When considering what to give your loved ones this year, you will be spoilt for choice with the superb range of olive and olive oil products on the market.
Choose between award winning quality EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil), delicious table olives, or even olive-based cosmetics – any or all of these would be an ideal stocking filler.
EVOO
When giving EVOO, you will have the peace of mind that you are also giving a thoughtful wellness present. EVOO is the finest, healthiest, and most versatile oil available. It can be used in sweet or savoury dishes; mixed with herbs and spices for salad dressings; it is an excellent baking ingredient, and it can be used for frying. Besides drizzling EVOO over pasta, pizza, vegetables, fish, and meat – you can also pour EVOO over ice cream, or simply ingest it neat as a health-giving elixir.
A good place to start with in choosing an EVOO is to check out the 2022 winners of the recent SA Olive Awards or the Absa Top 10 Awards. And, when purchasing a bottle of EVOO, always be sure to look out for the SA Olive CTC seal – this is a guarantee that the producer is ‘committed to compliance’ in quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil production. The CTC seal confirms that the EVOO is 100% locally (South African) produced and is authentic Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Table Olives
Tasty, healthy and rich in antioxidants, table olives are a flavourful addition to any festive table, but they can be used in a variety of dishes too. Add them into pasta sauces, toss them in summer salads, and knead them in the dough when baking crusty loaves of bread. You can make your own tapenades and blend them into a savoury spread; or you can just enjoy them as a delicious accompaniment to your aperitifs. Because of their versatility, taste and beautiful appearance, olives are a great addition to a Christmas stocking.
Olive Oil Cosmetics
The benefits of EVOO can also be enjoyed by using cosmetics that feature it as a main ingredient. Several SA Olive members currently produce and sell olive oil-based face creams, balms, soaps, and body lotions. Using an olive oil-based product assists in protecting the skin from premature aging and restores skin smoothness. The real beauty is that this local bounty is appealing to all genders and would certainly be a great stocking filler for anyone.
Locally produced olive products and EVOOs are always easily available. So why not show your love with a gift of liquid gold, a jar of olives or an olive oil-based cream this festive season?
