When you spend as much time as we do focused on food and travel in California, France, Spain, and Italy, you cook and eat a lot of olive oil! So, we’re sharing how extra virgin olive oil is made.
Recently, we traveled to Italy to learn all about the places, makers, and products that go into making Lucini Italia‘s premium extra virgin olive oil. We were so all about it!
Over a few months, we traveled across Tuscany from the Maremma Coast to the Val D’Orcia, where Lucini began, to meet the families who make the olive oil, to visit the olive groves where harvest happened, and to cook with locals to learn the best ways to cook with olive oil.

Watch the full series via the videos here then scroll down for our favorite recipes using quality olive oil!
Behind The Bottle Episode 1: Where It All Began
Behind The Bottle Episode 2: Family Made
Behind The Bottle Episode 3: See Olive Oil Harvest
Behind The Bottle Episode 4: How To Taste Olive Oil
Behind The Bottle Episode 5: Cooking With Olive Oil

Recipes To Cook With Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Now that you’ve watched all the episodes, head here for all our tips on how to buy the best olive oil then cook some of these olive oil-focused recipes!
- {Bibbonata Di Peperita} Tagliolini Pasta With Chilis, Parsley, Pine Nuts, and Bottarga
- Celery Salad with Parmigiano-Reggiano and Walnuts
- Creamy Polenta with Melted Peppers and Mushrooms
- Charred Asparagus With Requeson And Mexican Dukkah
- Exceptional Tomato Gazpacho
- {Minestrone Verde} Spring Minestrone Soup With Pistachio Parsley Gremolata
- {Pasta Alla Checca} No-Cook Heirloom Tomato Sauce with Burrata
- Persimmon, Fried Sage, and Goat Cheese Bites
- {Ravioli di Pappa Al Pomodoro} Homemade Ravioli With Pappa al Pomodoro
- Roasted Squash and Pepita Pesto Dip
- Slow-Roasted Tomato and Cilantro-Cashew Picnic Sandwich
And let us know: what is your favorite way to use olive oil?
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Get To Know Bolgheri Wine
As you delve into how extra virgin olive oil is made, consider pairing your newfound appreciation for olive oil with another Tuscan treasure: Bolgheri wine.
This prestigious wine region, located near the olive groves of Tuscany, produces some of Italy’s most celebrated wines. Rich reds and elegant whites perfectly complement the region’s olive oil flavors. To enhance your Tuscan tasting experience, check out our article on Bolgheri wine, where you’ll learn about its history, the best wineries to visit, and how to pair these wines with local cuisine.
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