A bottle of good olive oil might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a housewarming gift – perhaps it should be.
It is useful, beautiful enough to leave on the kitchen counter, and something the recipient can enjoy long after the housewarming party is over. And when you choose a South African extra virgin olive oil, you are also giving them a taste of what our local producers are doing so well.
South African olive oil as a world class option
From the Klein Karoo to the Cape Winelands, South African olive estates have been picking up gold medals and international recognition, proving that our oils can stand alongside some of the world's best.
Chef Ollie Swart, SA Olive Ambassador, is understandably proud of this.
“South African Extra Virgin Olive Oils have gone toe to toe with the best in the world and won. Small country, tiny production, massive punch!!! As someone who lives and breathes this stuff, that fills me with pride!!!!”
So, rather than reaching for the usual bottle of wine, why not give someone a bottle of something proudly South African that they can actually use?
Don't save the good stuff
The best thing about a good extra virgin olive oil is that it doesn't need to wait for a special occasion.
Use it to dress a salad, drizzle it over soup or pasta, pour it over roasted vegetables, or finish off something straight from the braai. Chef Ollie is also a fan of using it in slightly unexpected ways, including over ice cream.
“Good extra virgin olive oil is a finishing ingredient as much as a cooking one. Don't hide it away!!!!”
That is good advice for anyone receiving a bottle as a gift. Don't put it somewhere out of sight and forget about it. Open it, use it, and enjoy it.
How to keep your olive oil fresh
If you're going to spend money on a good bottle, it pays to look after it properly.
According to Chef Ollie, olive oil has three main enemies: light, heat and air.
“Keep it out of the sun,” he says. A clear bottle sitting on a sunny kitchen counter is not doing your olive oil any favours. A dark bottle or a cupboard is a much better option.
Keep it somewhere cool and away from the stove, too. There is also no need to keep it in the fridge. If you do, the oil may become cloudy or solidify slightly, but don't worry – it will return to normal at room temperature.
And always put the cap back on properly.
“Air is the slow killer. Every time oil sits open, it oxidises a little more.”
Freshness matters, too. Olive oil isn't like wine; it doesn't get better with age.
The recommendation is using good extra virgin olive oil within 12 months of production and, once opened, within a few months.
What to look for when buying
If you're choosing a bottle as a gift, take a moment to read the label.
Check the harvest date. This is a good indication of how fresh the oil is. If there is no harvest date, consider choosing another bottle.
Look for “extra virgin”. And when buying South African olive oil, look out for the SA Olive CTC seal, which indicates that the oil has been tested for authenticity.
Choose the right packaging. Dark glass or other protective packaging helps protect the oil from light.
Buy local. Our olive oil producers might be small compared with the Mediterranean giants, but they are producing oils that can compete with them. Buying locally supports the farmers and producers behind the bottle – and gives you the chance to discover some excellent South African oils along the way.
Yes, you can cook with it
Still worried about using extra virgin olive oil in a hot pan? Chef Ollie would like to put that myth to rest.
“The ‘EVOO has a low smoke point’ myth needs to die. Good quality EVOO handles a hot pan just fine.”
So cook with it. Roast with it. Dress your salad with it. And, most importantly, finish your dishes with a generous drizzle.
A good bottle of South African extra virgin olive oil is a simple gift, but a thoughtful one. It brings something local into a new home, earns its place in the kitchen, and is guaranteed to be put to good use.
