Fresh Crush Oils have just arrived!

The arrival of the precious first ‘Fresh Crush’ Extra Virgin Olive Oils from the Northern Hemisphere marks a new season of nutritional and flavorful cooking throughout Michigan and beyond.  This marks a terrific time of year – when home cooking is so comforting.

Why is freshness in Extra Virgin Olive Oils so critical? Because the polyphenol properties (antioxidants) are at their highest right after the fruit has been harvested and the oils processed.  We have selected three single varietals for this winter cooking season:

KORONEIKI. This oil has an apple peel aroma and slight floral notes. On the palate, herbal qualities and green apple flavors emerge. Combine with Sicilian Lemon Balsamic and drizzle over thinly sliced fresh brussel spouts & pears. Top with grated pecorino cheese, sea salt & pepper.  Combine with 25 Year Sherry Reserva, Dijon mustard, fresh garlic & basil for a great vinaigrette. A great California artesanal varietal this year.

MISSION. This is a green oil, extremely flavorful and bold. It too is from California and has a huge nose and displays notes of green tomato and layers of complex herbaceous flavors. Combine with Coconut Balsamic Vinegar and drizzle over fresh tomatoes or cucumbers. Sauté fresh fish filets or chicken tenders. Drizzle over potatoes, add sea salt & fresh pepper and roast. This Mission has an extremely high polyphenol content (614 ppm!)

ARBEQUINA. This oil is sweet, delicate and well balanced with a slight confectionary fragrance, fruity notes of red apple and a mild pepper finish. This popular varietal comes from California and complements salads, vegetables, beef, chicken, fish, bread, vinaigrette dressings, and is a good all-purpose oil.