Chef’s Tip: Celebrate the Marriage of Strawberries and Olive Oil

As late spring draws to a close, we invite you to celebrate the union of strawberries and olive oil.
Yes, when strawberry season is back, we want to eat them every day. But how can we vary the pleasure? To step off the beaten path, we offer this culinary pairing that will add a touch of delicacy and subtlety to your desserts.

Strawberries with Basil and Picual Olive Oil

Strawberry Season: From May to September.

Strawberries are mainly consumed in spring, during May and June. However, due to the existence of many varieties and different growing methods, we now enjoy them throughout the summer as well. Varieties such as Gariguettes, Ciflorettes, Maras des Bois, Charlottes, and Ostara do not all grow at the same time. Even though we are deprived of them in winter, the taste of strawberries is familiar to us throughout the year.
Considered primarily as a dessert, indulgent and fleshy, this red fruit is both light, refreshing, and sweet.

Olive Oil: A Subtle Ingredient to Enhance Your Sweet Creations

Olive oil, derived from the fruit of the olive tree, is more commonly used in savory preparations. However, it is also prized in pastries! More broadly, it can perfectly accompany sweet dishes, balancing the sweetness with a touch of bitterness. A “green fruity” oil and a “ripe fruity” oil will each bring out different characteristics.

Pairing Strawberries with Olive Oil

Olive oil isn’t just a simple condiment for seasoning dishes; it’s an ingredient that can be savored in its own right. For this, we recommend choosing a monovarietal olive oil. Because it is made from a single variety of olive, the resulting juice is much purer and more typical. It truly reveals the organoleptic qualities of the fruit.
Olive oil pairs beautifully with a strawberry salad, providing a flavor balance like no other. For this pairing, we especially love the freshness of the green fruity notes in Picual olive oil. Indeed, cold-extracted from olives harvested early in the season, it brings a slight bitterness that complements the sweetness of strawberries.
For even more fruity notes, consider the Limited Edition Organic Lemon Creation Olive Oil. It will pair perfectly with your portion of strawberries. It offers the freshness of lemon and Aglandau olives, pressed together.

Claire Heitlzer’s Strawberry Tart

A Culinary Pairing with Real Nutritional Benefits

Is this strawberry and olive oil combination indulgent? Of course! But pleasure and health aren’t mutually exclusive. The nutritional qualities of this pairing are real.
Olive oil is known for its health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and vitamin E, it provides essential fatty acids that our body needs. These are primarily monounsaturated fatty acids (Omega 9), followed by polyunsaturated fats (Omega 6 and 3). Unlike other fats, they don’t promote bad cholesterol.
On the other hand, strawberries also have antioxidant properties. Composed of over 90% water, they are low in calories. They are rich in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a healthy digestive system. They also contain high levels of vitamin C and folic acid, which is especially beneficial for pregnant women!
So, let’s not deny ourselves this delicious pairing!

Enjoy the Pleasures of Strawberry and Olive Oil with These Recipe Suggestions:

•    Strawberry Salad with Olive Oil
Slice strawberries, add lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and chopped mint. Simply divine!

•    Strawberry Carpaccio
Lay sliced strawberries on a plate and drizzle with a marinade made from olive oil, lemon, and honey. Add basil and a touch of pepper.

•    Green Salad with Strawberries and Olive Oil
Perfect with lamb’s lettuce or romaine. You can enhance the dish with parmesan shavings, fresh goat cheese, or avocado.

•    Strawberry Soup with Olive Oil

Here’s a simple yet delicious and healthy drink. A moment of freshness and happiness!

•    Pan-fried Strawberries with Olive Oil
First, pan-fry halved strawberries in olive oil. Sprinkle with sugar and serve quickly with mint and basil. For those with a sweet tooth, why not add a scoop of ice cream?

For more culinary tips, check out these articles:
•    Chef's Tip: Olive Oil for Breakfast
•    Chef’s Tip and Spring Culinary Pairing: Asparagus with Olive Oil

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