Beyond the Ranch

What is extra light olive oil?

What is extra light olive oil?

Many consumers believe lite olive oil is the same as extra virgin olive oil but with less calories. That is false. Several producers use the term “lite extra virgin olive...

What is extra light olive oil?

Many consumers believe lite olive oil is the same as extra virgin olive oil but with less calories. That is false. Several producers use the term “lite extra virgin olive oil,” but that can be very misleading. Lite olive oil is not considered a true extra virgin olive oil because it has been refined to a lower quality. This means you’re not getting all the same health benefits or flavor as a quality extra virgin olive oil. How is olive oil graded? Olive oil has four different grades of quality based on how it is made: extra virgin, virgin, regular or pure, and lite or extra lite. Extra Virgin Olive Oil or EVOO Real extra virgin olive oil is the highest grade you can buy because it's only been extracted once. Recent studies have shown almost 70 percent of so-called extra virgin olive oil sold today does not meet U.S. Department of Agriculture standards. As a solution, the California Olive Oil Council established its Seal Certification Program where members, like Pasolivo, are required to meet certain quality standards. In order to qualify as extra virgin grade, the COOC states extreme heat and chemicals cannot be used during extraction. At Pasolivo, we sustainably farm, harvest and cold press our olives on-site within hours of picking to maintain peak freshness and flavor. We also never use machinery that could damage the olives during picking. This ensures we get maximum flavor, maximum health benefits, and a richer oil. Virgin Olive Oil Virgin olive oil is the next best grade. The term “virgin” means the oil is made from the first pressing, but the quality standards aren’t as strict. Another notable difference is the acidity. Extra virgin olive oil contains no more than .8 percent acidity, but virgin olive oil has about 2 percent...

Recipes for National Shrimp Day

Recipes for National Shrimp Day

Seafood fans across the country are celebrating National Shrimp Day on Monday, May 10. In honor of this day, we wanted to share a couple of our favorite shrimp recipes....

Recipes for National Shrimp Day

Seafood fans across the country are celebrating National Shrimp Day on Monday, May 10. In honor of this day, we wanted to share a couple of our favorite shrimp recipes. Garlic-Lemon Shrimp with Pasta is simple and easy to make, and ready in 30 minutes or less. The Avocado, Mango & Arugula Salad with Grilled Shrimp is a little more complicated, but the combination of sweet, zesty and fresh flavors is well worth it. Garlic-Lemon Shrimp with Pasta Cooking level: easy Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes Serves: 4-6 Ingredients: 1/4 cup Pasolivo Garlic-Lemon Olive Oil or 1/4 cup Pasolivo Garlic Olive Oil 2 cups sugar snap peas trimmed and cut to bite size 2 shallots minced 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 tsp. Pacific Blue Kosher Sea Salt, plus more to taste Freshly ground black pepper 6 Tbsp Lemon Juice Zest of 1 lemon 1/2 cup grated Parmesan 12 oz Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta al dente, according to package. Warm Pasolivo Lemon Garlic Olive Oil in a large frying pan. Add the shallots and sugar snap peas and cook about 4 minutes, until soft. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook each side, until the shrimp is cooked through. This varies based on the size of the shrimp, approximately 2-3 minutes each side. Season with salt and pepper. Add lemon juice and zest. Toss with the pasta, parmesan cheese and serve. Avocado, Mango & Arugula Salad with Grilled Shrimp Recipe Cooking label: medium Prep time: 45 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Serves: 2-3 Ingredients: Juice of 1 grapefruit 2 Tbsp Pasolivo California Blend Olive Oil Handful of fresh cilantro, chopped Pasolivo Pacific Blue Kosher Sea Salt and pepper 1 pound of jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 avocado, cubed 1 mango, cubed 1...

Can you fry with extra virgin olive oil?

Can you fry with extra virgin olive oil?

Despite common misconception, extra virgin olive oil is safe for sautéing and deep frying. It's also a healthier, more flavorful alternative to other cooking oils. But what about its smoke...

Can you fry with extra virgin olive oil?

Despite common misconception, extra virgin olive oil is safe for sautéing and deep frying. It's also a healthier, more flavorful alternative to other cooking oils. But what about its smoke point? Some consumers are worried extra virgin olive oil has a smoke point that's too low for frying, but that's not true. Especially with a high-quality olive oil. Deep frying is usually done between 350 and 375 °F, and Pasolivo's Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a smoke point of 425 °F. However, some other lower-grade olive oils have a smoke point of 350 °F so, it's important to research what you're buying. Quality matters. Why extra virgin olive oil versus other oils? Since extra virgin olive oil is only pressed once, it contains more antioxidants, vitamins and heart-healthy polyphenols than other cooking oils. It also adds a better flavor to enhance your dish. All foods can lose nutrients when heated, but evidence shows extra virgin olive oil retains a significant amount of its heart-healthy compounds during cooking. Adding extra virgin olive oil to your diet can reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes and inflammation. We recommend consuming it daily, whether that's by the spoonful, drizzled over salad, or fried up with fish. Extra virgin olive oil is a versatile cooking oil perfect for just about any dish.

