Olive oil transcends its role as a mere culinary ingredient; it embodies the essence of Mediterranean gastronomy and serves as a cornerstone of a health-conscious lifestyle. For centuries, this liquid gold has been celebrated for its ability to elevate dishes, imparting a depth of flavor that resonates with authenticity and tradition. In a market saturated with options, the EXAU Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil Set distinguishes itself as a premium offering, catering to the discerning palates of culinary enthusiasts.
What sets EXAU apart is its commitment to quality and traceability. Sourced directly from Italy, this cold-pressed, non-GMO olive oil reflects the brand’s dedication to preserving traditional methods and delivering an unadulterated product. The oil’s remarkable polyphenol content (897 mg/kg) underscores its potent antioxidant properties, making it a valuable addition to a health-focused diet. This early harvest olive oil is crafted to deliver bold, robust flavors that appeal to serious food lovers and home chefs seeking an authentic Italian culinary experience.
The EXAU set features two distinct varieties, Lina and Turi, each possessing its own unique flavor profile, aroma, and pairing recommendations. This thoughtful curation allows users to explore the nuances of Italian olive oil, discovering how different varieties can complement various dishes. Whether used for dipping crusty bread, drizzling over salads, or enhancing the complexity of gourmet creations, EXAU’s attention to tradition and craftsmanship ensures an authentic Italian experience in every bottle. The brand’s emphasis on direct sourcing and meticulous production methods guarantees that each drop of oil encapsulates the rich heritage and vibrant flavors of Italy. This review will delve into the specifics of these olive oils, examining their taste, texture, and overall quality to determine if they justify their premium positioning.
Why EXAU Olive Oil Stands Out
1. Premium Quality and Authentic Italian Craftsmanship
EXAU is a family-owned company that takes pride in producing top-tier extra virgin olive oil using time-honored Italian techniques. Their olives are estate-grown, hand-harvested, and cold-pressed to preserve maximum flavor, nutrients, and antioxidants. Unlike mass-produced olive oils, EXAU’s small-batch approach ensures freshness and purity, making it a trusted choice among olive oil enthusiasts.
Many supermarket olive oils lack the complexity and integrity of high-quality EVOO. However, EXAU’s dedication to sourcing and pressing their olives at peak ripeness results in a noticeably superior product with robust flavors and impressive nutritional value.
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2. Distinct and Complex Flavor Profiles
What sets EXAU apart is the variety in taste and aroma offered by its two signature oils—Lina and Turi:
- Lina Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
- Nose: Fresh-cut grass, green banana, bitter almond
- Mouthfeel: Earthy, wild herbs, chicory, bitter almond
- Finish: Hints of fresh walnut
- Best paired with: Red meat, gamey meats, BBQ, legumes
- Turi Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
- Nose: Tomato leaf, lettuce, fresh herbs, thistle
- Mouthfeel: Well-balanced with radish, apple, fresh almond
- Finish: Fresh almond, crisp apple
- Best paired with: Bruschetta, baked fish, chicken, seafood pasta
These nuanced flavors make EXAU perfect for finishing dishes, as cooking with high-polyphenol olive oil can reduce its delicate notes. Many users suggest saving this oil for dipping, drizzling over salads, or enhancing dishes after cooking.
3. High Polyphenol Content for Maximum Health Benefits
Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants found in high-quality olive oils. With levels above 850 mg/kg, EXAU is rich in these beneficial compounds, which may help:
Reduce inflammation
- Support heart health
- Improve digestion
- Enhance brain function
- Fight oxidative stress and aging
Compared to standard olive oils, EXAU provides a significantly higher dose of these health-boosting properties, making it an excellent addition to a nutrient-rich diet.
What Customers Are Saying
The Positives
- Exceptional Flavor: Many buyers rave about the deep, complex flavors that far exceed store-bought olive oil brands.
- Perfect for Dipping & Finishing: The richness and purity make it ideal for salads, bread, and finishing gourmet dishes.
- Health Benefits: Some customers specifically seek out high-polyphenol olive oils for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Premium, Authentic Product: Reviewers appreciate that EXAU is truly made in Italy, reinforcing its credibility as a top-tier EVOO brand.
One satisfied customer shared:
“Absolutely wonderful taste. Beats my Costco extra virgin olive oil any day!”
Another reviewer highlighted:
“We bought these on a whim, even though they were expensive. But WOW, now I can never go back to cheap olive oil! This is a game-changer for anyone who appreciates high-quality EVOO.”
Minor Criticisms
- Price: Some customers acknowledge that EXAU is on the expensive side but argue that the quality justifies the cost.
- Bitterness for Some Palates: Those new to high-polyphenol olive oils may find the strong, slightly bitter taste surprising at first.
- Not Ideal for Cooking: Many buyers note that while EXAU is exceptional for dipping and finishing dishes, it may not be the best choice for high-heat cooking due to its delicate flavors.
A customer who appreciated the quality but had mixed feelings about the flavor wrote:
“It’s okay, but not the best olive oil I’ve used. A bit bitter when used for just dipping bread.”
How To Use EXAU Olive Oil
If you’re investing in premium olive oil like EXAU, it’s important to use it correctly to fully enjoy its quality:
- Dipping & Drizzling: Best enjoyed raw—drizzle over fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or artisan bread with sea salt.
- Pairing with Meals: Lina pairs well with meats and legumes, while Turi complements seafood and light dishes.
