Latest news with #ExtraVirginOliveOil
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Why you should try freezing your olive oil – and how to do it
The high price of olive oil has made it almost a luxury ingredient these days, but relief may be in sight. Here's what you need to know to get more bang for your 'liquid gold' buck. The cost of groceries just keeps on soaring, and 'liquid gold' is no exception, with a three-litre tin of olive oil now costing around $75 at major supermarkets − that's a massive jump from just $25 in 2021. So what's behind this particular price hike, and how can you make your olive oil go further? Here's what you need to know. Why so expensive? In 2023, droughts and heatwaves in Spain and Italy, combined with an unexpectedly short, cold growing season here in Australia, led to a global shortage. According to Leandro Ravetti, co-CEO of Australia's largest olive oil supplier, Cobram Estate, supply simply can't keep up with demand for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). 'We really don't anticipate a major drop in retail prices anytime soon,' he says. 'We had no oil last year,' says Sarah Asciutto of the family-run Rio Vista Olives in the Adelaide Hills. 'You're trying to fill up an empty cup of demand.' The good news While the world's olive oil supply is currently a trickle, solid harvests in Australia and Spain mean global olive oil supply is slowly stabilising in 2025. Ravetti predicts that while retail prices won't drop dramatically anytime soon, we can expect to see more frequent promotions on olive oil in the coming months. While we wait for those deals to drop, the experts share their tips on how to choose, store, and make the most of this kitchen hero. Why do we love olive oil? Often called 'liquid gold,' EVOO is a powerhouse of a plant oil. It's packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. 'It's natural. It's sustainable. It's tasty,' says Ravetti, who calls it a 'superfood.' New research from La Trobe University even found that four tablespoons a day can significantly lower blood pressure. EVOO v olive oil: what's the difference? Both oils come from olives, but they use different extraction techniques. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is the highest quality oil, made from the first cold pressing. It has a robust flavour and the most health benefits. It's perfect for drizzling over salads and vegetables or for light frying. Olive Oil is a lower-quality blend, made from a mix of oils from subsequent pressings and a small amount of EVOO. It has a milder flavour and fewer health properties. Because it has a higher smoke point, it's better for deep-frying and baking. However, experts agree that using EVOO is always the best choice due to its superior health benefits. How to choose the best olive oil 'With extra virgin olive oil, the fresher, the better,' says Ravetti, advising you check the harvest date on the bottle. Olive oil is at its peak flavour and antioxidant level when it's made from green olives before they ripen. If you see a best-before date of 2026, it means the oil is from the latest Australian harvest and is as fresh as it gets. 'If you cannot find any harvest date on the bottle, that's a red flag that the oil is a probably a blend,' says Ravetti. How to store your liquid gold 'The enemies to olive oil are light, heat and oxygen, so store your oil in glass or tin, and keep it in a cool, dark place after opening,' says Asciutto. And don't keep it next to the stove. If your glass bottle has a stopper spout for pouring, replace the lid. Properly stored olive oil can last for 18 months but aim to consume your oil within six weeks for maximum freshness. Oil stored in plastic bottles allows oxygen in, which means your olive oil will degrade a lot quicker. How to make olive oil last longer TikTokers are loving 'frozen olive oil herb cubes' to preserve out-of-season herbs, but can you freeze olive oil without it affecting the flavour? 'It's not going to harm the olive oil,' says Asciutto. For frying, she says virgin olive oil can be a more affordable option. After frying, cool, strain and freeze the oil in an airtight container to use down the track. Another way to make olive oil last is to decant it into a spray bottle when baking and use to grease trays. How to dispose of olive oil Never pour used cooking oil down the drain. According to recycler Planet Ark, the best way to safely dispose of cooking oil is to let it cool, pour it into an airtight metal or plastic container, and throw it in the bin. For small amounts, you can mix it with sawdust or cat litter before binning it. Many local tips and recycling centres also have facilities for recycling cooking oil.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Classic superfood diet eaten by millions has multiple health benefits
The Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy eating plan that has been associated with a number of health benefits. Now, a food expert has shared the 10 essential ingredients to include in the diet to help lower the risk of heart disease and premature death The famed Mediterranean diet is commonly found in European countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain. It is favourite amongst dieticians and nutritionists worldwide for its health benefits and simplicity, and can aid with longevity. The diet features wholesome and fresh ingredients such as lean meat, fish, seasonal vegetables, and olive oil - and the latter has some solid health benefits. The best part of a Mediterranean diet? According to Phil Bianchi, food expert and founder of The Gift Of Oil, research indicates that it can slash the risk of heart disease by 25% and premature death by 23%. He has shared the must-have ingredients to include in your diet, which can easily be used to make a wide variety of dishes. 10 ingredients to ace the Mediterranean diet Olive oil All diets require fats, but swapping tempting fats with 'good' fats is crucial when following the Mediterranean diet. A 'good' fat is an unsaturated fat, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the top choice and most versatile to use across your meals, reports Wales Online. Oleocanthal in olive oil has numerous health benefits, including reducing bad cholesterol, lowering the risk of stroke, preventing the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's, decreasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, reducing the risk of high blood pressure, protecting against heart disease, and preventing the DNA damage that can trigger cancer. Balsamic vinegar Balsamic vinegar, paired perfectly with olive oil, is a fantastic ingredient to help you stick to the Mediterranean diet and ensure every meal is scrumptious. Ditch the extra sauces and opt for the simplicity of using oil and vinegar to dress and flavour any dish. Spinach Spinach is a top-notch superfood, much like many ingredients in the Mediterranean diet, boasting incredible health benefits such as reducing blood sugar, promoting good bone health and aiding weight loss, to name just a few. Spinach can be easily incorporated into a variety of meals from pasta and curries to salads and sandwiches, making it a true culinary chameleon . Fish A great source of protein, fish is the preferred choice for a meal in the Mediterranean diet. Typically sourced locally, it's incredibly fresh and delicious. Fish is lower in saturated fats compared to other meats so anything from mackerel to prawns can be used in your recipes. Pork When it comes to meat, it's always best to opt for lean options such as pork or chicken. Pork is often used in traditional Mediterranean dishes, but you can easily substitute pork for chicken in most recipes too. Brown rice Packed with dietary fibre and protein, brown rice has been shown to help lower cholesterol. Swap out white rice, chips and bread for lighter brown rice options. Whip up flavourful kebab bowls, salads or use as a simple side with lean protein. Chickpeas Chickpeas are a fantastic source of fibre and can be easily added to virtually any recipe in the Mediterranean diet. Chickpeas have been found to boost mental health - just like the abundant source of vitamin D found in Mediterranean countries. Feta No good Mediterranean diet is complete without some feta, which is also known to bolster bone and gut health. Many of us are guilty of heaping cheese on top of our dishes - put the parmesan and cheddar away and opt for some lighter, Med-approved feta instead. Tomato The humble tomato is one of the most versatile vegetables and it's perfect for the Mediterranean diet. Whether using tomato fresh in a salad or sandwich, or cooked down to create a mouthwatering sauce or dip, tomatoes are so useful in every cooking but especially great for the Med-diet. Pepper Just like tomatoes, peppers can be chopped, cooked, grilled or filled and go well with so many different ingredients. Bell peppers are rich in antioxidants, which are associated with better health and protection against conditions like heart disease and cancer. Use these ingredients to make: Hummus dipping board - chickpeas, olive oil, feta to top and peppers to dip. Tomato chicken skillet - roast chicken cooked in a tomato sauce with peppers and olive oil to drizzle. Stuffed peppers - red bell peppers stuffed with chicken or pork mince and tomato sauce with a balsamic glaze.
