a key ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. She learns how to make a delicious olive oil cake, which is a common dessert in many Greek households.

Through her travels and conversations with locals, Kochilas highlights the versatility and cultural importance of olive oil in Greek cuisine. Viewers will be inspired to incorporate more olive oil into their own cooking and appreciate the rich history and traditions associated with this staple ingredient.