We LOVE herb infused olive oils! They make interesting and delicious salad dressings, they are fantastic for dipping, brushing on homemade pizza crust and they are wonderful drizzled over pasta. Here are some popular brands.
Lucini extra virgin olive oil rates very highly in all reviews and so do their set of four Liquid Spice Collection infused oils. The flavors are Tuscan Basil, Robust Garlic, Delicate Lemon and Fiery Chili. This would make a wonderful hostess present. $59.95.
Sabatino & Co. has a special 100th Year Collection of seven infused oils. The flavors are Premium White Truffle Oil for $31.00 for 3.2 oz., Premium Black Truffle Oil for $29.00 for 3.2 oz., Basil Infused Olive Oil for $31.00 for 8.4 oz., Saffron Infused Olive Oil $31.00 for 8.4 oz., Lemon Infused Olive Oil $31.00 for 8.4 oz., Rosemary Infused Olive Oil and Porcini Infused Olive Oil $31.00 for 8.4 oz.
In addition to the 100th Year Collection are they offer other infused oils. The flavors are Lemon, and Porcini Mushroom, both are $29.00 for 8.4 oz.
Stonehouse Olive Oil has a Cutie Gift Set that contains six 1 oz. bottles of their most popular infused olive oils for $25.00.
The Olive Tap sells nineteen varieties of infused olive oils. They range in price from $13.95 to $17.95 for mostly 12.6 oz. bottles.
Olive oil and balsamic vinegar specialty stores have been popping up all over the country. Shopping and learning at the same time!
Some places to go to taste –
Abingdon, VA Olive Oil Company
Joe & Sons Olive Oils, Tampa, FL
The Olive Tap is in eleven locations, from Colorado to West Palm Beach FL.
Fiore Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars has three locations in Maine.
Olive oil is a burgeoning industry in Napa Valley with more than 150 growers.
Franciscan missionaries planted the first olive trees here in the mid-1700s, and they’ve been flourishing ever since. The following are just some of the places to make a ‘pit stop’ in the Napa Valley.
Round Pond Estate – Tour the olive mill and taste the oils. 886 Rutherford Road, Rutherford, Calif., 888-302-2575
The Olive Press – Make reservations ahead at the Mill: 24724 Highway 121 (Arnold Drive), Sonoma, Calif. 800-965-4839. Napa tasting room: 610 First St., Napa, Calif. Hours: Monday, Wednesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Lucero– From savory Meyer Lemon infused olive oil to its sweeter cousin, infused with chocolate, the tastes will surprise you. 1012 First St., Napa, Calif., 707-225-4645. Open Sunday-Monday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Infuse your own olive oil (it’s easy!) but be careful of bacteria. Thoroughly wash your container and discard infused oil if it spoils.
