When it comes to olive oil, location, grade, and plant varietal have a profound impact on the final product, changing the flavor, texture, and even smoke point. There is no “one stop shop” for olive oil because each product can excel in a specific area: an olive oil used in dessert baking has a very different flavor profile than one used for salads, for instance. SFA News Daily asked three retail buyers to share their favorites.
Emilio Mignucci, vice president at Di Bruno Bros, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• A L'Olivier Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Carm Grande Escolha Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• DB Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Frescobaldi Laudemio Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• L'Estornell Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Phaedra Ancient Groves Extra Virgin Olive Oil
“Olive oil should be used as a flavor enhancer to everything, cooked or raw veggies, grilled meats, cooked and raw fish, legumes, and of course all kinds of lettuces. There is no wrong way to use olive oil but each one that we sell has a different flavor profile," said Mignucci.
Nikki Larson, purchasing manager at Glorioso's Italian Market, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Decimi No. 51 Limited Edition Slow Food Presidio Umbria Moraiolo Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Le Ferre Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Madonna dell'Olivo Raro Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Paesano Olio Nuovo Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Trampetti Umbrian Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
“Olive Oil is such a versatile product in Italian cuisine. Whether you're simply drizzling it over burrata, baking a cake, or cooking a main course. My favorite is the Le Ferre Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil line. With over 20 flavors to choose from you can add another layer of flavor to any dish. Le Ferre Garlic pairs great with proteins and Le Ferre Lemon pairs great with seafood and fish. Le Ferre Caffe, Vanilla, or Cinnamon will make your next olive oil cake stand out,” said Larson.
Kevin Gherke, specialty foods manager at Metcalfe's Market, Madison Wisconsin
• Alessi Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Bartenura Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Bragg Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Medium)
• The Lonely Olive Tree Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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