- Gourmet Cooking: If using in cooking, opt for lower heat applications, such as slow roasting or finishing pasta dishes.
- Health Benefits: Take a spoonful daily for an antioxidant boost.
Pros And Cons:
Pros:
- Superior Quality and Flavor:
- This is the cornerstone of EXAU’s appeal. The oil is praised for its exceptional taste, indicating high-quality olives and meticulous processing.
- This superior taste translates to a noticeable difference in the final dish.
- Estate-Grown, Small-Batch Production:
- This highlights the brand’s commitment to quality control and artisanal production.
- Small-batch production allows for greater attention to detail and ensures that each bottle meets high standards.
- This also provides a sense of the product being special.
- High in Polyphenols for Health Benefits:
- The high polyphenol content (897 mg/kg) is a significant advantage, as polyphenols are potent antioxidants with numerous health benefits.
- This positions EXAU as not just a flavorful ingredient but also a health-promoting one.
- This is a large selling point for health conscious consumers.
- Perfect for Dipping, Drizzling, and Finishing Dishes:
- This emphasizes the oil’s versatility in enhancing various culinary creations.
- Its robust flavor profile makes it ideal for use in uncooked dishes, where its taste can shine.
- Finishing dishes with high quality EVOO, adds a layer of complexity.
- Made in Italy Using Traditional Methods:
- This underscores the brand’s dedication to preserving authentic Italian olive oil production.
- Traditional methods often result in higher-quality oil with more nuanced flavors.
- This also adds to the story of the product.
Cons:
- Pricey Compared to Standard Olive Oils:
- High-quality, small-batch olive oil often comes at a premium price.
- This may be a deterrent for budget-conscious consumers.
- However, the exceptional quality may justify the cost for those who prioritize flavor and health benefits.
- Bitter for Those Unused to High-Polyphenol EVOO:
- The high polyphenol content can result in a slightly bitter taste, which may be unfamiliar to those accustomed to milder olive oils.
- This bitterness is actually a sign of quality and high antioxidant content.
- It is important to educate consumers about this aspect.
- Not Ideal for High-Heat Cooking:
- Like most extra virgin olive oils, EXAU is not recommended for high-heat cooking, as it can degrade its quality and flavor.
- It is best used for low-heat cooking, dipping, drizzling, and finishing dishes.
- This is common for most high quality EVOO.
Overall Assessment:
For those who appreciate premium-quality olive oil and are willing to invest in a truly exceptional product, EXAU is a must-try. Its superior quality, health benefits, and authentic Italian craftsmanship elevate any meal.
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Alternative Brands To EXAU Olive Oil
If you’re looking for other high-quality extra virgin olive oils, here are some great alternatives:
- California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil – A well-regarded option from the U.S., this olive oil is cold-pressed and known for its smooth, fruity flavor.
- Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil – A budget-friendly yet high-quality choice, this olive oil is organic and cold-pressed, making it a great everyday option.
- Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil – An Italian brand that offers a smooth and balanced flavor, ideal for both cooking and finishing dishes.
- Partanna Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Known for its robust and peppery taste, this olive oil is made from early-harvest olives in Sicily.
- Ellora Farms Extra Virgin Olive Oil – A Greek olive oil sourced from Crete, featuring a high polyphenol content and a bold, rich flavor.
Each of these brands provides excellent quality olive oil, and depending on your taste preference and budget, they can be great alternatives to EXAU.
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FAQs About EXAU Olive Oil
The highest-quality olive oils are extra virgin, cold-pressed, and high in polyphenols. EXAU falls into this category and competes with other premium brands like Frantoia, Partanna, and California Olive Ranch Reserve.
EXAU is a family-owned business based in Italy, specializing in small-batch, high-quality olive oil production using traditional techniques
Gordon Ramsay has praised cold-pressed, early-harvest extra virgin olive oils similar to EXAU, emphasizing flavor complexity and purity. While he has endorsed various brands, high-quality Italian EVOO remains a staple in his cooking
While EXAU is a top-tier artisanal brand, other high-quality olive oils include:
Ellora Farms Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Greek origin, single estate)
Partanna Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Robust Sicilian EVOO)
California Olive Ranch Reserve (A domestic alternative with excellent flavor)
Final Verdict: Is EXAU Olive Oil Worth It?
For those who prioritize culinary excellence and are willing to invest in a truly exceptional olive oil experience, EXAU stands as a resounding “yes.” If your culinary aspirations extend beyond mere sustenance and delve into the realm of gourmet exploration, EXAU is an indispensable addition to your pantry. It is not merely an ingredient; it is an experience, a journey to the heart of Italian olive oil tradition.
The rich, nuanced flavor profile, a testament to the meticulous estate-grown, small-batch production, elevates even the simplest dishes to new heights. The high polyphenol content, a hallmark of early harvest oils, provides not only a distinctively robust taste but also a wealth of health benefits, making it a conscious choice for those who value both flavor and well-being.
While the price point may exceed that of standard grocery store brands, the value proposition is undeniable. The depth of taste, the commitment to traditional craftsmanship, and the potent health benefits make EXAU a worthwhile investment for serious food lovers, discerning home chefs, and health-conscious individuals alike. It is an investment in quality, authenticity, and a truly exceptional culinary experience. If you consider olive oil a cornerstone of your culinary endeavors, EXAU will undoubtedly become a cherished staple.