Healthy Lifestyle
Olive Oil has been used for thousands of years in cooking and is one of the cornerstones of the healthy Mediterranean diet.
It is very versatile and with flavour and aroma, and has become a must-have in kitchens.
Olive Oil can be used for sautéing, browning, stir-frying, and marinating. It is of course always appreciated as a bread dipper, by adding Balsamic Vinegar.
A large number of chefs use Extra Virgin Olive Oil “also” as a finishing oil drizzled over fish and vegetables to bring out the unique taste.
“One of my favourite ways of drizzling the oil is on a Crostini. I like using a rustic bread, I dip it into the Olive Oil and grill so it is lightly charred. One of the toppings I love is ricotta cheese with fresh thyme and dried oregano, not forgetting a drizzle of Oil on-top of the cheese - delicious. My brothers favourite way of using the Oil is an old Sicilian traditional poor man’s dish called “Pani Cunzatu” (dressed bread), which is a loaf of fresh bread or roll cut in half. Spread a generous amount of Olive Oil with lots of black pepper, grated parmesan cheese or pecorino cheese with oregano. Attach together, wrap in foil and bake in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes - a quick pick me up snack the way our mother does it. There are various ways of making “Pani Cunzatu” adding tomatoes and anchovies. Tasty and simply to make. ”
Health Benefits.
Olive oil is widely recognised as one of the world’s healthiest oils.
In fact, people tend to live longer and healthier lives in regions where olive oil is a staple part of the diet, just look at our Uncle, Zio Toto, at 92 years of age still working on the farm.
Studies show that the fatty acids and antioxidants in olive oil can offer some powerful health benefits. This includes its ability to reduce blood pressure and improve healthy cholesterol levels, both of which contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease. Oleic acid and oleocanthal are two nutrients that can fight inflammation.
“Zio Toto planted his first Olive Tree aged 6 in 1934 and still going strong”
Olive Oil and the Mediterranean Diet.
Olive oil is an integral part of the "Mediterranean diet" which is associated with sensible tasty portions and slower, more enjoyable eating. People who eat a "Mediterranean diet" have been shown to have a remarkable variety of health benefits. The olive oil in the Mediterranean diet can quickly satisfy hunger and lead to fewer total calories ingested at mealtime. It is unclear if any single component of this diet is responsible for these health benefits or if it is a combination of olive oil and a diet high in vegetables, fruit and fish.
Extra Virgin olive oil is one of the few oils that can be eaten without chemical processing. (Nearly every other vegetable oil has been detoxified and refined with steam and solvents). Fresh pressed olive oil can be eaten immediately and retains the natural flavours, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other healthy products of the ripe olive fruit.
Most doctors recommend lowering total fat and calories in your diet, and substituting butter, margarine and tropical oils with healthier options like olive oil.
“Carciofi Ripieni - Stuffed Artichokes - see Recipe page”
“The Family Farm House at Olio di Luigi”