The Age
12-08-2025
- Business
- The Age
Don't keep your olive oil by the stove – and more tips to make it go further
The high price of olive oil has made it almost a luxury ingredient these days, but relief may be in sight. Here's what you need to know to get more bang for your 'liquid gold' buck. The cost of groceries just keeps on soaring, and 'liquid gold' is no exception, with a three-litre tin of olive oil now costing around $75 at major supermarkets − that's a massive jump from just $25 in 2021. So what's behind this particular price hike, and how can you make your olive oil go further? Here's what you need to know. Why so expensive? In 2023, droughts and heatwaves in Spain and Italy, combined with an unexpectedly short, cold growing season here in Australia, led to a global shortage. According to Leandro Ravetti, co-CEO of Australia's largest olive oil supplier, Cobram Estate, supply simply can't keep up with demand for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). 'We really don't anticipate a major drop in retail prices anytime soon,' he says. 'We had no oil last year,' says Sarah Asciutto of the family-run Rio Vista Olives in the Adelaide Hills. 'You're trying to fill up an empty cup of demand.' The good news While the world's olive oil supply is currently a trickle, solid harvests in Australia and Spain mean global olive oil supply is slowly stabilising in 2025. Ravetti predicts that while retail prices won't drop dramatically anytime soon, we can expect to see more frequent promotions on olive oil in the coming months. While we wait for those deals to drop, the experts share their tips on how to choose, store, and make the most of this kitchen hero. Why do we love olive oil? Often called 'liquid gold,' EVOO is a powerhouse of a plant oil. It's packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. 'It's natural. It's sustainable. It's tasty,' says Ravetti, who calls it a 'superfood.' New research from La Trobe University even found that four tablespoons a day can significantly lower blood pressure. EVOO v olive oil: what's the difference? Both oils come from olives, but they use different extraction techniques. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is the highest quality oil, made from the first cold pressing. It has a robust flavour and the most health benefits. It's perfect for drizzling over salads and vegetables or for light frying. Olive Oil is a lower-quality blend, made from a mix of oils from subsequent pressings and a small amount of EVOO. It has a milder flavour and fewer health properties. Because it has a higher smoke point, it's better for deep-frying and baking. However, experts agree that using EVOO is always the best choice due to its superior health benefits. How to choose the best olive oil 'With extra virgin olive oil, the fresher, the better,' says Ravetti, advising you check the harvest date on the bottle. Olive oil is at its peak flavour and antioxidant level when it's made from green olives before they ripen. If you see a best-before date of 2026, it means the oil is from the latest Australian harvest and is as fresh as it gets. 'If you cannot find any harvest date on the bottle, that's a red flag that the oil is a probably a blend,' says Ravetti. How to store your liquid gold 'The enemies to olive oil are light, heat and oxygen, so store your oil in glass or tin, and keep it in a cool, dark place after opening,' says Asciutto. And don't keep it next to the stove. If your glass bottle has a stopper spout for pouring, replace the lid. Properly stored olive oil can last for 18 months but aim to consume your oil within six weeks for maximum freshness. Oil stored in plastic bottles allows oxygen in, which means your olive oil will degrade a lot quicker. How to make olive oil last longer TikTokers are loving 'frozen olive oil herb cubes' to preserve out-of-season herbs, but can you freeze olive oil without it affecting the flavour? 'It's not going to harm the olive oil,' says Asciutto. For frying, she says virgin olive oil can be a more affordable option. After frying, cool, strain and freeze the oil in an airtight container to use down the track. Another way to make olive oil last is to decant it into a spray bottle when baking and use to grease trays. How to dispose of olive oil Never pour used cooking oil down the drain. According to recycler Planet Ark, the best way to safely dispose of cooking oil is to let it cool, pour it into an airtight metal or plastic container, and throw it in the bin. For small amounts, you can mix it with sawdust or cat litter before binning it. Many local tips and recycling centres also have facilities for recycling cooking oil.
