On our blog we have already referred to the presence of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on our Christmas tables and in our kitchens, as an indispensable ingredient in our dishes, and its undeniable appeal as a gift during Christmas, New Year, and Epiphany. On this occasion, we add another element: can EVOO help make these holidays both delicious and healthy, without inevitably gaining a few extra pounds that will take months of effort to lose? Let’s find out.
EVOO as a Christmas gift
This year’s 2019 Christmas campaign, launched by the Interprofessional Organization of Spanish Olive Oil through its brand Aceites de Oliva de España, features a specific advertising action conveying a very direct message to consumers: “Happy Variety! Give Olive Oils, a complete Experience.” This promotion includes notable endorsers such as Karlos Arguiñano on his TV show and chef David de Jorge on his culinary program Robin Food. Both chefs encourage their followers to share Extra Virgin Olive Oils during the holidays while providing recommendations on using the main single-variety oils in recipes especially suitable for this season.
In addition to this extensive television coverage, the campaign also reaches magazines targeted at those responsible for household purchases. It is estimated that over 11 million contacts will be reached through ads in various reference publications and digital media. Significant effort has been made to increase online impacts with information highlighting EVOOs as an ideal and high-quality gift while showcasing the multiple experiences offered by different Extra Virgin Olive Oil varieties.
The campaign emphasizes variety as an attractive feature for gifting, joining many other reasons why EVOO is a perfect gift that aligns with current gastronomic and nutritional trends, for both food lovers and those who care about their health and fitness. Additionally, it appeals to environmentally conscious individuals, as EVOO is completely natural, benefiting health while supporting rural areas and preserving olive grove landscapes.
We should also not forget the wide range of formats available, with increasingly refined designs and packaging by brands, making them even more attractive as gifts. Added to this is the convenience of online sales, allowing customers to create gift sets and assortments with home delivery service.
Healthy Christmas with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil represents the highest quality among edible fats and has many well-documented health benefits. It is an indispensable ingredient in the Mediterranean diet and should not be missing in Christmas recipes to maintain and improve health, given the customary increase in caloric intake during traditional holiday meals. EVOO is especially healthy when consumed raw as a dressing or accompaniment, but it also enhances dishes when used in cooking, without necessarily adding excess calories or causing weight gain.
Holiday menus typically feature traditional dishes expected by everyone, favored by the majority, and reliable. A simple way to ensure EVOO does not negatively affect our diet is to add a light, flavorful touch to accompaniments, garnishes, and sauces with a quality olive oil, improving taste, texture, aroma, and color.
Here are some simple recipes that can enliven our holiday tables, with Extra Virgin Olive Oil as the main element, provided it is of the highest quality:
- Seafood cocktail
Undoubtedly, this cocktail is a classic among starters: simple, light, and very easy to prepare, based on octopus or shrimp, adding a vinaigrette or mayonnaise made with EVOO, giving exceptional flavor without being heavy. One can also use the traditional pink sauce made with EVOO, ketchup, a bit of spicy sauce, and egg yolk to better blend the ingredients.
- Fish dressing
Good fish is also a reliable option during these days, and if accompanied by a fresh, light dressing, it can add a special touch. Simply mix fresh herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, chives, or oregano with green peppercorns, garlic, salt, and, of course, a drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
- Pesto for meats
This sauce is perfect for accompanying meats in a holiday menu, very easy to prepare and especially healthy, containing only fresh basil, pine nuts, EVOO, Parmesan cheese, and a bit of garlic. It pairs well with all types of grilled meats, both red and poultry, including turkey or capon. Another option is a cheese sauce with EVOO mixed with creamy yogurt, soft goat cheese, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
- And desserts?
Traditional holiday desserts should not be skipped, as some type of fat is usually required in baking, often of animal origin containing saturated fats. Replacing it with Extra Virgin Olive Oil is an excellent alternative, yielding excellent results in cakes, tarts, muffins, almond sweets, or chocolate pastries. Note that baking with EVOO requires slightly longer times and lower temperatures.
For traditional holiday sweets like polvorones, EVOO can replace lard, still producing exquisite texture and flavor.
During these special days, from Aceite de Jaén Online we have prepared the best and most select oils from the province to bring their golden shine—our wonderful liquid gold—to the tables where families and friends celebrate, wishing our readers, clients, friends, and suppliers the very best.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
