Olive Oil - Better than Butter! (Introduce the goodness of olive oil in your daily diet)

Until a few years ago, Indians used Olive Oil either to apply it generously on hair for lustre or  to massage new born babies with it. But today, olive oil has its fair share of consumers and is growing to become an essential ingredient in a variety of recipes. Whether raw or heated, olive oil is one of the healthiest foods that we can consume because it has no cholesterol and thus actively promotes good health. When consumed in moderate quantities along with a healthy lifestyle,  it has shown to lower cholesterol levels.

Olive Oil should be a vital ingredient of every kitchen, but buying olive oil is a  tricky business as there is a huge difference between an inferior product and a good one.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil, derived from the first press of olives is an all purpose ingredient that has a greenish tinge. Olive Oil which has an acidity level of less than one percent is classified as extra virgin. Most foods that are consumed uncooked or fresh such as salads can do with a dash of extra virgin olive oil.

Pure Olive Oil - golden in color, is derived from the second pressing and is also of a high quality. It can be used from sautéing meat to marinating it before braising, from brushing roasts or fish before grilling to deep-frying and baking. Sautéing food in olive oil imbues the ingredients with the oil's aroma and flavor.

                                                          

There are variants of Olive Oil that are best suited for different dishes.  Extra virgin Olive Oil is great not only when drizzled over fresh salads or toasted bread, but also when it adds the final touch to already-sauced pastas or creamy soup. Pure Olive Oil goes best in cooking  pasta, rice and roasts.

All Olive Oils are best kept away from heat and light. Once the bottle is opened the oxidization starts and hence Olive oil should be consumed as quickly as possible. To preserve the freshness of your extra virgin olive oil at home, store it in a cool, dark place. Tinted glass and porcelain are the best materials for containers, olive oil should never be stored in plastic or in reactive metals.

Adopt the oil into your diet - gorge generously on the fruit as well - and let the goodness of olives seep in, to give your food a distinct flavor.

Visit olivetreetrading.com to purchase / for more information on our products.