The Age
11-08-2025
- Business
- The Age
Why is olive oil expensive and how to store and cook with it
The high price of olive oil has made it almost a luxury ingredient these days, but relief may be in sight. Here's what you need to know to get more bang for your 'liquid gold' buck. August 12, 2025 , register or subscribe to save articles for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. The cost of groceries just keeps on soaring, and 'liquid gold' is no exception, with a three-litre tin of olive oil now costing around $75 at major supermarkets − that's a massive jump from just $25 in 2021. So what's behind this particular price hike, and how can you make your olive oil go further? Here's what you need to know. After global droughts and heatwaves, 'liquid gold' has become even more valuable. Why so expensive? In 2023, droughts and heatwaves in Spain and Italy, combined with an unexpectedly short, cold growing season here in Australia, led to a global shortage. According to Leandro Ravetti, co-CEO of Australia's largest olive oil supplier, Cobram Estate, supply simply can't keep up with demand for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). 'We really don't anticipate a major drop in retail prices anytime soon,' he says. 'We had no oil last year,' says Sarah Asciutto of the family-run Rio Vista Olives in the Adelaide Hills. 'You're trying to fill up an empty cup of demand.' Olives ready to be made into oil at Cobram Estate, Australia's biggest olive oil producer. The good news While the world's olive oil supply is currently a trickle, solid harvests in Australia and Spain mean global olive oil supply is slowly stabilising in 2025. Ravetti predicts that while retail prices won't drop dramatically anytime soon, we can expect to see more frequent promotions on olive oil in the coming months. While we wait for those deals to drop, the experts share their tips on how to choose, store, and make the most of this kitchen hero. 60+ Mediterranean-inspired recipes for healthy eating Why do we love olive oil? Often called 'liquid gold,' EVOO is a powerhouse of a plant oil. It's packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. 'It's natural. It's sustainable. It's tasty,' says Ravetti, who calls it a 'superfood.' New research from La Trobe University even found that four tablespoons a day can significantly lower blood pressure. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the best choice for drizzling over salad. Getty Images EVOO v olive oil: what's the difference? Both oils come from olives, but they use different extraction techniques. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is the highest quality oil, made from the first cold pressing. It has a robust flavour and the most health benefits. It's perfect for drizzling over salads and vegetables or for light frying. is the highest quality oil, made from the first cold pressing. It has a robust flavour and the most health benefits. It's perfect for drizzling over salads and vegetables or for light frying. Olive Oil is a lower-quality blend, made from a mix of oils from subsequent pressings and a small amount of EVOO. It has a milder flavour and fewer health properties. Because it has a higher smoke point, it's better for deep-frying and baking. However, experts agree that using EVOO is always the best choice due to its superior health benefits. How to choose the best olive oil 'With extra virgin olive oil, the fresher, the better,' says Ravetti, advising you check the harvest date on the bottle. Olive oil is at its peak flavour and antioxidant level when it's made from green olives before they ripen. If you see a best-before date of 2026, it means the oil is from the latest Australian harvest and is as fresh as it gets. 'If you cannot find any harvest date on the bottle, that's a red flag that the oil is a probably a blend,' says Ravetti. Don't keep your olive oil next to the stove. iStock How to store your liquid gold 'The enemies to olive oil are light, heat and oxygen, so store your oil in glass or tin, and keep it in a cool, dark place after opening,' says Asciutto. And don't keep it next to the stove. If your glass bottle has a stopper spout for pouring, replace the lid. Properly stored olive oil can last for 18 months but aim to consume your oil within six weeks for maximum freshness. Oil stored in plastic bottles allows oxygen in, which means your olive oil will degrade a lot quicker. How to make olive oil last longer TikTokers are loving 'frozen olive oil herb cubes' to preserve out-of-season herbs, but can you freeze olive oil without it affecting the flavour? 'It's not going to harm the olive oil,' says Asciutto. For frying, she says virgin olive oil can be a more affordable option. After frying, cool, strain and freeze the oil in an airtight container to use down the track. Another way to make olive oil last is to decant it into a spray bottle when baking and use to grease trays. Yes, you can freeze olive oil for future use. belchonock How to dispose of olive oil Never pour used cooking oil down the drain. According to recycler Planet Ark, the best way to safely dispose of cooking oil is to let it cool, pour it into an airtight metal or plastic container, and throw it in the bin. For small amounts, you can mix it with sawdust or cat litter before binning it. Many local tips and recycling centres also have facilities for recycling cooking oil. Are you cooking with the right oil? A guide to understanding olive oil The best recipes from Australia's leading chefs straight to your inbox. Sign up
Sydney Morning Herald
