All the reasons to love Olive Oil...

Olive Tree's Olive Oil

When we speak of  taste and versatility, no other oil comes close to Olive Oil. Most oils are made to be bland so they don’t add unwanted flavour to a sweet or savory dish. Yet the glory of olive oil is how distinctive it is, varying from  mild to intense, from sweet to pungent.  Replacing butter and other less healthy fats with olive oil has  shown to aid  prevention of a myriad of diseases as well as  counter effects of aging.

It’s delicious, it’s good for your heart and  it improves your cholesterol profile. A  diet rich in olive oil may actually be able to slow down the aging of the heart. .....if you still haven’t already discovered the benefits of this so called “great therapeutic”, here are more reasons to fall in love with this divine oil.

The benefits of olive oil are not just confined to  a healthy heart, it helps you lose weight and  it also reduces the risk of diabetes. Besides keeping a check on  your blood pressure, regular intake of olive oil also lowers the risk of cancer. Although the reasons are still not entirely clear, recent studies have proved that people  whose diet   contains high levels of olive oil are less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Another reason to replace your regular oil with olive oil is that  appears to improve bone mineralization and calcification. It helps calcium absorption and helps preventing Osteoporosis. Higher intake of olive oil and polyunsaturated fats found in fatty fish and vegetable oils is associated with a lower risk of depression. The findings suggested that cardiovascular disease and depression may share some common mechanisms related to one's diet.

Rich in antioxidants, olive oil is known to reduce the risk of skin cancer. . A moderate and regular intake of extra virgin olive oil, characteristic of the Mediterranean diet, is also associated with lesser incidences of specific types of cancer, including breast cancer. Olive Oil also supports brain and bone development in children. It may also prevent ulcers (by slowing down acid production) and other ailments of the digestive system. You could buy your heart healthy olive oil from our gourmet online store olivetreetrading.com.

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Red Quinoa, Banana, and Pecan Muffins

El Olivo's Organic red quinoa,banana & pecan muffins

The deep, earthy, nutty aroma of red quinoa is enhanced when made into a flour and used in a baked recipe. This easy muffin recipe is full of the goodness of quinoa, flaxseeds, pecans and bananas—a great breakfast treat for children and adults alike! To make the quinoa flour, simply process the quinoa in a coffee grinder to a powder.

Makes: 10-12 medium-sized muffins

Ingredients:

·        ½ cup El Olivo Red Quinoa flour

·        ½ cup flaxseed meal

·        ½ cup whole wheat flour

·        ½ cup vegetable oil

·        1 cup milk

·        ¼ cup sugar

·        2 ripe bananas

·        a pinch of salt

·        1 teaspoon baking powder

·        ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

·        ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

·        8-10 pecans, chopped

Method:

         i.            Place the bananas, sugar, vanilla, and oil in a blender and bend until smooth.

       ii.            In a mixing bowl, mix the quinoa flour, flaxseed meal, whole wheat flour, salt, baking powder,                       pecans, and cinnamon together.

     iii.            Pour the banana mixture into the flour mix. Add milk and fold to incorporate.

     iv.            Pour the mixture into muffin cases two thirds of the way up.

      v.            Bake in a preheated oven at 160 degrees centigrade for 20-25 minutes or until spongy and a                          toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

     vi.            Serve warm or cool.

HONEY BOON – The benefits for a fitter body and youthful skin.

Honey has been used as a natural remedy for centuries. A rich source of natural sugars like fructose and glucose, along with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants - to include honey in your daily diet is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to prevent disease.

Benefits of Honey - - -

The anti-bacterial properties of Honey prevent bacterial growth in the body – Honey contains floral flavonoids which help in increasing the antioxidants in the body, reduce oxidative damages and helps in removing free radicals. Hydrogen peroxide, the other naturally-occurring ingredient in honey, works as a steriliser and prevents infections. The sweet taste of honey increases salivation on consumption, which dilutes mucus and reduces irritation and cough.

Honey is nutritious – it is a much healthier choice than processed refined sugar. It also contains many vitamins such as B6, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and certain amino acids and minerals like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc - depending on the source of nectar - Chestnut, Acacia, Wildflower, Orange Blossom, Eucalyptus...

