Olive Oil, a Pillar of Mediterranean Cuisine at Windsor
Olive oil is the jewel of the Mediterranean diet. It is a very common product in Mediterranean countries, considered a luxury ingredient in other regions. In addition to its well-established nutritional benefits, olive oil is a delight for the palate. Smooth, delicate, full of nuances: a winning combination of the fruit's benefits and the characteristic hint of bitterness from the olive.
At Windsor, olive oil is a staple in our kitchen and is used in almost every dish. We consistently use the highest quality olive oil, both in salads and in some of our simmered dishes. We always use the appropriate variety for each recipe, as not all oils are equal, and it's important to leverage their properties to adapt them to different dishes.
Here are some specifics about this pillar of the Mediterranean diet: the best remedy thanks to its heart-healthy properties.
Some Mediterranean dishes with olive oil as the protagonist.
Benefits of Mediterranean Cuisine and Olive Oil:
1- Olive oil is nothing more than olive juice. No additives, no other ingredients: smooth olive juice to delight even the most discerning palates.
2- It's important to distinguish between olive oil, virgin olive oil, and the most prized, extra virgin olive oil. The latter is of the highest quality, with no defects and an acidity level not exceeding 0.8°. Virgin olive oil may have minor defects, and its acidity should be less than 2°. Finally, olive oil (plain) is obtained through refining processes, as it comes from olives with any defects.
3- There are many olive varieties that influence the taste and qualities of the oil. In Spain, over 200 varieties are cultivated. The most popular ones are Arbequina, Picual, Hojiblanca, Cornicabra, and Empeltre, although there are many others.
4- Olive oil is used in many dishes, both raw and cooked, but the tradition of consuming it raw, simply accompanied by good bread, is on the rise. At Windsor, we like to invite our customers to start their meal with a good extra virgin olive oil accompanied by our artisanal breads from Fleca Balmes.
5- Cold-pressed oils are the most popular among epicureans. They are obtained from the first olives of the harvest through a mechanical cold-pressing process at temperatures below 27°C, preserving all their aromas and nuances intact.
6- Given its delicacy, it's recommended to store olive oil in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture, to preserve all its properties.
7- It's advisable to always recycle leftover oil in kitchens. At Windsor, we recycle used oil through an authorized company.
8- Oils with different flavors can be decisive in enhancing and improving dishes. At Windsor, we usually use extra virgin olive oils with different flavors: truffle, garlic, etc.
