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Category: News

The greatest olive oil dip recipes.

The tradition of dipping bread in olive oil and then savoring it goes back many years. I’m sure you’ll agree that to follow this tradition you need good bread and the finest extra virgin olive oil on your table. It is a tradition that permeates the entire Mediterranean region, so today I’d like to share some delicious olive oil dip recipes with you.

Sun-dried tomato dip

The taste of sun-dried tomatoes reminds me of Italy—this explains why I get so much enjoyment out of preparing this dip. You’ll need:

•Cream cheese: 300g (10 oz.)

•Dried tomatoes: 150g (5 oz.)

•Carapelli Il Nobile extra virgin olive oil, to taste

•2 cloves of garlic

•1 tablespoon of rosemary

•Salt and pepper, to taste

Place the sun-dried tomatoes in a bowl and cover with oil to moisten them. Add the chopped garlic, salt and pepper and leave to stand for two hours. After this time has passed, finely chop the tomato and mix with the cream cheese.

Yogurt and basil dip

Another olive oil dip recipe that is considered gourmet is yogurt dip with basil and walnuts. You just need to beat:

•1/2 cup of chopped walnuts

•10 basil leaves

•1 pot of natural yogurt

•1 tablespoon of Carapelli Il Centenario olive oil

•Salt and pepper, to taste

Pair this dip with a little white bread, carrot or cucumber.

Tuna dip

This tuna dip gives your palate an original and exotic flavor. To make it you just need the following ingredients:

•2 jars of quality tuna

•2 tablespoons of lemon juice

•1 sprig of fresh mint

•1/2 small onion

•1 tablespoon of Carapelli Oro Verde olive oil

•Salt and pepper, to taste

Mix all the ingredients together. Don’t forget to drain the water from the tuna before adding it to the mixture. Use a blender to make it easier to spread later on.

As you are well aware by now, I love welcoming people into my home, and preparing all kinds of recipes in my kitchen is a sure-fire way to keep myself occupied. When my friends come over, they hope the meal isn’t ready yet as this gives them a chance to try my olive oil dips. I can assure you these dips leave a lasting impression.

Antioxidant definition and health benefits

Consuming extra virgin olive oil means consuming a product that has a high antioxidant content. Although this sounds fantastic, a lot of people have no idea of the power of this quality in the body. The definition of antioxidant can help us to understand how this quality works in the body..

Definition of the term

The word “antioxidant” is composed of the prefix ‘anti’ and the adjective ‘oxidant’, which means: “that which oxidizes or serves to oxidize”. Whenever the prefix ‘anti’ appears with any adjective it means the opposite of the adjective that accompanies it. The definition of antioxidant is therefore: “that which prevents oxidation”.

Why antioxidants are essential for health

Oxidation takes place because of the free radicals that damage the cells of the body. Various diseases, as well as the aging process, occur due to this oxidizing process, as these free radicals result in mutations and progressive cellular deterioration.

A high-quality olive oil, such as the oils from Carapelli, is largely made up of antioxidants—polyphenols, vitamin E and monounsaturated fatty acids—that neutralize the free radicals in the body and, as a result, prevent and delay cell aging and a range of diseases that are derived from mutations in the body.

The first step is to take note of the definition of antioxidant, since the entire meaning of the term is encompassed in word itself. When you consume extra virgin olive oil, you are consuming the health that is necessary to maintain a healthy, youthful and active body. Enjoy good olive oil and maintain a balanced diet.

4 benefits of olives that will make you want to eat them every day

Olives, the term used for this food, does not have as much relevance as the qualities of the fruit itself. These 4 benefits of olives are vital for healthy living, which is why it’s highly recommended for you to include them in your regular diet.

One of the great pleasures in my life is having olives as a snack while I cook. I love them! As well as there being several varieties that produce a range of inspiring intensities, flavors and aromas, olives are a food with qualities that are highly beneficial for your health.