 Honey is a natural energy booster – Warm water with lemon and honey taken before a work out provides extra endurance and stamina. Honey contains natural fruit sugar (fructose) which prevents muscular fatigue during workouts. Even diabetic patients can consume it but in limited quantities. It helps reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Olea Europaea's wildflower honey

Honey can be incorporated in our daily diet in several ways:

• Add honey in lemon water or any other beverage as a substitute for refined sugar and other artificial sweeteners.
• Add to breakfast cereals with milk / yoghurt.
• Enjoy honey with in a peanut butter sandwich.
• Drizzle it over your favourite pancake.
• A spoonful of honey can satisfy taste buds and improve health but it must be consumed in moderation and according to your daily calorie requirement.

Honey can do wonders for your skin as well. Honey is a potent natural moisturizer, has anti-aging and healing properties. Honey is a natural humectant i.e. it can absorb and retain moisture. It keeps the skin supple and hydrated. Due to its antioxidant action, it can protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation, rejuvenate dry skin and delay the signs of aging. Honey can be applied on the lips to reduce dryness and chapping. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, honey is used to treat sunburn, dry and eczematous skin. It is also used in some products to treat acne as it has anti-bacterial properties.

Different types of honey have different flavonoid profiles, depending on the floral source of the nectar. The different variants of honey available at the gourmet online store - olivetreetrading.com, are : Eucalyptus Honey, Wildflower Honey, Orange Blossom Honey, Chestnut Honey, Acacia Honey – each with its  distinctive taste and unique properties.
Darker the honey, higher the antioxidant levels. This nature's super food is befittingly called liquid gold.

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Knowing Quinoa better – Eating healthy!

El Olivo's Organic quinoa varients- Red,white & black

A complete protein and fantastic wheat-free alternative, the demand for quinoa has risen sharply in recent years. Who would not want to reap the benefits of this amazing super food?

A few tips to help you cook your super grain better

The first mistake people make is thinking that quinoa is a grain. It’s actually the seed of a grain-like crop closely related to beets. Maybe this isn’t a “cooking tip” – but you should always know what you’re eating.

Quinoa grows with a bitter, protective coating called saponin that needs to be rinsed away- if you don’t do it, it’s going to taste wrong. And when you rinse it, use a fine-mesh strainer. You don’t want those tiny seeds to disappear down the drain! Once you have rinsed it well, it can be cooked like rice. It will expand to several times the original size during cooking. 

Toasting quinoa in a skillet with a little bit of oil over low heat for a few minutes before adding it to boiling water gives quinoa an even more intense nutty flavor.

Quinoa holds lots of water, so you have to make sure you drain it thoroughly after it’s cooked. Otherwise, it will make your whole dish watery. And don’t forget to use that fine-mesh strainer again!

After it has cooked, use a fork to fluff and separate the grains.

Now that you know how to cook your grain well, here’s what all benefits you can reap from this super grain.

Quinoa contains almost twice as much fiber as most other grains.

Quinoa is one of the most protein rich foods we can eat.

Quinoa contains iron, is rich in magnesium and contains lysine.

Quinoa contains high content of manganese and is high in riboflavin.

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Raksha Bandhan Celebrations

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated to commemorate the everlasting bond between brothers and sisters. While sibling relationships are to be treasured daily all year round, having a special reason to celebrate them is wonderful.

The tying of rakhi bands and presenting of gifts are the highlights of this festival with plenty of attention on the gift.

For this special occasion, Olive Tree Trading has indulgent yet healthy treats for gifting. Take a stroll through our gourmet online store to select products of your choice and create an exclusive gift hamper with your selection. You could also use some of our products to transform a traditional recipe into something spectacular for your brother or sister this Raksha Bandhan and surprise your sibling with your ingenuity!

Festivals are all about embracing traditions but they are also about adding a unique, personal touch to create new and unforgettable memories. Twist a traditional recipe using our gourmet products / ingredients sourced from all over the world. Give your Rakhi special recipes a signature touch making them into wonderful new dishes.