Proven health benefits of extra virgin olive oil for your skin

Proven health benefits of extra virgin olive oi...

Extra virgin olive oil is not only healthy to consume but it's also beneficial for your hair and skin. Harsh chemicals, alcohols, fragrances and dyes found in various skin care...

Proven health benefits of extra virgin olive oil for your skin

Extra virgin olive oil is not only healthy to consume but it's also beneficial for your hair and skin. Harsh chemicals, alcohols, fragrances and dyes found in various skin care products deplete our body’s natural oils and can be harmful to dry skin. What we put in our bodies is just as important as what we put on it. If you're prone to breakouts, using a soap that contains extra virgin olive oil can help kill off bacteria that causes skin conditions such as acne while also moisturizing. You can rub olive oil directly on your skin, but for people prone to oily skin, we recommend using a soap, lotion or body butter than contains olive oil instead. Extra virgin olive oil is also wonderful for healing sunburns and wiping off make-up. However, it's important to choose an olive oil that doesn't contain additives or chemicals. Buying directly from a grower, such as Pasolivo, also helps ensure you're getting a quality product that isn't cut with other oils such as vegetable oil, canola oil or even peanut oil. Your skin absorbs a large percentage of what you put on it, so it's important to use the right products for healthy skin and hair. Olive oil has been used for centuries to promote health and wellness and provides benefits both inside and out.

How to make Pasolivo's Muffuletta Salad

How to make Pasolivo's Muffuletta Salad

Pasolivo’s Muffuletta Salad Muffuletta salad is a simple, quick and healthy dish packed with Italian flavors. The original muffuletta sandwich was crafted in New Orleans in 1906. We've developed a...

How to make Pasolivo's Muffuletta Salad

Pasolivo’s Muffuletta Salad Muffuletta salad is a simple, quick and healthy dish packed with Italian flavors. The original muffuletta sandwich was crafted in New Orleans in 1906. We've developed a low-carb version that uses fresh, healthy ingredients. The combination of vegetables, meats and cheeses makes for a hearty, filling snack or meal. Ideally, this dish is prepared a day or two in advance (minus the romaine lettuce) to give the flavors time to meld. Serves: 8-10 Makes: 10 cups (without romaine) Total Time: 25-30 mins Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups assorted Pasolivo olives (These can be stuffed. If plain, pit them), chopped 2 cups cauliflower, cut into small florets 1 cup chopped celery 1 14 oz can artichokes in water, drained and chopped 1 cup diced red pepper 2/3 cup diced red onion 1/2 cup pepperoncini, thinly sliced 1 15 oz can garbanzo beans, drained 3 oz thinly sliced provolone 4 oz mozzarella, chopped 3 oz genoa salami, chopped 4 oz ham, chopped Romaine lettuce (add 6 cups just prior to serving) This salad can be made 2 days prior to eating if you wait to add lettuce until serving Dressing: 3/4 cup Pasolivo Tuscan Olive Oil 6 tbsp Pasolivo Tuscan Balsamic Vinegar 1 large clove garlic, minced 1 tbsp Pasolivo Spicy Italian Blend 1/2 tsp Pasolivo Kosher Flake Sea Salt Directions: Toss all ingredients, except dressing and lettuce, into large bowl Mix dressing and add to bowl Toss with lettuce just before serving Enjoy!

Pasolivo announces new Garlic Olive Oil

Pasolivo announces new Garlic Olive Oil

The Pasolivo family is excited to announce the newest addition to our family of award-winning olive oils. Please welcome Pasolivo Garlic Olive Oil. Garlic lovers rejoice! Using fresh garlic from...

Pasolivo announces new Garlic Olive Oil

The Pasolivo family is excited to announce the newest addition to our family of award-winning olive oils. Please welcome Pasolivo Garlic Olive Oil. Garlic lovers rejoice! Using fresh garlic from Gilroy, California, "The Garlic Capitol of the World" this zesty olive oil has a bold, robust flavor that’s perfect with baked croutons or roasted potatoes. Try it drizzled over seafood, pizza or pasta. Take your dishes to the next level and discover the superior richness of Pasolivo’s new Garlic Olive Oil. We've included a recipe below using our new Garlic Olive Oil. Garlic-Lemon Shrimp with Pasta Ingredients 1/4 cup Pasolivo Garlic Olive Oil or Pasolivo Garlic-Lemon Olive Oil 2 cups sugar snap peas trimmed and cut to bite size 2 shallots minced 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 tsp. Pacific Blue Kosher Sea Salt, plus more to taste Freshly ground black pepper 6 Tbsp Lemon Juice Zest of 1 lemon 1/2 cup grated Parmesan 12 oz Pasta Preparation Cook pasta al dente, according to package. Warm Pasolivo Lemon Garlic Olive Oil in a large frying pan. Add the shallots and sugar snap peas and cook about 4 minutes, until soft. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook each side, until the shrimp is cooked through. This varies based on the size of the shrimp, approximately 2-3 minutes each side. Season with salt and pepper. Add lemon juice and zest. Toss with the pasta, parmesan cheese and serve. For more Pasolivo recipes, click here.