Autumn harvests bring many favorite products to market, like apples, pears and pumpkins, but did you know that olives are a huge fall product.  Early harvest olives, picked in late October/early November produce an oil that has a unique taste all their own.  This fresh new oil is one of the most loved and enjoyed in the Extra Virgin Olive Oil world. These still very green olives will be pressed into the first new olive oil of the year; Olio Nuovo!

Estate olives are picked and pressed then bottled right away resulting in a brilliant green color with bold, fresh flavor unlike no other!  Usually freshly pressed olive oil is “racked” for two months so that the sediment settles at the bottom (of the tank or container). 

Olio Nuovo, much like France’s Nouveau Beaujolais wine, should be consumed as soon as possible after milling, within 3- 6 months, for the optimal flavor.  This premier Extra Virgin Olive Oil will exhibit strong, herbaceous, and grassy flavor.  While a long history of traditions dictates many reasons why this olive oil is so special, of greater interest to most is "How should I use it?"

Here are some ideas on how to best enjoy the unique characteristics of your Olio Nuovo:  

Try Bread Dipping in Olio Nuovo!

Using heart healthy premium EVOO, versus butter is a favorite treat around the dinner table, and even the casual party.  Get yourself a fresh loaf of Italian bread or a French Baguette and you’ll be in for a culinary treat you and your family and friends will always remember.  Put some thick slices of bread under the broiler until toasty, drizzle Oil Nuovo over the bread, then sprinkle a little coarse sea salt to finish…enjoy!

Autumn Harvest Foods Pair Well

Pair this Autumn olive oil with the other bounties of the season.  Fall soups are a perfect example; drizzle over a serving of a luxurious pumpkin or butternut squash soup.

And then of course there are so many delicious apple varieties at the local markets eager to be transformed into new uses. Finish your seasoned apples baked either in the oven or sautéed in a cast-iron skillet with the Nuovo. The fresh fruit notes will be enhanced by the juicy apples and their accompanying spices of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.

This very fresh, fantastic olive oil is also the ultimate compliment to Roasted Vegetables like brussels sprouts, carrots, butternut squash and sweet potato all come vibrantly to life under the glossing of Nuovo.

Here are a few recipes to try:

Classic Bruschetta featuring Olio Nuovo 

Olio Nuovo Garlic Pasta

Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Soup

Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes