Make Any Occasion Special, with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil is having a moment, becoming the touch that instantly turns a meal into something memorable
A taste of the Mediterranean at home
Sarah Vachon sources from independent, female-led groves, selecting oils that stand out not just for their flavour and nutritional value, but for the regenerative farming practices that underpin them. In a world where most olive oil is traded as a commodity, where farmers are undercut, and soils are degraded, her approach offers a radical – and delicious – alternative.
The result? Tasting these olive oils is like being transported to the Mediterranean; they are full of vibrant flavour – grassy, fruity, peppery – a world away from the flat, lifeless oils that dominate shelves. It’s not hard to think of dishes that would sing with a spoonful of this olive oil:
- A drizzle over crab or oysters for an elegant starter.
- Tossed with roasted new potatoes – perfect if you’ve picked some up from your local market.
- Over a Yorkshire pudding (yes, really) for a modern twist on a classic.
- Poured over vanilla ice cream or chocolate mousse for an unusual pairing.
Try it today with 15% off your order with the code: LIVINGNORTH
Why fresh matters
Unlike wine, time isn’t olive oil’s friend. ‘Like good wine, people tend to save good olive oil, but,’ Vachon says, ‘it’s actually best when fresh’. Although it can keep for months, its full character is at its best shortly after harvest. The health benefits, too, peak while it’s fresh thanks to the polyphenols, the powerful antioxidants in olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is also rich in monounsaturated fats that support balanced cholesterol, and regularly swapping butter or heavy dressings for a drizzle of olive oil can be a simple step towards healthier meals. It’s one of the reasons the Mediterranean diet, with olive oil at its core, is considered one of the world’s healthiest ways to eat.
A thoughtful gift
A stylish bottle of extra virgin olive oil is also a fantastic gift to take to a friend’s house for dinner. More inclusive than wine, a premium extra virgin olive oil also hits around the same price point. Plus, your host will be delighted as it’s much longer lasting, giving them something to enjoy long after you’ve left.
Citizens of Soil’s range spans different styles – from a smooth, herbaceous Greek pour that works with everyday cooking, to their bolder Croatian oil. Each bottle tells the grower’s story, and comes in a striking Burgundy-style dark glass designed to protect the liquid gold inside.
Beyond their beautiful bottles, Citizens of Soil are building a community of EVOO lovers through their Olive Oil Club. A membership gives you access to different olive oils from exclusive small batches, delivered straight through the letterbox each month, along with the story of the producer and seasonal recipe inspiration. Use the code LIVINGNORTH for 15% off your order at www.citizensofsoil.com.
