Tuesday, April 29, 2008

SANTA CHIARA, Costa dei Rosmarini, Liguria Olive Oil


Our best selling olive oil and this is the reason why!

Santa Chiara is a light, but very tasty olive oil, beautiful color and great balance of sweetness (freshness, nuttiness, and with a smooth feel in the mouth. Santa Chiara does not "coat" the mouth as some oil can do. Typically, many quality extra virgin olive oils have a slightly bitter, and somewhat biting, even fiery hot taste (if very fresh.) This is a desired and expectable taste.

For those who like a delicate yet flavorful oil, Santa Chiara is excellent on steamed vegetables, on salads, and a favorite way to serve it is on grilled fish, with a few drops of lemon juice on it and finally, a generous drizzle of Santa Chiara extra virgin olive oil.

Ciao
Carlo

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Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Choosing Olive Oils Is Not Always Easy

Most of the world's premium chefs are well versed in how to choose and use olive oils. That's why you will often see several different bottles next to the savvy chef. Carlo Middione is no different. He usually has three to five oils within his immediate reach.

Carlo chooses an oil that matches perfectly with the dish he is preparing. For example, many Tuscan olive oils are strong. These Tuscan oils hold up well when preparing dishes that require longer cooking times. Olive oil from Puglia is often associated with a bitter taste. Both match well with specific dishes.

Santa Chiara extra virgin olive oil originates in Liguria, where olives are mild and delicate. This makes Santa Chiara Costa Dei Rosmarini one of the most delicate oils available. Carlo uses this product for finishing certain dishes, such as salads, fish, grilled meat, and pasta sauces served at Vivande Porta Via.

Santa Chiara can be difficult to find for retail purchase, but Vivande currently has a good supply. Carlo and Lisa recommend that home chefs give this product a try.

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