 This soil-positive farm in French Catalonia is producing exceptionally polyphenol-rich olive oil with age-old health benefits. May 2026: In an era defined by fast-moving wellness trends and an ever-expanding market of supplements, serums and quick fixes, olive oil is gaining renewed popularity as a naturally effective, holistic health staple that has stood the test of time. At Domaine de Querubi, which has just celebrated 20 years of organic olive farming in the French Pyrenees, their extra-virgin olive oil is a product of long-term land stewardship, regenerative farming practices and a respect for traditional agricultural rhythms. Looking after the land is their raison d’être, and their single-estate extra-virgin olive oil is a pure expression of soil, climate and care, shaped not by modern intervention but methods which have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Nature-fed farming at Domaine de Querubi True extra-virgin olive oil is both technically demanding to produce, and remarkably easy to counterfeit. Lower-grade oils are frequently blended, mislabelled or refined, and sold as premium products, undercutting small-scale producers. This makes provenance, harvest timing and production method essential markers of integrity, with the overall quality of an olive oil largely defined by acidity, and polyphenol content. The 2025 Querubi harvest reflects this approach. The oil records an acidity of just 0.08%, significantly below the EU extra-virgin olive oil threshold of 0.8%, an indicator of freshness, careful handling and minimal fruit degradation. It also contains over 600 mg/kg of polyphenols, placing it well above most supermarket extra virgin olive oils, which typically range between 100–250 mg/kg. Unlike mass-market oils, which often prioritise yield and shelf stability, Querubi is produced in small batches using local varieties of olives including Verdal, Picholine and Arbequine, harvested early and pressed on-site, preserving the integrity of the fruit. The result is a symbiosis of soil, people and place – a vibrant, herbaceous oil with a naturally high concentration of protective plant compounds, and a delicious, vegetal and peppery flavour. The estate uses no synthetic fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides, relying instead on regenerative farming methods that prioritise soil health, biodiversity and long-term resilience. This low-intervention approach supports stronger natural defence compounds in the olive itself, contributing directly to the oil’s high polyphenol levels. In a category still overwhelmingly associated with Italy, Spain and Greece, French-produced extra-virgin olive-oil remains relatively unsung, with Querubi standing as a rare example of traditional olive oil production reflective of place, patience and respect for the soil. The result is an exceptionally nutrient-dense, high-quality oil which tastes incredible, and carries age-old health benefits in their most natural form. The natural power of olive oil Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) has long been regarded as one of the healthiest fats in the world, valued for its naturally high concentration of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and healthy monounsaturated fats. Querubi’s early-harvest approach and minimal-intervention farming methods preserve these compounds at their most potent, with the oil rich in a polyphenol called “oleocanthal”. First identified by biologist and sensory scientist Dr Gary Beauchamp in 2005, oleocanthal is often compared to the effects of ibuprofen and is a powerful, inflammation-fighting polyphenol found only in EVOO. It contributes to many of the health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet and regular olive oil consumption, which include: – The monounsaturated fat in EVOO helps reduce bad LDL cholesterol while maintaining or even increasing good HDL cholesterol. It also improves blood vessel function and reduces blood pressure, lowering the risk of strokes and heart attacks. – Polyphenols have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds help protect cells from oxidative stress, which can lead to chronic diseases including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. – Oleocanthal helps to reduce inflammation and pain naturally. Chronic inflammation is a major factor in diseases like arthritis, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. – EVOO improves insulin sensitivity helping to regulate blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Adding olive oil to meals can prevent post-meal blood sugar spikes, making it a great choice for diabetics. -EVOO supports the gut microbiome, feeding beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion and boost immunity. It also has mild laxative properties, which can help with constipation.  As the wellness industry becomes increasingly saturated with products, it is also becoming more confusing to navigate. The cycle of new “must-have”products and trending ingredients, has led to a culture of overconsumption, akin to fast fashion, with novelty often outweighing substance and longevity. A counterpoint to this – olive oil. Whilst health gurus and celebrities have recently praised morning olive oil “shots”, sometimes mixed with lemon, or ginger, incorporating the oil into a recipe or drizzled to finish a meal is just as effective. The heating of the oil can reduce some of the naturally accusing benefits, so consuming it “raw” is recommended. In its purest, unprocessed form, it is a versatile product which can be used daily as a more gentle form of holistic wellness, as it has been for centuries .  |
| Live in the quiet of Querubi at Domaine Madrona Domaine Madrona is Querubi’s characterful, colourful restored farmhouse, situated five minutes walk from the olive orchards through rolling organic farmland. Sleeping up to 22, it provides a sanctuary to experience life on the land first-hand, with visits to the farm to learn about their growing methods and perhaps even help with the harvest. Beyond the estate, the house is ideally placed for exploring the surrounding Eastern Pyrenees – from the medieval village of Castelnou to the vibrant local towns and markets, as well as easy access to glorious beachy coastline. After a day well spent, return to Madrona for a dip in the pool and a simple, nourishing homemade meal, made with local produce, and lashings of Querubi. A bottle of the 2025 Querubi is £26.50 and can be bought here. |
