Anyone who loves Italian food knows no dish is complete without some Extra-Virgin Olive Oil. Whether you’re preparing a marinade, quick salad dressing, or just looking to dress up your bread; our beloved EVO offers plenty of options. However, many people don’t know that while olive oil is delicious, it’s also nutritious, and can even be used for beauty.
Heart Health
Olive oil is known for being high in fat. But this fat is a good fat! Referred to as monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), the fat in olive oil is considered heart-healthy. Unlike saturated fat or trans-fat, MUFAs could help lower your risk of heart disease and make olive oil a great addition to a heart-healthy diet. So get that fresh-baked bread out and dip away!
Cooking
As Gabe with Alesci’s would say, “Olive oil is a huge part of the Italian flavor. Good olive oil can make a meal taste truly authentic.” When it comes to cooking, olive oil takes the cake (no pun intended). From frying up cutlets, to making an amazing sauce, olive oil can make or break a meal. But let’s be real, the only way olive oil can ruin a meal is if it’s not high-quality or authentic Italian.
Beauty
Olive oil is already rich in the good fatty acids, but many people don’t know that it also has an assortment of vitamins and minerals. This oil has both vitamins A and E which are known to promote hydration, along with maintaining a youthful glow by adding elasticity and softness to your skin. No wonder why so many Italian women have such beautiful skin – now you know our secret!
Price
Now that you know all of the advantages of authentic olive oil and its many uses, you can likely understand why this product sometimes has a high price tag. For those who are looking to save money on olive oil our best advice is buy now. Seriously. According to an article published by The Guardian earlier this year, prices are expected to soar due to bad weather and an onslaught of pests in olive crops. Olive oil growers in Italy may be facing tough conditions, but this decline in production also helps to show consumers just how much love, care, and “just the right conditions” goes into making this precious kitchen staple.
As Italians, we love extra virgin olive oil and its health benefits can’t be denied, but it’s important to know the difference between authentic, Italian olive oil and the many knock-offs on store shelves. There are also a ton of olive oils to choose from (EVO, unrefined, and refined), with each one having an ideal use where it can really shine. In the end, it’s best to be an equal opportunity consumer and keep a variety of authentic olive oils in the pantry. And, if you have any questions about which oil to use for what, the Jim Alesci’s team is here to offer guidance. Stop by or give us a call – we’re happy to impart four generations of Italian cooking knowledge onto our customers. No matter which path you choose, if you implement olive oil into your life, your heart, your stomach, and your skin will thank you.