Good food starts with good ingredients. I choose extra virgin olive oil above all for its taste, origin and the way it is made. Here you will find practical information to help you make the most of every bottle.
What does extra virgin mean?
It is a category of olive oil obtained directly from olives by mechanical processes only. To carry the extra virgin label, it must meet set chemical and sensory requirements. The colour of the oil alone does not determine its quality.
A taste that completes the dish
Depending on the variety and harvest, the oil may remind you of green apple, fresh herbs, tomato leaves or almonds. Bitterness and a peppery finish are common taste characteristics of virgin olive oils. Their intensity alone, however, does not indicate the amount of any particular substance or any health effect.
How to include it in your meals
Try it on vegetables, legumes, in a salad or on finished pasta. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. Like other edible oils, olive oil is energy-dense. Adjust the amount to the whole meal and to your needs; the basis is a varied and balanced diet.
What the label tells you
You will find specific nutrition information on the product packaging or on its product page. The composition can vary with the variety, the harvest year and storage. Neither the polyphenol nor the vitamin E content can be judged from the price, colour or boldness of taste. The organic label describes a method of organic production; on its own it is not a promise of any health effect.
For cold and hot dishes
You can also use olive oil for everyday cooking. Do not let it burn or smoke, and adapt to the dish you are making. With bold-tasting oils, keep some for finishing the dish on the plate, where their aroma stands out best.
How to preserve the taste
Close the bottle after use and store it away from direct light and heat sources. Do not leave it standing next to the stove. Respect the best before date and the producer's instructions on the packaging.
Oil is a food
I do not promise that any of the oils I offer treat or prevent disease. If you have health problems or dietary restrictions, please consult a doctor or a nutritional therapist.
