Craving the taste of warm sunshine on your plate? Nothing gets close to that flavor quite like a drizzle of premium extra virgin olive oil! Picture yourself amidst sun-drenched Tuscan hills, olive groves dancing in the breeze, and the enticing aroma of fresh olive oil swirling around you.
This elixir of the Mediterranean isn’t just about culinary magic; it’s also a treasure trove of health benefits, earning its title as ‘liquid gold’. So why is incorporating Italian olive oil a wise choice for your well-being? Let’s dive in…
What are the health benefits of eating and cooking with olive oil?
- Heart-healthy hero: Extra Virgin Olive Oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, the “good fats”, it does not contain carbohydrates, sugars, proteins or sodium. .
- Antioxidant powerhouse: Olives are packed with antioxidants like polyphenols, olive oil combats damaging free radicals in the body.
- Brain power booster: The oleocanthal present in Extra Virgin Olive Oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may benefit brain health and cognitive function.
- Digestive delight: Studies suggest extra virgin olive oil promotes healthy digestion and gut bacteria, potentially aiding in nutrient absorption and overall digestive well-being.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil is high in vitamin E, making it an excellent emollient when used topically on the skin while also being very beneficial when consumed in food!
How do I use olive oil to cook delicious food?
Now, let’s turn to the kitchen and explore the endless culinary possibilities of Italian extra virgin olive oil! Its uses stretch far beyond a simple drizzle on salad. Here are just a few ways to incorporate this versatile ingredient into your daily repertoire:
- Salads: Elevate your greens with a vibrant dressing made with extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and your favorite herbs. You can even experiment with infused extra virgin olive oils like garlic, chilli, basil or orange zest for a bolder flavor. The best way to make a salad is to make your dressing at the bottom of a large bowl, and allow it to rest for a few minutes to soak in the oils and flavors before adding your fresh veggies to it!
Try using this black truffle infused extra virgin olive oil on your salads next for an earthy umami flavor. If you prefer a citrus flavor over umami, we recommend this unique ‘Mandarino’ extra virgin olive oil that is zesty and delicious!
- Pasta: Ditch the heavy cream and transform your pasta dishes with a simple sauce of extra virgin olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of pepper. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a healthy alternative to milk or cheese based sauces that can be difficult to digest.
Drizzle this one-of-a-kind cold-smoked olive oil on top of your pasta dish to elevate and add complexity to the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like broccoli, eggplant, and bell peppers in olive oil brings out their natural sweetness and intensifies their flavor. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or sprinkle with toasted nuts for a satisfying side dish.
- Soups and Gazpacho: Give your lentil, tomato, or minestrone soups a delicious boost by finishing them with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It adds richness and depth without masking the natural flavors. It also provides a healthy daily dose of ‘good fat’ for your dietary requirements.
If you’re a traditionalist when it comes to finishing dishes , this Tradizione extra virgin olive oil is packed with authentic flavor, using low-yield, small-size olive trees to create a premium extra virgin oil.
- Pizza: Forget store-bought dough, get creative with homemade pizza using extra virgin olive oil in the dough itself! The result is a crispy, flavorful crust that complements any topping combination.
- Dips and Spreads: Whip up a quick hummus, baba ganoush, or guacamole using extra virgin olive oil as the base. Its smooth texture and subtle flavor perfectly complement these dips, making them ideal for crudités or bread. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top for your eyes to feast on!
This bottle of extra virgin olive oil Lorenzo N. 3 adds a smooth finish with peppery and fruity notes, an excellent way to highlight the flavors of scrumptious dips and spreads. You can also try this exquisite bottle of E.V.O. Lorenzo N. 5, sourced from a singular olive variety and pressed at very low temperatures to effectively retain nutrients and flavor. To complete your journey, don’t forget to check out this bottle of organic E.V.O. Lorenzo N. 1, P.D.O. “Valli Trapanesi”, with its pleasant almond aftertaste!
- Preserves: Extra Virgin Olive Oil makes an effective and delicious preserves and can be used to soak olives, sun dried tomatoes and other delicious foods. They are a delicious snack by itself, and can easily be added to foods like pasta and salads too. Don’t believe us? Try this jar of mixed pitted olives soaked in extra virgin olive oil or sample this exquisite preserved anchovies, matured for 8 months for a saturated yet elegant flavor profile. If you love a tangy twist to your pasta and salads, this jar of caper fruits in E.V.O. oil is a must try.
Unlocking the Secrets of Extra Virgin:
When shopping for olive oil, remember to choose extra virgin quality for the most health benefits and authentic Italian flavor. However, if you are using olive oil to cook, it’s advisable to use a refined olive oil as it has a higher smoke point (390-470 F) when compared to virgin olive oil which smokes at 350-410 F. Use virgin oils raw and add them directly to your food to maximize the health benefits and flavor.
At Food Delite Bkk, we offer a curated selection of premium Italian extra virgin olive oils from regions like Liguria, Tuscany, and Sicily, each with its own unique flavor profile. Explore our collection and discover the perfect partner for your culinary adventures!
Buying Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Food Delite in Thailand:
Visit Food Delite Bangkok today and embark on a journey of taste and well-being with our authentic Italian extra virgin olive oils. With each bottle, you’ll bring a touch of the Mediterranean spirit and a world of healthy possibilities to your home.
At Food Delite, we bring this taste of Italy straight to your kitchen, offering a selection of premium Italian olive oils that will elevate your everyday cooking and tantalize your taste buds.
Remember, incorporating extra virgin olive oil isn’t just about cooking. Drizzle it on crusty bread for a satisfying snack, use it as a natural moisturizer for your skin, or add a few drops to your bath for a luxurious soak.
Find the full range of our extra virgin olive oils and preserved olives here, handpicked by our Italian cuisine connoisseurs. Let this liquid gold enrich your life in countless ways!
