Buongiorno! Italy continues to be hot and humid, great for the olives as they incubate in the summer sun. However, as Oregonians, we longed for green grass and tall trees, so we are trekking north for cooler weather, searching for rain. As we travel through Europe we significantly notice the affects to the change in our diet. Through France (did not go via Provence), Luxembourg, Belgium and finally the Netherlands there was no olive oil in sight and we are regretting we didn't toss a few bottles in the luggage (along with some pasta). Danish pastries, chocolate croissants, Belgium waffles and sandwiches with gouda cheese and mayonnaise remind us how far away we are from the Adriatic and it's cuisine.
One of the pleasant surprises of living in Italy's region of Le Marche is that we are healthier. In the kitchen, we solely use extra virgin olive oil and occasionally sunflower oil, all pressed locally. As we travel through other parts of Europe we appreciate even more the simple, clean and flavorful foods of a Mediterranean diet. It's a great reminder that extra virgin olive oil is healthy and research now suggests can make you slimmer!
A recent article in the July/August issue of Health Magazine highlighted that by swapping out other fats such as butter and rapeseed oil with olive oil, people were more satiated and didn't eat as much. This occurs because olive oil raises serotonin levels, a hormone that tells the brain you are full. All good news for people who want to keep their weight down but not give up flavor when it comes to cooking. In addition, olive oil's aromatic compounds present in olive oil have the same affect. So, before you drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over your salad, vegetables, meat and fish -- enjoy the smell of fresh olives and buon appetito!
Extra virgin olive oil is derived from one of natures' healthiest fruit, offering numerous other health benefits such as reducing or preventing heart disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes and arthritis. Also, ward off osteoporosis and cancer, lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of a stroke by using extra virgin olive oil as your main "fat" source and oil for cooking and flavor. Once you learn more about the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil, it is not difficult to understand why it has been called "exlir to life or golden liquid." Click here to take you to our science page explaining in depth how the olive, this little fruit is a bullet full of good fat, antioxidants and phenolic compounds that boost your immune system and fight free radicals.
To reserve your shipment from the 2013 harvest, join our olive club, Viva Verde. Membership is limited with our artisanal methods and small production. Join today to ensure your shipment of fresh pressed, high quality Casal Cristiana Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil. La vita e' breve, mangia bene - Life is short, eat well.
In one day, our server's pedometer logged 16 miles within our restaurant hustling food and drinks to our celebratory guests. Whether its an engagement announcement, birthday, Mother's Day, work lunch or it's a "I am treating myself" moment, we are in the business of happiness with great food in a beautiful and relaxing environment and an upbeat team to make it all happen.
