We've just started our third week of the Vive la France promotion and the response has been fantastic. The promotion has brought out a renewed interest in our French Extra Virgin Olive Oil which I find very exciting, so I thought I would share some interesting information about French oils.
France is not considered a major olive oil producer. In 1956 a devastating freeze killed most of the trees and many producers chose not to replant olive trees. Because France’s production is so small, they focus on the uniqueness of an oil instead of quantity in production.
Our French Extra Virgin Olive Oil comes from a cooperative that produces some of the best olive oils in France. Most French olive oils are blends, but our oil is an outstanding, single variety oil from Lucque olives. The Lucque olives are cultivated exclusively in the west part of Languedoc-Roussillon. The olives are picked by hand and pressed within hours to capture the sweet flavor of the oil and deep rich color. The oil has 0.5% acidity.
We have also introduced a new on-tap oil with Provencal Herbs, and a bottled Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sundried Tomatoes both from the Provence region. They are made from an artisan producer whose name literally means garden of flavors. These two oils truly rediscover the qualities of Provence. The flavors are inspired from the traditions of the Provence region with an added breath of creativity. The oils are flavored with herbs and vegetables grown from the local hill sides, handpicked and packaged in traditional French packaging.
All three of these oils are easy to use and enhance any recipe, so if you get a chance, stop in a store for a taste and give one a try!