They provide energy

One of the benefits of olives is, quite simply, the energy they provide. Olives are composed of monounsaturated fatty acids, which mean they provide large amounts of energy to the body. On top of that, as healthy lipids they strengthen the cardiovascular system and, therefore, reduce LDL cholesterol levels.

Optimal for memory

Monounsaturated acids boost the stimulation of the cardiovascular system, activation of blood circulation and the cardio protective effect, facilitating the arrival of oxygen to neural cells and contributing to optimal brain activity. As a result, people who consume olives daily significantly improve their memory and cognitive system.

They prevent aging

In addition to the benefits of olives mentioned above is the preservation of young, energetic and active cells. This fruit contains a large quantity of polyphenols and vitamin E: antioxidants that are fundamental for the proper functioning of the body and mind. As a result, free radicals do not damage the cells by deteriorating and aging them. Olives help the body to function to perfection every day

They satisfy the appetite

Olives contain oleic acid, which results in a satiety effect in the body. Consuming olives decreases the feeling of hunger and, therefore, a lower caloric intake is ingested throughout the day. This is perfect for people who are looking to maintain their ideal weight.

There are several other long-term benefits of olives, but I won’t overdo it as I know that too much information is sometimes unhelpful. Put simply, remember that consuming seven olives a day helps you to maintain fantastic health.

How to do an olive oil tasting.

The art of olive oil tasting is a highly stimulating experience. Discovering how the same food can vary in taste, texture and color is truly marvelous. If you have never experienced an olive oil tasting, your moment has arrived.

1. The first step is to choose at least two different varieties of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This way, the tones, aromas and flavors of the different oils will be more easily contrasted.

2. Observe the tone of the color of each oil. To do this, pour some oil into a wine glass and cover the upper part. This will concentrate the aroma of the oil and the olive oil tasting will become a highly sensory experience. Do the oils have green or golden tones?

3. Smell the aroma of the oil. To ensure that the oil properly releases its aroma, the ideal temperature is 28ºC (82ºF). Take the glass in both hands and rotate it for 30 seconds so that the oil warms, aerates and releases its aroma. Bring the glass up to your nose and enjoy. The aroma may be subtle or intense, and you may even pick up hints of various aromatic notes.

4. Taste the flavor of the oil. For olive oil tasting, take a little oil in your mouth and leave it for a few seconds. Place the tip of your tongue behind your upper teeth and inhale gently three times. The oil may have bitter and/or spicy touches.

5. Assess its density. The oil may change in density at various points of the tasting. Take note of the sensation left by the oil on the palate once you have swallowed it.

Experiencing an olive oil tasting gives you a sense of the variety and depth that exists in the world of oil. Tasting a variety of top-quality culinary products is undoubtedly one of life’s pleasures. You can do it with Carapelli oils.

Frequently asked questions about black olive tree

For some time now I’ve been receiving questions about black olives. Some questions are about the black olive tree, while others are about the degree of ripening that they need to reach before being consumed. The flavor of this type of olive is so distinctive that I’m not surprised to be asked so many questions about them.

Are there specific olive trees that produce black olives?

It’s true that there are two types of table olives: green and black. This gives rise to several questions, including: Where is this type of olive tree cultivated? How are they different to olive trees that produce green olives? Before answering any question related to this topic, however, we must ask ourselves the following: is there a black olive tree?

Black olives do not come from a variety of olive tree that specifically produces this type of olive. In fact, they are the same as green olives. Their color is different because they have reached a peak point of ripeness, after turning from green to a reddish hue, and then from reddish to black.

How long does it take for black olives to ripen?

Knowing now that a black olive tree is the same as a green olive tree, we should presume that the next question is: How long does it take the olives to reach peak ripeness? There is no precise answer to this question, unfortunately. The harvesting of green olives usually takes place between September and November, but the fruits of each olive tree ripen at different times. It is the Master Oliari who observe and select the quality and perfect moment of ripeness of the fruit.

