It’s National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day! To celebrate, I’ve partnered with Liokareas to share all about its incredible nutritional benefits and some of the best recipes to get the most out of this pantry staple.
Extra virgin olive oil is the gold standard of oils when it comes to health – loaded with antioxidants that may help slow down the aging process and chockfull of good monounsaturated fats making it a heart healthy choice. Liokareas EVOO is a fifth-generation family farm in the foothills of Kalamata, Greece with their corporate headquarters located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They have dedicated themselves to creating products that maintain all of the health benefits of EVOO — keeping the polyphenols of the olives in the final product. In fact, they were recently named “World’s Healthiest EVOO” with their Liokareas Rx High Polyphenol EVOO – extraordinarily rich in Polyphenols, and specifically, which research suggests may help combat certain diseases and promote longevity. The recommended dosage is 15 mL per day consumed straight or in an unheated recipe like a classic vinaigrette made with 3 parts EVOO, 1 part Liokareas balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.
If you are looking for an easy weeknight meal, then look no further than this Lemon Glazed Sheet Pan Greek Chicken! The star ingredient? Liokareas Lemon Olive Oil. Unlike many brands, Liokareas does NOT artificially flavor their oils. Instead, their flavored oils are created from real ingredients creating a clean and organic product. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 a juiced lemon, 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoons of Liokareas Red Wine Vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of Liokareas dried oregano, a pinch of pepper and Liokareas sea salt to taste and 1/4 cup of Liokareas Lemon Olive Oil. To a pre-greased baking sheet, add 1 pound of baby potatoes, 1 sliced red , 2 sliced bell peppers, garlic cloves and chicken. pour marinade on top bake for 30 minutes at 400 F and stir in a ½ cup of Liokareas Kalamata Olives and ¼ cup of crumbled feta.
Finally, olive oil works wonders in baked goods in lieu of butter – adding a deep, rich flavor and boost of good fats. For these olive oil brownies, whisk together your dry ingredients first – 1/4 cup of cacao powder, ½ cup of blanched almond flour, ¼ cup of tapioca flour, 1 tsp of baking powder and ½ cup of coconut sugar. In another large mixing bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients – ¼ cup maple syrup, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 2 eggs, your dry mixture and 1/3 cup of Liokareas Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Transfer to an 8 x 8 pre-greased baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes at 350 F or until set. Allow to cool before slicing into brownies.
Liokareas Olive Oils is no doubt one of the highest quality olive oils that you can purchase in the United States –internationally recognized as one of the best olive oils in the world and winners of 40 international awards in 2021. Not only does it enhance recipes with flavor, but their products help maintain all of the health benefits associated with using EVOO. You can find Liokareas Olive Oils locally at Lowes Foods, at Liokareas.com and on Amazon. For these full recipes, you can visit my website nutritionbymia.com.
