We have been maintaining a list of olive oil nutrition facts for more than twenty years at Temecula Olive Oil Company. We're probably not the first ones to do so either. In fact, olive oil has been coveted since ancient times in part because of the multitude of health benefits it provides.
Today, the juice of the olive fruit has been scientifically proven to be an essential part of a healthy diet, due to the high levels of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
Olive oil is regarded as one of the greatest oils because it is the single, naturally-produced oil with the largest source of monounsaturated fats and is the only one that can be consumed from the freshly-pressed fruit just as is, like orange juice. The health benefits of olive oil - an essential part of the Mediterranean diet are credited to enhancing heart healthiness and life spans of the people of that area.
Among olive oil nutrition facts are studies demonstrating that monounsaturated fats, such as Omega-3s, Omega-6s and Omega-9s all found at their optimal balance in olive oil, decrease LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels while increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol levels, which allows cholesterol to move freely to the liver to be eliminated rather than being deposited on artery walls and forming blood clots as it travels through the bloodstream.
This enables the body maintain healthy blood pressure levels and reduces risk of heart disease - a leading cause of death in Western cultures. Additionally, an olive oil rich diet has been shown to increase brain health, help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and lead to greater weight loss than a low fat dietplan.
Further notable of the olive oil nutrition facts is that it is an excellent source of antioxidants. Oxidation occurs naturally inside the human body, giving rise to"free radicals" (unstable atoms and molecules) that can lead to normal cell function deterioration or cellular death, unless there is a balance between healthy cells and free radicals.
Antioxidants, like those found in olive oil, help maintain that balance, reducing the effects of aging and risk of developing cancer. In fact, studies show a direct correlation between a diet rich in olive oil and the control of colo-rectal cancer and skin cancers.
Anyone familiar with olive oil nutrition facts understands that the best olive oil comes from the first pressing of the fruit, called"extra virgin olive oil". Extra virgin olive oil is the purest form of olive oil and therefore the most nutrient-rich.
Substituting 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil every day for saturated fats, such as animal and dairy fats, will improve your health indoors and outside. Temecula Olive Oil Company makes it easy to take advantage of the health benefits of olive oil once you substitute other oils in your favorite recipes using flavorful, fresh California extra virgin olive oil.
Create a delightful salad dressing by mixing our Fresh Blood Orange Olive Oil together with our Vanilla & Fig Balsamico Vinegar. Marinate your favorite meat together with our Roasted Garlic Reserve Olive Oil or drizzle our Fresh Basil Olive Oil over steamed vegetables and Caprese salads.
You can even bake with our buttery, Olivum Reserve Late Harvest traditional olive oil, or add our Fresh Blood Orange Olive Oil to brownies for a delicious hint of orange.
Temecula Olive Oil Company is a family-owned company that offers fine, Southern California-grown extra virgin olive oils, hand harvested olives which are cold-pressed on our ranch. Discover one of the very healthy treats nature provides by checking out the product offerings on our site. You'll be glad you did!
Chances are you have a bottle of balsamic vinegar on hand. But do you understand all the incredible things you can do with it? Get inspired with these seasonal ideas to make the most of balsamic vinegar this summer.
An Italian invention, balsamic vinegar is widely available in most supermarkets and comes in a variety of flavors and qualities. Its tangy, mildly sweet taste makes it a wonderful addition to salad dressings, marinades and even desserts!
Salad dressing and marinade
The most common use for balsamic vinegar is at a salad dressing. A simple combination of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar makes for a healthy and flavorful basic vinaigrette. To make a creamy balsamic vinaigrette, combine together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a dash of mustard and some grated Parmesan into a food processor.
Try adding in other components for a more inspired dressing table -- such as this maple balsamic dressing, orange and balsamic vinaigrette or molasses and balsamic vinaigrette.
Apart from being great in salad dressings, balsamic vinegar also makes an amazingly flavorful marinade. The acid helps break down tough cuts of meat, as in this grilled balsamic and garlic marinated steak. More tender cuts of meat can be flavored with a quick marinade, such as this grilled balsamic chicken.
Glazes and reductions
Balsamic vinegar is also great reduced and brushed on salmon or as a glaze for cartilage. And to make any meal feel fancier, prepare a balsamic vinegar reduction. Simply simmer balsamic vinegar for about ten minutes until it has reduced and is a thick, syrupy consistency.
This concentrates the flavor and is exceptional drizzled over meats or grilled vegetables. Try out this beef tenderloin with red wine balsamic reduction or this summery and vegetarian caprese tart with herbed ricotta and balsamic reduction.
Cocktails and desserts
As much as you love balsamic vinegar, you may not have thought to drink it before -- but why not? The candy flavor can be an abrupt and delicious addition to cocktails, especially when incorporated into a simple syrup.
Try out this strawberry balsamic simple syrup next time you're hosting a cocktail party, and get ready to impress your guests! The Desmo cocktail and this fun take on a Bloody Mary also incorporate balsamic vinegar.
The sweetness of balsamic vinegar is also exactly what makes it a beautiful ingredient to use in creative desserts. It pairs naturally with strawberries, so this panna cotta with strawberries in balsamic sauce and easy balsamic strawberries (recipe below) are naturals. It's also great in this cozy recipe for warm balsamic and caramel apples, which is perfect any time of year.