In short, black olives are the ripest olives. Enjoy Carapelli Olives à la Grecque, not only for their firm texture and the superb flavor that excites the palate, but also because you now know part of their history.

Differences between cold-pressed oil and pressed oil.

As you probably know, there are several methods for extracting olive oil from olives. Cold-pressed oil is, without a doubt, the oil that achieves the highest quality in comparison with olive oil obtained through other processes.

The temperature at the time of extraction

I believe that producing something slowly and calmly is the only way to achieve a product of the highest quality. Conversely, when the processes are carried out in a hurry the quality and soul of the product are lost.

There are some methods that use heat to achieve faster and more abundant oil production. This need to produce more quantity with less breaks a fundamental rule: to obtain a maximum quality olive oil, the juice of the olive must be extracted at a temperature lower than 80ºF —this is the temperature that cold-pressed oil respects.

When olives are heated at a higher temperature , the organoleptic properties of the fruit and its nutrients are lost. The oil also ends up oxidizing prematurely. Thus, what could have been liquid gold is diluted and transformed into a mere shadow of what might have been.

Carapelli: cold-pressed oil

That’s why I enjoy Carapelli oils, because they fully respect the entire production process in order to offer superior quality oils. At the moment of extraction nothing is left behind, and it is purely cold-pressed oil.

This is how Carapelli obtains the best oils on the market:

• First, the olives are pressed and crushed in mills to start extracting the oil from the fruit.

• The paste obtained from the press is shaken so that the oil continues to be released, without the temperature reaching 80ºF.

• Finally, the juice obtained is centrifuged to separate the oil from the water and the residues.

Our lives are fast these days, and with this fast-living comes the need to achieve quick results. That’s how we miss out on enjoyment. And that’s why I only consume cold-pressed oil, because it reminds me that quality, nutrition and enjoyment are about the manner of the journey and not the destination.

The importance of olive selection to produce a first class EVOO.

The best olive oil in the world is produced with a raw material of excellent quality and a high degree of respect for the product throughout the production phase. The variety of olive used will give the oil a specific taste and nature.

Carapelli varieties

Carapelli oils are made from four different varieties with specific characteristics that give their oils the most exclusive flavors.

• The Arbequina olive offers a very delicate, slightly sweet oil. It also offers green notes to the palate.

• Coratina olives, on the other hand, create a more bitter oil, offering aromas of green leaves and leaving a pleasant, spicy sensation in the mouth.

• Hojiblanca olive oil offers several nuances when tasted; it is slightly sweet at the beginning and leaves a green almond aftertaste on the palate. Furthermore, it perfectly balances the bitter and spicy touch.

• Another olive variety that creates the best olive oil in the world is the Picual olive, one of the most aromatic varieties. It has a hint of bitterness and spiciness, but a taste that is reminiscent of fig.

In addition to using magnificent varieties, Carapelli is assisted by the master oliari. These are the people who select the olives in perfect condition and at an ideal maturity point for producing oil.

Awards

Thanks to all this, Carapelli oils have been awarded prizes in the most prestigious Extra Virgin Olive Oil quality competitions. Carapelli 125 Years Celebration and Carapelli Founders Edition olive oils are highlights among the top spots.

Creating the best olive oil in the world requires the best raw material and meticulous, highly controlled processing. This is how Carapelli olive oil is made, olive oil that will live on forever in the memory of your palate.

The most delicious fried dishes with olive oil.

Some people ask me if you can use olive oil to fry, and I always answer the same: as long as it is extra virgin, you not only can but you should use it for frying. These are 3 fried foods that undoubtedly improve when using a premium quality olive oil.

Vegetable tempura

Vegetable tempura is very simple to make. You just need to chop up the vegetables you want to prepare. These may be carrots, zucchini, asparagus, broccoli, pepper, and even spinach. Once you have chopped them into pieces, place them in a mixture of cold water, flour, egg and salt. For these types of recipes, you can use olive oil to fry at a temperature between 265º and 290ºF. Dip them in the oil, and they’ll be ready in three minutes.

