Beyond the Ranch
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...
What are the Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Ol...
What are the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil? Regular intake of extra virgin olive oil has been associated with a variety of benefits that increase life expectancy and...
What are the Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
What are the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil? Regular intake of extra virgin olive oil has been associated with a variety of benefits that increase life expectancy and mitigate the signs of aging. Over the past decade, researchers from around the world have uncovered increasingly more evidence about the wide range of health benefits and why high-quality olive oil can extend human lifespan. In this blog, we will highlight five major health benefits of extra virgin olive oil as well as the best olive oil you can buy for your health. Lowers “Bad” Cholesterol Top quality olive oil is loaded with antioxidants that naturally lower the body’s “bad” cholesterol. Bodies need a healthy amount of cholesterol, but much of the fat-like substance is dangerous. High-quality extra virgin olive oil contains high density lipoproteins (HDL), a “good” cholesterol that helps remove too much of the body's low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, from oxidizing in the body. Lowers Blood Pressure Several studies have shown olive oil lowers blood pressure because of its heart-healthy antioxidants called polyphenols. However, not all olive oils are the same. Real extra virgin olive oil is the least processed form of olive oil, which makes it more expensive, but it also contains the most nutrients to lower blood pressure and the highest levels of polyphenols. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to several health complications, such as a life-threatening aneurysm. Experts suggest consuming two to three tablespoons of the best quality olive oil daily to prevent high blood pressure. Helps Prevent Cancer Researchers discovered a chemical compound in olive oil called oleocanthal that kills human cancer cells without damaging non-cancerous cells. However, scientists will underscore quality matters more than quantity. Olive oil has various levels of oleocanthal concentration because of its origin, harvest time and...
How to Bake with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Curious about how to bake with extra virgin olive oil? You aren't the only one! Olive oil cakes are nothing new, but they’re becoming more and more popular for several...
How to Bake with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Curious about how to bake with extra virgin olive oil? You aren't the only one! Olive oil cakes are nothing new, but they’re becoming more and more popular for several reasons. Extra virgin olive oil is a wonderful alternative to butter and other cooking oils because of its nutritional benefits and unique flavor. It’s also a great way to keep your baked goods moist. In this blog, we explain when to use it, how to bake with it, and why you are going to love it. What’s the Best Kind of Olive Oil for Baking? Quality and flavor are critical when selecting an olive oil for baking. Extra virgin olive oil or EVOO is always going to be the best option because it comes from the first pressing, which means more health benefits and more flavor. For baking, we suggest using a mild extra virgin olive oil that’s buttery, fruity and not so bitter - like our Pasolivo Cucina Extra Virgin Olive Oil. If you are looking to add a dash of flavor to your baked items, you can also try a flavored oil. We love our Tangerine Olive Oil in brownies and our Lemon Olive Oil in chocolate cake. The important thing to remember is that you don’t want the flavor of the oil to overpower the rest of the dessert. More robust and peppery olive oils like our Tuscan Olive Oil or Classic Olive Oil are better for salads, steaks and potatoes, but not necessarily baked goods. Is Light Olive Oil Healthier? Using anything labeled "extra light olive oil" won’t reduce the number of calories, it just means less flavor and less nutritional value. That’s because extra light olive oil is a mix of highly processed olive oil and other cooking oils like vegetable, peanut, and canola. How...
Recent Posts
- 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?
- The Serotonin Salad: Nourish Your Mental Wellness
- What are the Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
