Beyond the Ranch
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!
Spring Pantry Refresh: How to Correctly Store Y...
As the seasons shift and we welcome the vibrant energy of spring, it’s the perfect time to refresh your pantry. Cleaning out expired ingredients, restocking essentials, and organizing your space...
Spring Pantry Refresh: How to Correctly Store Your Olive Oil
As the seasons shift and we welcome the vibrant energy of spring, it’s the perfect time to refresh your pantry. Cleaning out expired ingredients, restocking essentials, and organizing your space can set the stage for a season of vibrant meals. One key item that deserves special attention is your olive oil. Let’s explore the best ways to refresh your pantry and ensure your olive oil stays fresh and flavorful.
The Ultimate Guide to the Olive Oil Martini: Ho...
Learn how to make an olive oil fat-washed martini, including how to fat wash gin (or vodka), the best martini olives to use, and more.
The Ultimate Guide to the Olive Oil Martini: How to Fat Wash Gin, the Best Martini Olives & More
Learn how to make an olive oil fat-washed martini, including how to fat wash gin (or vodka), the best martini olives to use, and more.
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.” But for as long as this sought-after oil has been a culinary staple, it has also been the subject of widespread fraud. It’s a trend that spans across the food industry as a whole, and it impacts everyday shoppers just like you. Do you find yourself asking, "How can I tell if my olive oil is real?" Wondering how you can identify a high-quality olive oil and keep fake EVOOs out of your kitchen? Read on for details about why olive oil fraud matters, how to tell if your olive oil is real, and the steps we take at Pasolivo to put quality and transparency first. Is Olive Oil Fraud Really a Thing? Yes, it is, and it has been for quite some time. Some sources even trace it all the way back to ancient Rome. Today, it happens on a massive scale—to the tune of the 260,000 counterfeit liters authorities seized last winter and deemed “unfit for consumption.” The issue is so prevalent that Italian authorities recently launched a full investigation into seven of the country’s leading olive oil producers and their practices. According to Europol, factors like price inflation, reduced olive oil production, and increasing demand have created “the perfect breeding ground for fraudulent producers.” It’s not just a problem that exists abroad; even in the U.S.,...
What Are the Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet?
The Mediterranean Diet has been highly regarded and recommended by physicians for decades. This culturally focused healthy-eating pattern is known for its miraculous effect on cardiovascular health. There are many...
What Are the Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet?
The Mediterranean Diet has been highly regarded and recommended by physicians for decades. This culturally focused healthy-eating pattern is known for its miraculous effect on cardiovascular health. There are many other benefits of the Mediterranean Diet, which includes foods like fish, veggies, and, of course, extra virgin olive oil. Why does the Mediterranean Diet come so highly recommended? Read on to learn more about its origins, what it includes, and how it can help you feel your healthiest. Plus, get your Mediterranean Diet meal plan with healthy recipes. Origins of the Mediterranean Diet The term “Mediterranean Diet” originates from a medical study conducted by Ancel Keys in the 1950s called The Seven Countries Study. This research compared the diet and cardiovascular health of cohorts from the USA, Finland, former Yugoslavia, Netherlands, Greece, Italy, and Japan over the course of 50 years. Keys and his team found that populations in Greece and Italy had 39% lower risk for coronary mortality, and 29% lower risk for cardiovascular mortality compared to the U.S. This phenomenon was attributed to the dietary habits of the selected populations. The Mediterranean Diet originates from ancient societies native to the Mediterranean Basin, otherwise known as “the cradle of civilization.” Although there are 18 countries that border the Mediterranean, with distinct traditions and varied gastronomy, there are some culinary trends that occur across the entire region. The Mediterranean Diet is centered around whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lots of olive oil. This diet limits the consumption of red meat and red wine and includes little to no processed carbs or sweets. Many Mediterranean cultures also emphasize the importance of community. Eating is a celebratory social experience! A Mediterranean local rarely dines alone. Since The Seven Countries Study, The Mediterranean Diet has been extensively examined for other health benefits in...
The Serotonin Salad: Nourish Your Mental Wellness
Feel-Good Fuel About 90% of our serotonin is created in our stomach and intestines. It’s synthesized through the essential amino acid tryptophan which is sourced from our diet. It’s commonly...
The Serotonin Salad: Nourish Your Mental Wellness
Feel-Good Fuel About 90% of our serotonin is created in our stomach and intestines. It’s synthesized through the essential amino acid tryptophan which is sourced from our diet. It’s commonly found in chicken, eggs, dairy, fish, peanuts, pumpkin and sesame seeds, turkey, and soy products. Consuming high levels of tryptophan and other choice vitamins is a great way to improve mood stability and experience more joy. Talk about feel-good food! Based on these principles, I created The Serotonin Salad. It features ingredients high in tryptophan and a few other vitamins, minerals, and other compounds known to improve mental health. Let’s go over each featured ingredient and its effect on the brain. But First: What is Serotonin? Serotonin, A.K.A “the happy hormone,” is a neurotransmitter that sends messages between your nerve cells. It acts as a natural mood stabilizer. In addition to managing our emotional state, serotonin also plays a role in our ability to learn, form memories, control bowel movements, heal wounds, and regulate sleep and body temperature. Sourcing B-12 and Folic Acid B-12 and folic acid are essential vitamins that our bodies use to break down an amino acid called homocysteine. B-12 and folic acid deficiencies are a threat to our health as raised levels of homocysteine can lead to depression, dementia, and various heart problems. So how can we get more B-12 and folic acid in our diet to prevent illness? Dark leafy greens! The base of The Serotonin Salad is kale. Spinach and arugula are perfectly acceptable substitutions. Other good sources of these vitamins include eggs, legumes, broccoli, and asparagus, to name a few. Capsaicin’s Role in Mental Health Studies show that consuming more spicy food could reduce symptoms of depression thanks to the compound capsaicin which is found in chili peppers. Capsaicin sends signals to pain...
Recent Posts
- Debunking Common Olive Oil Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction
- Spring Pantry Refresh: How to Correctly Store Your Olive Oil
- The Ultimate Guide to the Olive Oil Martini: How to Fat Wash Gin, the Best Martini Olives & More
- How Do I Know If My Olive Oil Is Real? Everything You Need to Know About Olive Oil Fraud
- What Are the Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet?
