Olive Oil from Europe Brings the Mediterranean to Canadian Tables

TORONTO – Olive oil and extra virgin olive oil, staples of Mediterranean cuisine, are making waves in Canada as part of the international “Pure Olive Oil from Europe” project. Spearheaded by the producers’ organization L’Olivicola Cosentina and co-funded by the European Union, the initiative aims to showcase the oils’ versatility and elevate their presence in Canadian kitchens.

Renowned for their delicate flavor and adaptability, olive oil and extra virgin olive oil play key roles in culinary traditions worldwide. Their applications range from being a cooking base to serving as a finishing touch that enhances the taste and presentation of dishes. Extra virgin olive oil, celebrated for its high quality and nutritional properties, shines in a variety of uses, from frying and sautéing to creating dressings and marinades.

One of its standout features is its high monounsaturated fat content, which not only boosts flavor but also provides stability at high cooking temperatures. This makes extra virgin olive oil a preferred choice for chefs and home cooks alike.

A Culinary All-Rounder

In raw preparations, extra virgin olive oil takes center stage in classics like pesto, mayonnaise, and vinaigrettes. These versatile dressings can transform a simple salad into an elegant dish, combining the oil with ingredients such as balsamic vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper for a sophisticated finish.

Beyond salads, olive oil forms the foundation of beloved recipes like tomato sauce. A slow-cooked blend of tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, onion, basil, and salt results in a rich, flavorful base for pasta and more. Its marinating properties also make it ideal for infusing meat, fish, and vegetables with robust flavors while preserving their succulence.

For those with a sweet tooth, olive oil is a healthier alternative to butter in desserts and pastries, lending softness and a subtle flavor to baked goods. The oils’ preserving qualities are equally noteworthy, commonly used to maintain the freshness of sun-dried tomatoes and olives.

Finally, a simple drizzle of olive oil as a finishing touch can enhance a dish’s flavor profile while adding an elegant visual appeal.

Explore More

Canadians curious about the “Pure Olive Oil from Europe” project and looking to incorporate these oils into their cooking can find recipes, tips, and more on the initiative’s website here.

Stay connected with the project through their Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channels.

Whether for everyday cooking or gourmet creations, olive oil and extra virgin olive oil are proving to be essential ingredients in Canadian kitchens, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to the Great White North.

Happy New Year from the EU Olive Oil initiative!