Gift your loved ones health this festive season.

Happy Raksha Bandhan!

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Blackforest Cake

Blackforest cake topped with Olea Europaea Blackcherry jam & Amarena Cherries

A Black Forest Cake is nothing without a splash of Kirsch and good cherries. Erase all images and tastes of the excessively cream-laden chocolate cakes masquerading as Black Forest Cakes in the market. Make yourself an indulgent treat using the whole Amarena cherries and Olea Europaea Black Cherry Jam in combination with good quality chocolate and cream and watch as your creation becomes the star of every potluck party!

 Ingredients for the cake:

• ·         150 grams flour
• ·         50 grams unsweetened cocoa
• ·         200 grams soft brown muscovado sugar or brown sugar
• ·         150 grams butter, softened
• ·         4 eggs
• ·         ¼ cup natural yogurt
• ·         1 teaspoon baking powder
• ·         ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ·         ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
•      Ingredients for the filling and decoration:
• ·         1 can of Amarenacherries
• ·         4-5 tablespoons OleaEuropaea Black Cherry Jam
• ·         2 tablespoons Kirsch (optional; replace with cherry syrup from the can)
• ·         300 mililiters whipping cream
• ·         100 grams dark chocolate, chopped (or use dark chocolate callets)
• ·         50 mililiters heavy cream (for ganache)
• ·         50 grams icing sugar        
•   ·      Fresh whole cherries for garnish (or use Amarena cherries)

Method:

 Preheat the oven to 160 degrees centigrade. Grease and line a 7 or 8-inch round baking tin (with tall sides). To make the cake, sift the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and baking powder together in a bowl. In a food processor or blender or in your stand mixer, place the eggs, butter, and sugar, and beat well until light and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and beat again until combined.

Whisk the yogurt in a separate bowl, adding a little milk, if required, to make it smooth.  Pour the egg mixture and the yogurt alternately in the flour mix and fold gently to mix. Pour the batter into the tin and bake in the center of the oven for 35- 45 minutes or until well risen and a skewer inserted in its center comes out clean. When done, allow the cake to cool completely. When cool, slice the cake horizontally into three.

Mix the Kirsch with 2-3 tablespoons of the syrup from the Amarena Cherries jar. Use this liquid to brush the tops of each of the three cake portions.

In a small mixing bowl, add the jam and half the cherries. Make a chocolate ganache by mixing the chopped chocolate with the heavy cream and microwaving for a minute in two installments. Stir well to ensure there are no lumps. Allow to cool at room temperature. Whisk the whipping cream and icing sugar together until sift peaks form.

 On two of the cake portions, first spread a liberal amount of the whipped cream and top with the jam mixture. Place one cake portion on another.  Place the last cake portion on top and pour the chocolate ganache over, allowing it to drip a bit on the sides.

 Top with cherries and chocolate curls to decorate. Serve cold. 

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Art Of Antipasti

There isn't a better way to start a meal than with an abundant antipasti platter, artfully arranged with hand stuffed  olives, capers with stalk, roasted red peppers, sliced artichokes and mushrooms, fresh mozzarella..... Antipasto (plural antipasti) means "before the meal" is the traditional first course of an Italian meal. It stretches back to medieval times in Italy, when diners used to mingle over finger foods, before sitting down to eat. The aim is to excite rather than fill, along with an aperitif! Over the years, home cooks and chefs have gotten craftier with their antipasti, incorporating more color and a range of flavors and textures. The antipasto course can be the host's culinary valentine, a sumptuous invitation to the feast that is to follow
                                  

Olea Europaea's antipasti toppings

At our gourmet online store olivetreetrading.com, we offer a wide range of antipasti and toppings - Artichokes Hearts, Capers with Stalk, a range of stuffed Black and Green Olives, Sundried Tomatoes.... Top these on our crostini and enjoy it with our home-made style Black Olive Pate, Rustic bruschetta or our Italian Pasta sauces. An antipasti platter wouldn’t be complete without some good cheese and some fresh vegetables.

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