11-08-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Why is olive oil expensive and how to store and cook with it
The high price of olive oil has made it almost a luxury ingredient these days, but relief may be in sight. Here's what you need to know to get more bang for your 'liquid gold' buck. August 12, 2025 , register or subscribe to save articles for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. The cost of groceries just keeps on soaring, and 'liquid gold' is no exception, with a three-litre tin of olive oil now costing around $75 at major supermarkets − that's a massive jump from just $25 in 2021. So what's behind this particular price hike, and how can you make your olive oil go further? Here's what you need to know. After global droughts and heatwaves, 'liquid gold' has become even more valuable. Why so expensive? In 2023, droughts and heatwaves in Spain and Italy, combined with an unexpectedly short, cold growing season here in Australia, led to a global shortage. According to Leandro Ravetti, co-CEO of Australia's largest olive oil supplier, Cobram Estate, supply simply can't keep up with demand for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). 'We really don't anticipate a major drop in retail prices anytime soon,' he says. 'We had no oil last year,' says Sarah Asciutto of the family-run Rio Vista Olives in the Adelaide Hills. 'You're trying to fill up an empty cup of demand.' Olives ready to be made into oil at Cobram Estate, Australia's biggest olive oil producer. The good news While the world's olive oil supply is currently a trickle, solid harvests in Australia and Spain mean global olive oil supply is slowly stabilising in 2025. Ravetti predicts that while retail prices won't drop dramatically anytime soon, we can expect to see more frequent promotions on olive oil in the coming months. While we wait for those deals to drop, the experts share their tips on how to choose, store, and make the most of this kitchen hero. 60+ Mediterranean-inspired recipes for healthy eating Why do we love olive oil? Often called 'liquid gold,' EVOO is a powerhouse of a plant oil. It's packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. 'It's natural. It's sustainable. It's tasty,' says Ravetti, who calls it a 'superfood.' New research from La Trobe University even found that four tablespoons a day can significantly lower blood pressure. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the best choice for drizzling over salad. Getty Images EVOO v olive oil: what's the difference? Both oils come from olives, but they use different extraction techniques. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is the highest quality oil, made from the first cold pressing. It has a robust flavour and the most health benefits. It's perfect for drizzling over salads and vegetables or for light frying. is the highest quality oil, made from the first cold pressing. It has a robust flavour and the most health benefits. It's perfect for drizzling over salads and vegetables or for light frying. Olive Oil is a lower-quality blend, made from a mix of oils from subsequent pressings and a small amount of EVOO. It has a milder flavour and fewer health properties. Because it has a higher smoke point, it's better for deep-frying and baking. However, experts agree that using EVOO is always the best choice due to its superior health benefits. How to choose the best olive oil 'With extra virgin olive oil, the fresher, the better,' says Ravetti, advising you check the harvest date on the bottle. Olive oil is at its peak flavour and antioxidant level when it's made from green olives before they ripen. If you see a best-before date of 2026, it means the oil is from the latest Australian harvest and is as fresh as it gets. 'If you cannot find any harvest date on the bottle, that's a red flag that the oil is a probably a blend,' says Ravetti. Don't keep your olive oil next to the stove. iStock How to store your liquid gold 'The enemies to olive oil are light, heat and oxygen, so store your oil in glass or tin, and keep it in a cool, dark place after opening,' says Asciutto. And don't keep it next to the stove. If your glass bottle has a stopper spout for pouring, replace the lid. Properly stored olive oil can last for 18 months but aim to consume your oil within six weeks for maximum freshness. Oil stored in plastic bottles allows oxygen in, which means your olive oil will degrade a lot quicker. How to make olive oil last longer TikTokers are loving 'frozen olive oil herb cubes' to preserve out-of-season herbs, but can you freeze olive oil without it affecting the flavour? 'It's not going to harm the olive oil,' says Asciutto. For frying, she says virgin olive oil can be a more affordable option. After frying, cool, strain and freeze the oil in an airtight container to use down the track. Another way to make olive oil last is to decant it into a spray bottle when baking and use to grease trays. Yes, you can freeze olive oil for future use. belchonock How to dispose of olive oil Never pour used cooking oil down the drain. According to recycler Planet Ark, the best way to safely dispose of cooking oil is to let it cool, pour it into an airtight metal or plastic container, and throw it in the bin. For small amounts, you can mix it with sawdust or cat litter before binning it. Many local tips and recycling centres also have facilities for recycling cooking oil. Are you cooking with the right oil? A guide to understanding olive oil The best recipes from Australia's leading chefs straight to your inbox. Sign up
