Oser Communications Group

www.gourmetnews.com 10 Oli e Aceti • Gourmet News Bellucci introduces the newest addition to its Legendary Series: award-winning Sicilia PGI Organic extra virgin olive oil. Fresh from the 2017-2018 harvest season, this Sicilia PGI Organic is the recipient of a Silver Award at the prestigious 2018 New York In- ternational Olive Oil Competition. Why is PGI (Protected Geographic Indication) certification so important? Simply put, it means Sicily is the authentic source of origin for this prized oil. In 2016, the European Commission ap- proved the Protected Geographical Indication PGI 'Sicilia' (Sicily) for extra virgin olive oil produced on the island. Such certifications promote the development of specific rural regions and populations, which are related to agricultural products with special quality char- acteristics and protect the interests of both growers and consumers. It is transparency at its best in the greater fight against food fraud. Bel- lucci Sicilia PGI Organic ensures the olives were grown, the oil pressed and bottled all in Sicily. Sicilian EVOO is among the world's most fragrant and appetizing. The fertile volcanic soil and hot sunny climate yield an abundance of cultivars, each with a depth and range of unique fruity, peppery and bitter flavor notes. Consumers seeking greater on-label visibility into the origins of the food in their shopping basket are on the rise. Shoppers are seeking new depths of information, including organic growing methods, sustainable sourcing and making a real connection to the people who grow and produce their food. With the Bellucci traceability app, every bottle of Bellucci extra virgin olive oil is fully traceable to its source in rural Italy. For more information, visit www.belluccipremium.com. GN Bellucci Sicilia PGI Organic EVOO wins Silver Award at NYIOOC Ariston has a new series of fruit jams from Greece. The jams in- clude Ariston's Fig Preserves, Apple Cinnamon, Orange & Whisky Marmalade, Strawberry & Basil, Apricot with Bitter Almond, Peach with Masticha Chiou and Lemon with Caramelized Ginger. The figs for the Fig Preserves come strictly from the Kalamata region of Greece, to the tabletop. This fig spread is excellent over cheeses, spreads, in ice cream, Greek yogurt, gelato, peanut butter sandwiches and savory pizzas. Sweet apples were truly made to be paired with spicy cinnamon, and that's definitely true in the Apple Cinnamon Preserves. One taste will remind just about everyone of grandma's apple pie. Another sophisticated twist on grandma's recipe is the Straw- berry & Basil Preserves. Ariston combines the sweetness and tart- ness of strawberries with a hint of basil to cut down the sweetness. The series doesn't feature your ordinary or- ange marmalade. The Orange & Whisky Marmalade combines oranges from Greece with a touch of cooked whisky to provide a more complex-tasting spread. Another bright flavor is the Lemon & Caramelized Ginger Preserves, a vibrant lemon jam with spicy ginger that makes this fruit pre- serve an instant pick-me-up. Perfect in Greek yogurt or over toast with tea or coffee. In the Apricot & Bitter Almond Preserves jar, Ariston combines sweet apricots from Greece with the nuttiness of Greek bitter almonds. Peaches from mainland Greece combined with aromatic Mastic Gum (Masticha Chiou) make the Peach & Masticha Chiou jam. Mastic is a rare ingredient that grows on the Greek island of Chios, giving this jam a unique flavor. Mastic is used throughout Greek cuisine and has many health benefits. For more information, visit www.aristonspecialties.com. GN Ariston Introduces Grecian Fruit Jams Series Ten years ago, Patrick and Vincent Ricchiuti, representing the third and fourth generation of Ricchiuti Family Farms, sought to further diversify their agricultural business. Through industry re- search conducted by the University California Davis Olive Center, they discovered that 98 percent of all olive oil consumed in the United States is imported. Further studies revealed a high per- centage of the imported olive oils on American supermarket shelves continually fail to meet the sensory criteria for being of- ficially classified as "extra virgin" as defined by the International Olive Council (IOC) and European Union (EU) standards. Therefore, with an earnest desire to craft and provide domestic consumers with the finest oil, the Ricchiutis founded ENZO Olive Oil Company in 2008. From its inception, the Ricchiutis adopted the highest quality standards into their olive oil operation to earn the certification of "extra virgin" from the California Olive Oil Council. Patrick and Vincent are also active stewards in the Amer- ican Olive Oil Producers Association, a collective voice to ensure the integrity of olive oil production. Unlike many other olive oil producers, ENZO Olive Oil Company is vertically integrated, which means the entire growing, harvesting, milling, bottling and ship- ping process is completed from start to finish on-site, producing one of the freshest oils available with supe- rior quality and taste. The olive trees – planted in an optimal climate, similar to the Mediterranean region – are carefully nurtured year-round. Once picked at prime conditions, the olives are then transported im- mediately from the grove to the Ricchiuti's mill where the crush begins. When the milling process is com- plete, the olive oil is then bottled and ready to be en- joyed by all. With their nationally and internationally acclaimed organic olive oil, organic balsamic vinegar, premium California almonds and farm-to-table goods, one could easily agree Ricchiuti Family Farms and ENZO Olive Oil Company is a uniquely diversified agricultural business. For more information, visit www.enzo oliveoil.com or call 559.299.7278. GN What Makes ENZO Olive Oil Company Unique? FEATURED PRODUCTS A S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

• Cover