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Italian Harvest

Yale Symposium Discusses Olive Oil’s Many Health and Planetary Benefits

Posted on by The Olive Oil Hunter

Adapted from an article by Colin Poitras, September 21, 2022

Leading experts involved in research and education related to the olive tree and its products gathered in Rome recently to discuss the positive health benefits of olive oil during the Fourth Annual Yale Symposium on Olive Oil & Health, September 15–18, 2022.

Organized by Vasilis Vasiliou, PhD, and Tassos C. Kyriakides, PhD, of the Yale School of Public Health, the four-day symposium addressed a variety of themes central to olive cultivation and the future of olive oil as it pertains to human and planetary health.

Laura Di Renzo, of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, focused attention on the role of high-quality extra-virgin olive oils in preventing non-communicable chronic degenerative diseases (NCDDs) and the health benefits of a sustainable Mediterranean diet. NCDDs include obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic respiratory diseases, and many cancers. They have been the most frequent causes of prolonged disability and death worldwide.

Di Renzo highlighted the role of the sustainable Mediterranean diet in the prevention and treatment of NCDDs, including the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).

Attendees praised the symposium for helping to raise awareness of the health benefits of olive oil. Vasiliou and Kyriakides have been leading international advocates for the promotion of olive oil as an important part of a healthy diet.

Kyriakides, an olive oil sommelier, not only constantly tastes oils from all over the world, he consumes copious amounts of olive oil daily in his cooking in addition to his daily morning extra virgin olive oil shot.

It’s a delicious natural and healthfully nutritious food. The olive tree and olive oil have been bringing people together for thousands of years; as public health professionals it is our task to maintain and safeguard the olive tree and its numerous positive effects on human and planetary health. The olive tree can serve as a vehicle in our pursuit for sustainable and planet-friendly agricultural practices.

—Tassos C. Kyriakides, PhD, of the Yale School of Public Health

Evidence accumulated over the past six decades shows that olive oil promotes good health, Kyriakides said. A daily intake of 20 grams of olive oil (about two tablespoons) contains a polyphenol (at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives) that assists in the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress. The finding has been supported by the European Food Safety Agency. The US Food and Drug Administration also supports a qualified health claim that consumption of oleic acid (the main component of olive oil) may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Marinated Fish with Salmoriglio Sauce

Posted on by The Olive Oil Hunter

Nearly any kind of mild fish can be enhanced with salmoriglio, a centuries-old sauce with uncertain beginnings that is popular in southern Italy. We also love it on potatoes, chicken, and shrimp or other shellfish.

Ingredients

For the Fish:

  • White vinegar
  • 2 pounds fish fillets, such as trout, halibut, or wild salmon, with or without skin
  • Coarse salt (kosher or sea)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup fine, dry bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For the Salmoriglio Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Coarse salt (kosher or sea)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Pour a little vinegar over the fish fillets, then rinse them under cold, running water. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels and arrange them on an ovenproof glass or ceramic platter. Rub a little salt over the skinless sides of the fillets and sprinkle with the lemon juice. Spread half of the bread crumbs over the fillets and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil; turn the fillets and repeat with the remaining bread crumbs and olive oil. Cover and let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Step 2

In a mini food processor, combine the thyme leaves, lemon juice, mustard and salt. Pulse for 1 minute. Add the butter and process until smooth. With the machine on, add the olive oil in a thin, constant stream until fully incorporated. Season the sauce with salt, then pour into a sauceboat.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 400°F or light a grill. Bake the fish on a rimmed sheet pan until just cooked through, about 12 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, grill the fish, skin side down for skin-on fillets, for about 5 minutes; turn the fillets and grill just until they flake, about 4 minutes longer. (Cooking times are approximate and could vary depending on the type of fish and the thickness of the fillets.) Transfer the fish to a platter. Pour the sauce over the fish fillets and serve.

Serves 4 — Recipe from Food and Wine September 2007

Oven-Roasted Eggplant

Posted on by The Olive Oil Hunter

I enjoy multiple variations of this yummy recipe. Some of my finishing options: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; a drizzle of fresh lemon juice; parsley, chives or green onions; a drizzle of honey and chopped, fresh rosemary; a drizzle of good quality aged balsamic vinegar; a dollop of yogurt.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds eggplant (2 medium)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 420°F.

Step 2

Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper.

Step 3

Cut the eggplant into large cubes, about 1 1/4 inch. Place in a large bowl, drizzle with the oil, and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Toss well, spread on the sheet pan, roast 20 minutes. Turn, roast for a further 10 minutes – the edges should be caramelized, soft inside, but not shriveled up and dismal.

Step 5

Transfer to a serving plate. Delicious served plain, but see above for some finishing options.

Serves 4 — Recipe adapted from recipetineats.com

Lemon and Olive Oil Panna Cotta

Posted on by The Olive Oil Hunter

This classic Italian dessert (panna cotta translates to “cooked cream”) is simultaneously rich-tasting, yet light. For a festive touch, substitute orange zest for lemon zest, then garnish with candied orange peel and/or fresh pomegranate arils. We used an olive oil of medium intensity.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored powdered gelatin
  • 1 tablespoon cold water
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for oiling and drizzling
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 7 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest, preferably from a Meyer lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • Additional lemon zest, for garnish
  • Fresh fruit, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Put the gelatin in a small dish and pour the water over. Stir to dissolve. (Make sure the gelatin’s dissolved completely.) Lightly oil 6 small custard cups or ramekins (1/2 cup capacity) or similar dishes with olive oil.

Step 2

Whisk the 2 tablespoons olive oil into the buttermilk.

Step 3

Combine the cream, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt in a heavy saucepan. Place over medium-high heat and whisk to dissolve the sugar. Heat just until bubbles start to form on the edge of the pan. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the gelatin until it is thoroughly incorporated. Add the buttermilk mixture and stir to blend. Pour through a mesh strainer/sieve into a container with a pour spout, such as a liquid measuring cup.

Step 4

Pour the mixture into the prepared ramekins. Cover and refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours and up to 2 days ahead.

Step 5

When ready to unmold the panna cottas, lightly oil 6 dessert plates with olive oil. (The oil will allow you to reposition the desserts on the plate, if need be.)

Step 6

Dip the bottom of each ramekin in very warm water for about 3 seconds (repeat as necessary) and loosen the sides with the edge of a dull knife or small offset spatula. Invert over the prepared plates, jiggling each ramekin until the panna cotta releases. Sprinkle the tops of the panna cottas with lemon zest and drizzle with olive oil.

Serves 6 — Recipe from familystylefood.com