Zahara Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Premium Cold Pressed for Gift | 16.9 fl oz (500ml)

Product Description: A Passion for Quality

At the heart of our family business lies a deep appreciation for olive oil, a passion that has been shared through generations. Our grandfather often said, "No oil is the same, and none can be replicated from year to year. It’s the plant, the climate, the soil, and the people that shape it." This philosophy shapes our approach to producing exquisite extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).

As a small family-run enterprise, we focus on creating limited batches of EVOO using traditional artisanal methods handed down from our ancestors. Our commitment to quality and authenticity makes our olive oil remarkable. With every harvest, we ensure that our hard work yields consistent quality year after year.

Where Tradition Meets Artistry

Our journey begins at our family mill (il frantoio) in Chiaramonte Gulfi, a picturesque village nestled in the Hyblaean Mountains of Sicily. We remain devoted to age-old methods that have persevered through time. Hand-harvesting our olives, we process them within hours using cold extraction—this technique maximizes flavor and preserves the oil's natural benefits without any heat.

We pride ourselves on producing EVOO solely from hand-selected, not fully ripe, undamaged olives. This careful selection ensures our oil not only tastes extraordinary but also adheres to the highest quality standards.

Exceptional Characteristics of Our Olive Oil

• Artisanal Production: Our methods are fully traditional, resulting in a unique flavor profile with consistent quality.
• Clean Food: We deliver pure olive juice, free from artificial flavors, additives, and preservatives.
• Family-operated Mill: This enables us to process freshly picked olives within hours of harvest, effectively preventing fermentation and maintaining quality.
• Early Harvesting: Olives are harvested during the first three weeks of October for optimal freshness and low acidity.
• Mono-Cultivar: Our EVOO is crafted exclusively from the "Tonda Iblea" olive variety, known for its low oil yield but intense fruity notes and unique characteristics.

The Essence of Sicilian Olive Oil

Zahara EVOO is a full-bodied and well-balanced oil featuring rich aromas of tomato, Mediterranean herbs, thistle, nettle, and a hint of pepper. Each bottle embodies the tradition and breathtaking scenery of our region, making it an ideal gift for food lovers on any occasion.

Packed with benefits, our oil is rich in polyphenols (antioxidants), vitamins, and healthy fats, maintaining low acidity levels of less than 0.2%. It has a high smoking point of over 375°F (190°C), making it versatile for various culinary uses.

Accolades and Recognitions

Zahara EVOO has garnered several prestigious awards, including the "3 leaves" recognition from Gambero Rosso – Oli d’Italia in 2020 and multiple gold medals at international olive oil competitions in recent years. Our oil has even been featured in Luigi Caricato’s renowned "Atlas of Italian Oils" as one of the 100 most representative Italian olive oils.

Preserving Our Heritage

At Oleificio Guccione, we are Vito and Giuseppe Divita, the latest generation committed to upholding our family's legacy. We believe in preserving traditions while continuing to offer the highest quality artisanal oil. Our olive trees, particularly the "Tonda Iblea" variety, thrive in the Hyblaean Mountains, embodying centuries of Sicilian history and culture.

With every olive harvested and every bottle filled, we honor our past, celebrate our land, and strive to pass this heritage on to future generations.

A Culinary Essential

Zahara EVOO pairs beautifully with both cooked and raw dishes, from vibrant salads and legume soups to grilled meats and fish. We invite you to experience the delightful essence of Sicily in your kitchen. Each bottle is not just oil; it’s a story, a tradition, and a taste of our beloved home.

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