Balsamic strawberries recipe
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 pint strawberries, hulled and halved
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons high quality balsamic vinegar
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Whipped cream, for serving
Torn mint, for garnish
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Instructions:
Place the strawberries into a bowl and toss with the sugar.
Allow to macerate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
Add the balsamic vinegar and lemon juice. Gently throw and allow to sit for another 10 minutes.
Spoon into four bowls or glasses and top with whipped cream and ripped mint, or spoon the mixture onto pound cake or vanilla ice cream.
What is Balsamic Vinegar? Most likely known as the standard staple nestled at the back of your pantry reserved for the occasional tomato basil salad, balsamic vinegar is a exceptional piece of Italy's history.
The ancient Romans thought that cooked grape mash, or must (the main part of balsamic vinegar) was more than a dressing for foods: it was also a healing elixir. Even the name"balsamic" refers to the original medicinal purpose of this alleged restorative"balm," indicating its place in ancient society as a tonic.
Much like champagne, the very authentic balsamic vinegar stems solely from the Reggio Emilia and Modena areas of Italy. The two areas have been perfecting the art of this dressing and condiment because the year 1100, when Balsamic Vinegar was a popular gift for visiting royalty and nobility.
This storied history attached to balsamic vinegar makes it an exciting addition to Italian-inspired recipes and dishes, as does its versatility. From balsamic discounts, to glazes, even as a sweet and sour drizzle on vanilla ice cream, there's no limit to the culinary uses of balsamic vinegar.
Dressed up or dressed down, this condiment has serious kitchen staying power. Despite its ubiquity in the majority of chef's pantries, many folks don't know the key benefits and advantages of adding this condiment/dressing hybrid in your meal routine.
Is Balsamic Vinegar Good for You?
The Ancient Romans may have been on to something. Many cultures cite natural vinegars and vinegar products as a source for various therapeutic properties. While you wont find doctors writing prescriptions for balsamic vinegar anytime soon, some studies show that consuming certain vinegars within their preferred amounts could have some benefits. Two
The Benefits of Balsamic Vinegar
There's not a lot of research supporting the health effects of balsamic vinegar, but the handful of studies available show that when broken down, the bioactive elements found in balsamic vinegar can be linked to a myriad of benefits.
Depending on processing, some natural vinegar products may contain some combination of acetic acid, gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid, which have been connected to having possible antimicrobial, antitumor, antiobesity, antihypertensive, and esophageal effects.
A research found that some fruit vinegars, again, depending on processing, could contain antioxidants.
Antioxidants could help your body prevent the negative effects of oxidative stress, and research has shown their effects against cancer and aging. In addition, antioxidants may offer preventative protection against cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and other diseases.
As far as how much antioxidant content is in your vinegar after it has been processed, it is hard to say.
Some fruit vinegars may contain polyphenols, another kind of antioxidant which are thought to lower the risk of certain conditions. Some studies show that polyphenols may encourage immune system as well. 7
Balsamic Vinegar: Calories and Carbs?
Quality over quantity. When it comes to balsamic vinegar, carbs and calories often vary depending on processing methods, and based on the richness of the final product.
Quality of components and authenticity of production are paramount when it comes to deciding on a Balsamic Vinegar, especially with a serving size tip of just one tablespoon. Generally speaking, most balsamic vinegars range between 10-30 calories and about 7-8g of carbohydrates per serving.
People tend to use less of a high-quality balsamic vinegar compared to lower quality variety to achieve a similar flavor intensity.
The Way to Choose the Most Effective Balsamic Vinegar
There's no shortage of balsamic vinegar options in your local supermarket, and with a plethora of culinary uses, choosing the best balsamic vinegar is no easy task. When searching for your pick, here's what to keep an eye out for:
PGI Certification. PGI (or,"Protected Geographic Origin") Certification is set by the European Union to validate a product's adherence to local heritage. To earn a PGI ( orin Italian, IGP) certification, at least a couple of measures of the preparation process must happen in the region, and the ingredients used must be closely connected to the area. A PGI Certification maintains the integrity and authenticity of the goods.
Ingredient Quality. When it comes to Italian-inspired cooking, authenticity and quality of components are key. Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified ingredients will allow the natural flavor of the item glow.
Area of Origin. Similar to the PGI Certification, authentic Balsamic Vinegar is going to be from or somehow connected to Modena or even Emilio Reggia, Italy. 9
Taste. Based on the variation of vinegar you select, tastes will vary. Traditional balsamic vinegar will have a certain smoky quality, owing to the lengthy aging process, whereas Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is much more tangy and sweet.
How Is Balsamic Vinegar Made?
Traditional balsamic vinegar is made from the Emilio Reggia or Modena areas of Italy, and begins by ingesting grape mash (must). It is then brought through a series of fermentations and aged in a wooden barrel.
Aged Balsamic Vinegar
The aging process differs depending on the kind of balsamic. For traditional balsamic vinegars, at least 12 years aging is necessary, with many being aged for over 25 years. Talk about patience! Balsamic vinegar of Modena, one of the most versatile variants, is only aged for two months. As you might expect, the aging process affects the taste and texture.
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena: Why It Matters
A kind of balsamic vinegar you might already be using or have seen stocked in market shelves, is Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. Balsamic Vinegar of Modena refers to not only the origin of its creation, but also the origin of the ingredients used to make it. More widely available, Balsamic Vinegar of Modena has a large range of culinary uses. Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is slow-cooked, for a distinct flavor profile of sweet and sour, with a milder, syrup-like consistency.
