Olio Nuovo by the California Olive Ranch: Highly Recommended by Whom You Know

Peachy Deegan is counting her lucky stars for Star Chefs and meeting the fabulous California Olive Ranch team there!  It is not often that we review so many products from one category in Peachy's Pantry, but in this case, the Olive Oil has been so exceptional we have been happy to try them!  Available seasonally only, the Olio Nuovo is bottled directly and unfiltered from the press. This gives more flavor intensity and is also the reason to use it within 120 days.

Tasting notes: a "burst" of fresh olive fruitiness, pungency and bitterness.  And it is not only Peachy who loves it: it is the entire Whom You Know panel.

Here is what they had to say:

A couple of days ago I received a 500ml bottle of California Olive Ranch's limited release Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  This is their all natural unrefined brand called Olio Nuovo, 2009.  Produced in Oroville, CA, like their other brands, this is the cream of the olive crop so to speak.  It is easy to see that this is an unfiltered product, as the oil appears cloudy in the bottle. The initial scent is a heavy olive richness, with a longer scent than typical oils.  The slight fruity essence is there as well, as with the ranch's other brands.  It is not hard to tell that this is a premium product, oozing with harvest freshness. The first taste is aromatic, thick, with a velvety touch.  The Olio Nuovo is dated 2009, like a fine wine, and is a once-a-year release. The harvest date is also on the back label, Nov 2009, and it indicates that the oil is best used by the following March, a four month period, so it can display its best characteristics to its lucky user. I used the product last evening with a simple chicken dish, allowing the oil to take charge. It was also excellent dipped in a simple sourdough bread, which allowed the oil to act on its own again. Olio Nuovo, 2009 is pressed and delivered to you more quickly than others, from olive grove to your kitchen in no time.

Our appreciation for California extra virgin olive oil continues to grow after trying Olio Nuovo, California Olive Ranch's limited release and seasonal artisan offering.  Upon opening the bottle, the freshness is immediately apparent in the scent and taste of the oil.  The flavor is quite full of olive fruitiness, which I really like, lending a nice presence when soaked in bread or added to pasta and salads.  I think a milder variety tends to get lost in the medley of flavors when combined with other seasonings but the Olio Nuovo complements other flavors well while holding its own.  I'll definitely be seeking new ways that I can add Olio Nuovo to my various dishes, as the taste is
superb and also because I'm trying to incorporate more healthy elements into my cooking.  It's also worth noting that California Olive Ranch's website provides some wonderful ideas and recipes for me to do just that.  This is especially timely, as there are some wonderful Thanksgiving recipes on there that I plan on trying this Thanksgiving!

When I first received the bottle of 2009 California Olive Ranch “Olio Nuovo” Fresh California Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), I was impressed by the attractive sleek green bottle.  On opposite sides of the bottle, there were two oval indentations in the bottle to keep it from slipping from your grip.  It was only after visiting the website for California Olive Ranch that I determined the true nature of the color of the bottle.  The design and distinct green color was created to help limit the amount of sunlight exposure and keep the olive oil fresh longer.  The EVOO is bottled directly after harvesting and unfiltered from the press, which gives more flavor intensity.  Due to this process, the California Olive Ranch recommends using the EVOO within 120 days for maximum flavor.  Each bottle contains a “harvest date” as well as a “best by” date to keep the consumer well informed.

California Olive Ranch EVOO has a very “fresh” and rare taste.  It is unlike any other olive oil that I have tried.  I have used the EVOO in a salad with red wine vinegar and have also sampled it as a bread dip and I am amazed at the delicious fruity taste.  And the best aspect is that it is nutritious and blends into my healthy lifestyle since it does not contain trans-fatty acids or genetically modified ingredients. 

The only downfall is that the California Olive Ranch EVOO is only available once a year. You can only enjoy it during and shortly after harvest season, which is usually in October or November.  With the wonderful flavor intensity and freshness, I would love to enjoy it all year long!

California Olive Ranch has done it again!  After trying their “everyday” EVOO, I was thinking I’d found a permanent fixture for my pantry.  I wasn’t going to bother with their seasonal 2009 Olivio Nuovo, though, because I’ve still got a bottle of the everyday stuff and who needs two bottles of olive oil?  And I mean, how different could they be?  Well, at the suggestion of a friend, I tried the Nuovo, and all I can say is WOW!  This stuff actually adds a little flavor to your food.  It smells fresh and has a stronger, fruitier, sharper taste than the everyday stuff.  I’ve used it for homemade salad dressings as well as in my favorite marinara recipe.  And I got rave reviews on both!  Long and the short of it – I really recommend the 2009 Olivio Nuovo.  It’s seasonal, though, and won’t be available for long.  Buy it now and use it within a few months to get the best taste and results. 


Whom You Know highly recommends the Olio Nuovo!

As a special offer to Whom You Know readers: 
http://www.whomyouknow.com/2009/10/california-olive-ranch-special-offer.html