The Real “Olio Novello” of Italy

It is harvest time in the northern hemisphere. What that means is in Italy from north to south, the picking and pressing has started. For us in Canada and the US, for the most part, it means waiting another few months for the product to make its way to our shores.

Not being a very patient crew, this year the anticipation was too much so we called our friends at Frantoio Franci in Tuscany and begged, pleaded and groveled. The result was better than we could have dreamed.

The Millers Series: Giorgio Franci from Frantoio Franci

We love Olive Oil.

And really, we should. We know the land where it comes from. We have felt the breeze through the hills. We have sat in the shade of its trees. We have smelled the scent of the blossoms and then were there to pick the fruit when it was just right. And when the oil came out of the press, we were there to taste it. But beyond the terroir, what really makes the difference, or rather who – is the miller. The man or woman, who with love, passion, science and gut creates for us – liquid gold. So, actually it’s them we love.

This is the fifth in our series of mini-interviews with our partners,

Tuscany comes to Vancouver

Here is the rule about Tuscany: if you have never been, you dream about going and if you have been, you dream about returning. Once is never enough. A bit like chips, or peanuts… but harder on your credit card.

The Millers Series: Paolo Rossi from Sting’s Il Palagio

We love Olive Oil.

And really, we should. We know the land where it comes from. We have felt the breeze through the hills. We have sat in the shade of its trees. We have smelled the scent of the blossoms and then were there to pick the fruit when it was just right. And when the oil came out of the press, we were there to taste it. But beyond the terroir, what really makes the difference, or rather who – is the miller. The man or woman, who with love, passion, science and gut creates for us – liquid gold. So, actually it’s them we love.

Olive Oil Gelato?

This week I am going to ask you to open your mind. I mean wide open. Now just a little bit wider. Okay, we are getting close.

When people come back from their Italian vacations, they can disagree on many things: where was the most romantic spot, which was the best bowl of pasta or who was the creepiest taxi driver. However, there is one thing they all agree on. The gelato.

Bruschetta. Not just with tomatoes anymore…

It is summertime. Finally. And the heat has arrived, not complaining of course… but with the arrival of this kind of temperature, cooking big meals over the stove ends for me. Full stop. So….say hello to my good friend Bruschetta – and be sure to pronounce it right [brusˈketːa] so the Italians in the room don’t take offence.

Mediterranean Monday: BBQ Season

Every Sunday afternoon, for the past number of weeks, my neighbour has been torturing me with the most amazing and delicious barbeque smells coming from over the fence. I haven’t seen an invite to join in yet but if I don’t get one soon, I may just have to crash his next Sunday lunch. So, in honour of the BBQ season that is now upon us, today’s Mediterranean Monday recipe is the easiest one of all: STEAK Tuscan-style.

Summer shipment on the way!

We have spent the last while in Italy meeting with new producers and working together with them to choose additional products to add to the Olive Oil Merchant portfolio. And we are happy to report that new products are on the way!

Leaving today from Italy, the product will travel via climate controlled container from the port of Livorno

Medoliva and the New Face of EVOO in Italy

This past weekend we were invited to attend Medoliva in Arezzo, Tuscany. A weekend in Tuscany? A weekend tasting all the wonders of the Mediterranean? How could we say no?

Preparing for our trip,