At Foodie Tasting Room, we pride ourselves on offering only the highest quality first cold press olive oil, accompanied by a selection of over 70 infused olive oils. Explore our diverse range of flavors and shop locally at Foodie Tasting Room for a gourmet experience like no other.
OUR OLIVE OILS
Tunisia's rich history of olive cultivation spans millennia, with olive trees gracing its landscapes since ancient times. These venerable trees, many of them centuries old, stand as living testaments to the country's enduring agricultural heritage. Unlike modern orchards with elaborate irrigation systems, Tunisia's olive trees are dry farmed, relying solely on natural rainfall for sustenance.
Each olive tree, with its sprawling root system, occupies a clearing of approximately 50 feet in radius, ensuring that it can absorb every precious drop of rain that falls from the sky. This traditional approach to cultivation reflects a deep understanding of the land and a commitment to sustainable farming practices passed down through generations.
Harvesting the olives is a labor-intensive process performed by skilled hands rather than mechanized equipment. Teams of workers armed with rakes, giant nets, and ladders meticulously gather the ripe fruit from the ancient trees. It's a time-honored ritual that requires patience, precision, and a deep connection to the land.
The resulting olive oil serves as the perfect canvas for infusion with various flavors. Known for its smooth and buttery profile, Tunisian olive oil provides a harmonious base for infusions, allowing the added flavors to shine without being overshadowed by intense grassy, peppery, or bitter notes. This attention to the oil's flavor profile ensures a balanced and delightful culinary experience, where each infused oil enhances dishes with its distinct character.
In essence, Tunisia's olive cultivation practices, steeped in tradition and guided by generations of expertise, yield not only exceptional olive oil but also a profound appreciation for the land and its bounty.
"First cold pressed" refers to the process used to extract olive oil from olives. Here's a breakdown of what each part of the term means:
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First: This indicates that the oil comes from the first pressing of the olives. Generally, the first pressing yields the highest quality oil because the olives are at their freshest and contain the highest amount of desirable compounds, such as antioxidants and flavors.
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Cold: This refers to the temperature at which the olives are pressed. In cold pressing, the olives are pressed mechanically at temperatures below 27°C (80°F). This method helps preserve the delicate flavors and nutrients in the oil. Cold pressing is preferred over hot pressing because it retains more of the oil's natural qualities.
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Pressed: This describes the method of extracting oil from the olives. In traditional olive oil production, the olives are crushed into a paste, and then the oil is separated from the solids and water through pressing. This can be done using hydraulic presses or centrifuges.
So, "first cold pressed" olive oil means that it is the highest quality oil, extracted from the first pressing of fresh olives, using mechanical pressing at low temperatures. This process helps maintain the oil's flavor, aroma, and nutritional value, resulting in a premium product with superior taste and health benefits.
Blood Orange Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Foodie Tasting Room Blood Orange EVOO*
- 2 tablespoons Foodie Tasting Room Citrus White Balsamic Vinegar*
- 1 teaspoon Finding Home Maple Horseradish Mustard*
- 1 teaspoon Runamok Florida Orange Blossom Honey*
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a small bowl or jar, combine all ingredients.
- Whisk or shake vigorously until the ingredients are well combined and emulsified.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as needed.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness or acidity according to your preference by adding more honey or vinegar if necessary.
- Once satisfied with the flavor, drizzle the vinaigrette over your favorite salad just before serving, tossing gently to coat the greens evenly.
- Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful salad dressed with the delicious tang of blood orange vinaigrette!
* Can be purchased at Foodie Tasting Room