Ideas for cooking with flavored extra virgin olive oil
One of the best-known highlights of traditional Mediterranean cuisine and agriculture, extra virgin olive oil is a high-quality product that has proven to be an indispensable ally in the kitchen and at the table.
Produced in various regions of Italy, from Liguria down through Umbria and Puglia and all the way to Sicily, authentic extra virgin olive oil is known for its mildly bitter taste and slightly pungent aftertaste. It also comes in many different hues, depending on the production area, the variety of olives used, and the various processing phases.
Also read: Where can you find authentic extra virgin olive oil in the US?
Available in both classic and flavored varieties, extra virgin olive oil is perfect for creating delicious pairings and recipes with a unique twist. Let's take a look at the most interesting varieties.
Flavored extra virgin olive oil: the tastiest varieties
From the classic flavors of the Mediterranean basin such as lemon and basil to the more intense taste of truffle, flavored extra virgin olive oil is perfect for transforming your dishes into a mouthwateringly unique experience. Here is a selection of Healthy Italia's most popular flavored extra virgin olive oils.
Also read: Extra virgin olive oil: its use and suggestions according to Italian tradition
Lemon-flavored extra virgin olive oil
Lemon-flavored extra virgin olive oil is a zesty condiment that is well suited for enhancing meat dishes, vegetables, salads, fish, and seafood. It's also a great choice for making fruit salads and some desserts, such as lemon cake.
Chili-flavored extra virgin olive oil
Grilled meat and fish, pasta, salads, sauces, and much more: in Italy, chili-flavored extra virgin olive oil is a popular addition to pizza and the classic spaghetti aglio, olio e pepperoncini (garlic, oil, and chili pepper), making it even more intensely spicy. As for meat and fish, one of this oil's unique features is that it can be used both for marinating and seasoning. Try it and see!
Basil-flavored extra virgin olive oil
Excellent for seasoning pasta, soups, bruschetta, and tomato salads, basil-flavored extra virgin olive oil also pairs wonderfully with mozzarella and pizza margherita. We particularly love using it to make basil pesto.
Herb-flavored extra virgin olive oil
Another option that's perfect for adding a flavorful twist to meat, fish, grilled vegetables, and roasts, as well as creating delicious bruschetta and succulent croutons and crostini! Made exclusively for Healthy Italia by Antico Pastificio Italiano, our herb-flavored extra virgin olive oil includes thyme, rosemary, marjoram, bay leaf, and sage.
Truffle-flavored extra virgin olive oil
With its unique truffle aroma, this extremely versatile oil brings a rich flavor to a wide range of dishes, including appetizers, pasta and rice dishes, pizza, bruschetta, eggs, and toast. It's available in two varieties:
Did we make your mouth water? You too can try the best types of flavored extra virgin olive oil: you can conveniently buy it online or in our shop, only from Healthy Italia! Come see us at 53 Main Street in Madison, New Jersey!