Food trends are something I have seen and written about for years. You have your fads of what’s hot every year and what’s not. Some of the biggest I can remember are the explosion of sun-dried tomatoes on every menu, cosmo’s on every bar and the use of exotic fruits in every sauce made.
There is one fad that I have yet to see go away, and for good reason. Olive oil is said to be the best oil for your health. It contains a wide variety of antioxidants that are not found in other oils. There has been a great amount of research done proving that the consumption of olive oil can provide heart-health benefits such as cholesterol regulation.
To this day, 75 percent of the world’s production of olive oil is produced in three countries. First is Spain, second comes Italy and third is Greece. The other 25 percent is a combination of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina and Chile. Even in America the states of Arizona, California and Texas are producing and bottling the stuff.
Similar to wine, there are regulations when it comes to the production, bottling and labeling of olive oil. The difference stems mostly from the acidity level, which is what drives the taste.
Extra-virgin comes from virgin oil production only and contains no more than 0.8 percent acidity. It is said to be the best, offering the most flavor and taste.
I could go on and on about the history and laws of olive oil. But thankfully I don’t have to. Pop down to Seaport Village and head into the amazing Seaport Oil & Vinegars. With a huge selection of some of the best I have tasted, you really can get an idea of the differences. Their selection of flavored oils is unmatched to anything I have seen.
They have fresh fruit extra-virgin olive oils from all over the world, including some made right here in California. I’ve been to a lot of specialty food stores in my days, but the quality found in those stores is unremarkable. Every olive oil that I have purchased, or given as a gift from Seaport Oil & Vinegars has been really amazing. If you think that all olive oils are the same, I urge you to run, not walk, to Seaport Oil & Vinegars, and educate yourself on the world of olive oil flavor.
The infused oil’s are also an interesting section. I was very skeptical when I saw oil infused with blood orange. After tasting, the explosion of flavor made my mind go crazy thinking of just what I could cook with this. Sure you will find your rosemary and garlic infused, but they go beyond that, far beyond. Cilantro and roasted onion was another favorite of mine. I added it to a recent salsa dish that I made for a dinner party and every guest asked me for the recipe.
Not only can you get a plethora of oils here, but vinegars are not to be forgotten. Gorgeous balsamic’s are carried here. Aged, infused and even white balsamic’s are available. Sometimes aged balsamic vinegar can be a bit pricey, but trust me; it does make a world of difference.
As fads come and go, the one true staple that has held on for centuries has been olive oil. When you go to Seaport Oil & Vinegars, you will know why. Pick me up a bottle while you are there; I love gifts from this store.
Seaport Oil & Vinegars
809 W. Harbor Drive Suite G, San Diego, CA 92101
619-232-6096
seaportoilandvinegars.com