Fried chicken

To prepare this recipe just place the chicken pieces in a bowl and soak them in lemon juice with a couple of crushed garlic cloves, and add salt and pepper to taste. Let them marinate for two hours and then use a special flour to batter all the pieces. Fry the pieces in EVOO at a temperature of 320ºF for twelve minutes so that they cook on the inside and are crunchy on the outside.

Croquettes

It goes without saying that you can also use olive oil to fry croquettes. As for croquette recipes, each person has their own secret recipe and favorite filling. Make them as you usually do, but I recommend you make sure the temperature of the oil is 320ºF when frying them, so that they are crunchy.

You can use olive oil to fry because it conserves all its properties and flavor, as long as it does not exceed 390ºF. So, with the help of a kitchen thermometer, enjoy the most delicious fried foods with Carapelli. Your recipes will be transformed forever.

The most authentic vinaigrette recipe to dress all your salads.

There are many types of vinaigrette, but to obtain the perfect traditional vinaigrette it is necessary to have an excellent quality olive oil and vinegar to hand, and this will serve to complement their flavors to perfection. From this point on, it is only a matter of adding the right measurements. .

Ingredients for the perfect vinaigrette with olive oil and vinegar.

For this recipe, which helps me to turn all salads into Gourmet dishes, I always use Carapelli Oro Verde Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Carapelli’s Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP Barrel Aged. The flavors of these two products combine to form a balanced and harmonious vinaigrette, due to both their aroma and flavor.

To complete the vinaigrette, in addition to olive oil and vinegar, I usually add aromatic herbs in season, salt, pepper and sometimes a little mustard.

The ideal proportion of olive oil and vinegar

Not using the highest quality ingredients in the right proportions doesn’t make culinary sense. A vinaigrette needs three tablespoons of oil to every tablespoon of vinegar. I usually use two tablespoons of Modena balsamic vinegar with six tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.

How to make the perfect vinaigrette step-by-step

• Vigorously mix the vinegar with 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

• If you want the vinaigrette to have a slight mustard flavor, add a teaspoon to the mixture and whisk again until it dissolves completely. If you would prefer not to have this flavor, you can skip this step.

• Add the olive oil little by little, without stopping mixing. This is the only way in which the olive oil and vinegar can be emulsified.

• Add a pinch of freshly ground pepper and any aromatic herbs in season that you want.

• Finally, mix it all again.

Being a traditional vinaigrette with an exceptional flavor, it goes well with all kinds of salads, regardless of whether it’s just a vegetable salad, or a salad with fruit, meat or fish. Using this pairing of olive oil and vinegar will mean your salads are never the same again.

Selecting the best extra virgin olive oil for cooking.

I always try to consume products of the highest quality. One of my greatest joys is eating seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as fresh meat and fish. Purchasing quality products is essential for creating the greatest culinary delights. Extra virgin olive oil for cooking is therefore fundamental for haute cuisine.

Selecting the best olive oil for cooking.

I’m sure you’ll agree that it makes no sense to cook fresh, juicy, superior quality meat using just any type of oil. That’s why it’s important to choose a top quality olive oil, like oils from Carapelli. If the products used are of superior quality, using extra virgin olive oil for cooking will enhance all their flavor nuances, and that is when dishes are transformed into real works of art.

Using a high quality olive oil means enhancing recipes through their delightful taste, and also through their nutritional improvement. As you well know, extra virgin olive oil provides several health benefits that are retained when used for cooking, thanks to the fact that it is an oil with high stability.

Ensuring the quality of each ingredient used in a recipe, and not just the main ingredient, helps to create excellent dishes in the kitchen. I can corroborate this with my own experience; using Carapelli extra virgin olive oil for cooking will make eating a highly pleasurable experience for your palate.

Source: NCBI