Beyond the Ranch
Why Paso Robles Produces Some of California's F...
While Paso Robles is famous for its wineries, the region’s Mediterranean climate, mineral-rich soils, and coastal influence also make it ideal for olive growing. Explore why Paso Robles produces some...
Why Paso Robles Produces Some of California's Finest Olive Oil
While Paso Robles is famous for its wineries, the region’s Mediterranean climate, mineral-rich soils, and coastal influence also make it ideal for olive growing. Explore why Paso Robles produces some of California’s most exceptional extra virgin olive oil.
Debunking Common Olive Oil Myths: Separating Fa...
In honor of April Fools' Day, we're diving into some common olive oil myths that have been circulating for years. It’s time to set the record straight and clear up...
Debunking Common Olive Oil Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction
In honor of April Fools' Day, we're diving into some common olive oil myths that have been circulating for years. It’s time to set the record straight and clear up any confusion around one of the healthiest and most versatile pantry staples. Let’s start debunking these myths!
How Do I Know If My Olive Oil Is Real? Everythi...
In November 2023, Spanish and Italian authorities arrested 11 suspects discovered to be involved in a fraudulent organized crime ring. During the international bust, they seized 12 barrels containing more...
How Do I Know If My Olive Oil Is Real? Everything You Need to Know About Olive Oil Fraud
In November 2023, Spanish and Italian authorities arrested 11 suspects discovered to be involved in a fraudulent organized crime ring. During the international bust, they seized 12 barrels containing more than 260,000 liters of the most counterfeited item in all of Europe: olive oil. It became the latest seizure in a long-running, scandal-ridden history of olive oil fraud. Rich in antioxidants, heart-healthy fats, and robust flavors, it’s easy to see why extra virgin olive oil has earned the nickname “liquid gold.”
The How To’s of Olive Oil
As Pasolivo’s level two olive oil sommelier and master blender, I’m sharing some tips and tricks the experts use for the how to’s of all things extra virgin olive oil....
The How To’s of Olive Oil
As Pasolivo’s level two olive oil sommelier and master blender, I’m sharing some tips and tricks the experts use for the how to’s of all things extra virgin olive oil. The California olive oil industry is fast growing, and there are many things consumers do not know when it comes to quality extra virgin olive oil. How To Taste Olive Oil: If you are a professional olive oil taster, or just want to experience how the experts properly taste, there is a process to follow. By following the steps below, you will be well on your way to properly tasting this liquid gold! • Experts always taste extra virgin olive oil in a dark blue tapered glass. It could almost be compared to a votive candle holder. The reason for this is to help trap the aromas in the glass and to not be able to see the color of the olive oil. Many people think that color of the olive oil is an indicator of the quality, but that is not true. • Once your oil is poured into your dark blue glass (or other vessel), you are going to want to cup the bottom of the glass in the palm of your hand and cover the top of it with the other to embark on what we call the 4 Ss of tasting EVOO. - First you are going to Swirl the extra virgin olive oil. This combined with how you are holding the glass (mentioned above) is going to help “warm” the olive oil and release any aromas it has. - Then you want to Smell the extra virgin olive oil. This is where you are going to pick up what us tasters like to call the fruitiness of the olive oil. You will pick up aromas...
5 Most Frequently Asked Olive Oil Questions
As Pasolivo’s Olive Oil Sommelier, I am asked many questions when it comes to all thing’s olive oil related. I thought it would be helpful to share the top 5...
5 Most Frequently Asked Olive Oil Questions
As Pasolivo’s Olive Oil Sommelier, I am asked many questions when it comes to all thing’s olive oil related. I thought it would be helpful to share the top 5 questions that have been asked lately and provide my expert answers! How to choose real extra virgin olive oil? With so much fraud in the olive oil industry it can be extremely difficult for consumers to decide which extra virgin olive oils are real. Many olive oils on the shelves are labeled as extra virgin but are not. The FDA unfortunately does not have heavy regulation on what is being imported and sold in the grocery stores in the United States. Some key things to look for to make sure you are getting a real high quality EVOO are: Is the olive oil you are purchasing certified extra virgin? Most producers who make high quality extra virgin olive oil, take the additional steps to get it certified. The California Olive Oil Council certifies most California extra virgin olive oils, but there are also the International Olive Oil Council for International oils, and a few other approved organizations for certification. Some extra virgin olive oils will have their certification on the packaging, but some producers choose not to include this because the seals design change frequently. You can usually look on the websites of the places that certify extra virgin olive oils to find whether the oil you are looking to purchase is certified. Does the oil have a Harvest or Best by Date? Many oils will list the bottling date, but this tells the consumer nothing about when the oil was produced. You typically want to consume high quality EVOO within two years of the harvest date to ensure ultimate quality. Some award- winning extra virgin olive oils can go...
