The most valuable extra virgin olive oil from this year's first harvest has just arrived in Prague.
Olio Novello, which translates as "new oil," is the first olive oil obtained from the fresh harvest of olives. The olives for this type of oil are usually harvested in October or November, when they are still unripe and green. This is what gives Olio Novello its characteristic distinctive and fresh taste, reminiscent of freshly cut grass and green tomatoes. The tradition of the first olive oil is very popular in Italy, and producers look forward to that sacred moment when thick, bright green olive oil begins to flow from the press all year round. In the past, they even kept this delicacy for themselves and their loved ones, and traditionally enjoyed Novello with fresh white bread, which they dipped into the oil right there in the press room.
Olio Novello is cold-pressed very gently within a few hours of harvesting from high-quality, hand-picked olives, and unlike regular extra virgin olive oil, it is not filtered. It contains pieces of pulp, which give it a unique thickness, color, taste, and lots of healthy antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, do not use it for cooking, as it would burn and lose all its valuable properties. It is suitable for seasoning dishes such as legume soups, meats, pasta, or salads, ideally not too spicy, so that the unique taste of the oil can shine through. Novello is also not suitable for long-term storage – its greatest advantage is its freshness and taste, which is best enjoyed within the first three months after pressing.
In our stores and e-shop, you will now find Olio Novello from one of Italy's best olive oil producers, Giuseppe Ursini. It is pressed from local varieties of Gentile di Chieti, Leccino, and Peranzana olives, which Giuseppe grows in his groves in Abruzzo. It has a moderately distinctive, slightly bitter taste reminiscent of artichokes. You can buy it in 0.5 l and 1 l bottles.
In the coming weeks, you can also look forward to Novello from Tuscany and Sicily.