I use olive oil a lot in my cooking! Now I have to admit, when I first started cooking, I thought all olive oils were the same. I soon realized I was quite wrong…my food was bitter and the taste was horrible. I decided to do some research and found that there are ways to identify a good quality olive oil so I thought I’d share them with you. So the next time you go buy some olive oil you’ll know exactly what to look for!
Look for third-party verifications on the bottle’s label, including:
- The Non-GMO Project Verification Seal. All Pompeian Olive Oils (Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Classic Pure Olive Oil, Extra Light Tasting Olive Oil and Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil) are made in compliance with the Non-GMO Project Verified Standard.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Quality Monitored Seal. Pompeian was the first national brand of extra virgin olive oil to carry the seal through the USDA’s Quality Monitored Program. Pompeian Robust and Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil samples undergo frequent and rigorous testing for sensory, quality, purity and origin to ensure a quality product in every bottle.
- The North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA) Seal. In order to use the NAOOA seal, a member must undergo even more frequent testing. In addition, this is the only program where the oil is sampled from the store. Pompeian was also the first brand of olive oil to carry this seal.
Next look that:
- The bottle shows the olives’ lot number and country of origin are directly on the bottle to ensure full traceability from farm to table.
- In addition to looking at the bottle’s label, look at the bottle itself, which should be dark in color. This helps prevent oxidation of the oil, keeping it fresher, longer. Now you’re ready to purchase the oil, just make sure you keep it in your pantry, away from heat and light!
Now that you’ve got the perfect oil, it’s time to make a delicious Poppyseed Cake. This recipe has been a family favorite for years. It always comes out moist and it’s the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee…enjoy!
- 3 C flour
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 3/4 C sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/3 C oil
- 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 (10 oz.) jar of Poppyseed filling
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees; grease a 10 inch tube/bundt pan.
- Mix together the flour, salt, baking soda and sugar; set aside.
- In another bowl, beat eggs until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the oil, evaporated milk and vanilla.
- Slowly stir the wet ingredients into the dry until they're combined.
- Mix in the jar of poppyseed filling.
- Pour into prepared pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes; until golden brown.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes; remove and allow to continue cooling.
- Serve and enjoy!
This post is sponsored by Pompeian Oil; all opinions are my own.
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