il Fustino, oils & vinegars
In This Issue
New Products
Recipes
Events

Q & A Image
Question
Which nation recently surpassed France in Olive Oil production?
Answer 

The United States of America !!! By the way, 99.9% of American olive oil is grown and produced in California. 


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April 2011 Newsletter
First issued: April 1, 2011
Greetings!

Polizia imageSpanish Olive Oil Falsely Passed Off as Italian 


By Tom Baker
Olive Oil Times Contributor Reporting from Buenos Aires
Edits by Laura Kirkley

Around 54,000 liters of Spanish olive oil have been seized by Italian police in the southern city of Salerno, the press agency Adnkronos reported. Police made the decision to impound the oil on Friday after learning that it was being falsely passed off as Italian.

Olive oil adulteration is taken seriously by Italian authorities. As one the world's leading olive oil producers, it is also one of the hardest hit by olive oil fraud. In recent years illegal activities have been found to range from producers importing oil from countries such as Greece, Tunisia, and Spain and then re-labeling it as Italian oil or labeling inferior oils as being 'Extra Virgin'.

In 2008, Italy went to great lengths to protect the value of its oil with over 400 Italian police officers taking part in what was called 'Operation Golden Oil', a move designed to crack down on illegal activity within the Italian industry. 'Golden Oil' led to the arrest of 23 people and the confiscation of 85 farms in connection with the country's fraudulent olive oil trade with further arrests taking place in the following months.

Italy has specifically trained police officers to help fight against producers who attempt to benefit from fraudulent association with Italian olive oil. The officers, all from the specialist food piracy branch of Italy's paramilitary Carabinieri and trained intensively by the national olive oil association, are able not only to distinguish between high quality extra virgin oil and diluted poorer quality oil, but are also able to detect the subtle differences in oils produced in different regions of Italy and abroad.

Link to full article

Pomegranate imageLook Good, Feel Great


5 Reasons to love Pomegranates
  1. They keep your teeth clean. Rich in polyphenolic flavonoids-compounds with antibacterial properties-pomegranate juice has been found to be just as effective as prescription mouthwash at ridding the mouth of plaque.
  2. They regulate cholesterol. Pomegranates contain paraoxonase-a naturally occurring enzyme in the body that helps keep LDL (bad cholesterol) from accumulating in arteries. In one study, subjects who drank pomegranate juice for two weeks had an 18% increase in production of the enzyme.
  3. They can help prevent arthritis. Studies have shown that both pomegranate seed oil and pomegranate fruit extract have anti-inflammatory effects that stop the destruction of joints caused by osteoarthritis.
  4. They are a great source of fiber. "A single pomegranate contains nearly a quarter of the USDA's daily recommended amount of dietary fiber, which helps you feel full and maintain a healthy weight," says, Jennifer Franklin, a Registered Dietitian at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
  5. They protect your skin. Packed with potent antioxidants (including powerful ellagic acid), pomegranates help limit the damage of UV rays. They also defend against free radicals and increase collagen production.
Be sure to try our stunningly good Pomegranate Vinegar; available here.

Lois Wolk imageCalifornia creates a Senatorial Commission on Olive Oil


The newly formed committee, headed by Lois Wolk, will explore initiatives to regulate industry and  establish incentive measures. All necessary to grow America's olive oil industry.

Link to Press Release
New Products

Owens Creek imageOwens Creek Sicilian Blend EVOO

Owens Creek's Fall 2010 "Quartetto Viola" Sicilian olive oil blend is a robust artisan oil created from a selection of four rarely grown Sicilian olive varieties: Ogliarola Barese, Biancolilla, Cerasuola and Nocellara. All California-grown Sicilian olives are hand-picked and offer a unique flavor profile: rich, bold and pungent-certain to please the most discriminating palate. 2011 COOC Gold Medal Winner.

Available here

Blackberry Balsamic imageBlackberry Balsamic Vinegar

Blackberry Balsamic Vinegar is the perfect addition to any meal. Try as a dressing over fresh berries or mixed with walnut oil and tossed with your favorite salads. Use it to marinade duck and pork. Perfect as the base for fresh or dried cherry compote to serve over pork, duck or even over French toast or ice cream. Add it to your favorite wine reduction sauce for a fruity kick or drizzle over a seasonal risotto or stew served over soft polenta.

Available here

Mimosa Vinegar imageMimosa Vinegar

Made with Champagne vinegar and the juice of blood oranges, this refreshing and delightful vinegar can be used anywhere a white wine vinegar is called for, yet adds a sweet touch of citrus and the sparkle of Champagne.

Available here


Tuna Balsamic imageAged Tuna Balsamic

In our never-ending quest to provide you with the newest and most unusual flavor sensations, we are proud to introduce our latest new product: Aged Tuna Balsamic. Produced in very limited quantities by skilled artisans, this unique pairing of the finest balsamic vinegar infused with essence of aged tuna, will make your meal an experience to remember.
Happy April Fool's Day from il Fustino.


Available here



Soup image
Here are the recipes from our last two cooking classes.

"The New Exchange - Soup"
 

Sausage and Beer image"Tribute to Elsie - German Cooking"

 
Events

Vintners Festival poster image

Vintner's Festival 2011

Join us at the 2011 Vintner's Festival, Saturday, April 16, in River Park, Lompoc CA.

To commemorate the occasion il Fustino will be offering a special Vintner's Festival discount on all oils and vinegars on our website and at our main store. A special code will be in the Festival brochure.

On the website, enter the special code at the bottom of the shopping cart page.

At the store, mention the code to receive your discount.


Bordain and Ripert imageAnthony Bordain and Eric Ripert

Anthony Bourdain/Eric Ripert
Sunday, May 1, 2011 @ 4:00 PM, Arlington Theatre
REGULAR STORE HOURS

Monday - Saturday: 11:00 - 6:00
Sunday: Closed

Warm Regards,
Laura & Jim

il Fustino, oils & vinegars