Olive Oils

Infused olive oil is olive oil that has been flavored by incorporating additional ingredients, such as herbs, spices, fruits, or other aromatic elements, to create a unique and enhanced flavor profile.

The infusion process involves either steeping the ingredients in the olive oil or adding natural extracts or essential oils to achieve the desired flavor.

Infused olive oils can elevate a dish with a touch of complexity and are popular in both home cooking and gourmet kitchens.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the highest quality and purest form of olive oil. It is extracted from olives using a process called cold pressing, which involves crushing the olives and extracting the oil without the use of heat or chemicals. This preserves the oil's natural flavors, nutrients, and antioxidants.

Key characteristics of extra virgin olive oil:

• Acidity: It has very low free acidity (less than 0.8%), which indicates higher quality and freshness.
• Flavor: EVOO has a rich, robust flavor with fruity, peppery, or grassy notes, depending on the variety of olives used and the region of production.
• Color: The color ranges from golden to green, but color is not an indicator of quality.
• Health benefits: It is rich in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it beneficial for heart health and overall wellness.

EVOO is typically used in salads, dressings, dipping, and light cooking to preserve its delicate flavors and nutritional properties.

Specific growing regions create specific distinctions, as follows:

Specialty truffle olive oil is a type of infused olive oil that combines the rich, aromatic flavor of truffles with high-quality olive oil.

Truffles are a type of edible fungi that grow underground, known for their intense, earthy, and umami-rich flavor. When infused into olive oil, it creates a luxurious and flavorful product often used in gourmet cooking.