Support the transport of spices by sail by purchasing the treasures of Crete!

The Cretan cargo is available here.

 

 

The Eole program, a symbolic and experimental initiative

The Eole program by Terre Exotique is a bold initiative aiming to revolutionize the transport of spices and other delicate products. Using sails as the mode of transport, this program highlights a sustainable and eco-friendly approach, aiming to minimize carbon footprint.

At the pace of a 60-foot IMOCA, we sail across oceans to the source of peppers, berries, and other wild follicles!

 

Jean-Guillem Destremau, the skipper of the Terre Exotique boat, presents the adventure of sail transport

 

 

 

Crete, challenge accepted?

The Eole boat, after a series of repairs, returns from a maritime expedition to Crete, a Mediterranean island rich in history and biodiversity. Since mid-April 2023, it has undergone several interventions, including a new carbon mast and hull renovation. After trial sailings in December, the IMOCA set sail this summer from the port of Toulon.

This mission aims to bring back a cargo of authentic, high-quality products, cultivated using traditional methods. Honey, olive oil, and aromatic herbs are transported by the wind for the delight of Terre Exotique customers.

 

 

Extra virgin olive oil, a result of a deeply rooted family tradition

Extra virgin olive oil is the result of a family tradition rooted for decades in the Messara region, in the heart of Crete. This oil is the product of carefully controlled production and processing techniques, ensuring superior quality and full traceability.

The olives used to produce the olive oil come from the best orchards in the Messara region, renowned for its ideal climatic and geographic conditions. Harvesting is done by hand to preserve the integrity of the fruit, and the oil is cold-extracted exclusively by mechanical means, without the addition of chemicals. This process ensures that all the oil's organoleptic and nutritional properties are preserved.

 

 

Thyme honey, an elixir of Cretan nature

Thyme honey from Minoan Bee is an exceptional product from the Asterousia mountains and Mount Dykti in Crete, two regions protected by the NATURA 2000 network. This honey is harvested using traditional methods, guaranteeing a 100% natural product with remarkable nutritional qualities.

The bees from Minoan Bee forage in areas rich in wild thyme and other endemic herbs, giving the honey a unique and intense flavor. The exceptional climatic conditions of Crete, combined with a preserved floral biodiversity, create an ideal environment for the production of this high-quality honey.

Minoan Bee is committed to preserving the environment and using natural production methods to offer a pure and authentic product. The honey is harvested in conditions that respect local biodiversity, ensuring the sustainability of natural resources and the well-being of bees.

 

 

Aromatic herbs, the quintessential Cretan flavors

The aromatic herbs from Crete come from plants traditionally cultivated on this island, rich in biodiversity. Thyme, Thymus vulgaris, stands out with its peppery notes and is ideal for marinades and stews. Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis, with its enchanting scent, enhances meats and vegetables. Oregano, Origanum, with its strong flavor, enriches Mediterranean sauces. These herbs are hand-picked and naturally dried, preserving all their quality and authenticity.