Health and Cooking Tips

Health Fats and oils are an essential part of a balanced diet and the caloric content is the same for all olive oils: 9 calories per gram (0.035 ounces). However, a general belief seems to be that seed oils are lighter than olive oils (obtained from a fruit not a seed); this is false.

The fat content is the same for all oils, therefore, as far as the caloric content is concerned, all oils provide the same quantity of energy, that is to say - they are equally fattening. However, from a nutrition point of view, olive oils are to be preferred, because of its optimal composition. Olive oil is easily digested - and quickly and completely absorbed by the system. In addition, trace components like chlorophyll help the absorption, and the aroma and taste stimulate our appetite - an important assistance for the digestive process. The circulatory system is aided by a diet that includes olive oil - reducing the risk of arteriosclerosis and other circulatory ailments. The non-saturated fats, which make up olive oil, not only are cholesterol-free, but also have actually been shown to reduce cholesterol levels. (15.5% saturated fatty acids, 77.0% monounsaturated fatty acids and 7.1% polyunsaturated fatty acids.) Some of the proven health benefits are: -> has a positive effect on the digestive tract, protecting the stomach lining and stimulating bowel movements;     -> it does not clog arteries, as it helps reduces excess cholesterol in the blood.     -> is particularly suited in the diet of infants for its acidic composition, which renders it very close to the composition of fat in mother's milk.     -> validly contributes to the fight against osteoporosis and atonic constipation, very frequent in the elderly.     -> it is an effective defence against gastritis and gastric ulcers.     -> it allows for increased vitamin absorption, A, D and K, but in particular vitamin E.     -> it aids the prevention of coronary heart disease.     -> it reduces the number of incidences of breast cancer and cancer of the intestines.     -> it can also be used as a lotion. It helps disinfect the skin and soothe inflammations.     Cooking tips The gourmet extra virgin olive oil from Villa Stabbia is extremely versatile, it will endow a salad and raw dishes with a touch of Mediterranean flair, it can be sampled alone on a piece of bread, or perhaps be the final touch on a bowl of soup or other dish, its most simple use is in cooking, to roast, grill or fry food. It is particularly suited to entrées or added to lemon and vinegar over a salad.  It is ideal for pastries and baking as it gives exceptionally workable and light dough. The oil can also be used in preserves like grilled vegetables, wild mushroomsor goat cheese. The reason for this is that olive oil preserves the food from oxidation and natural ageing process, as the oil subtracts the oxygen inside the containers and thus the preserves last longer. Contrary to myth, olive oil is very good for frying, as its critical temperature - that of molecular deformation - is around 210-220°C. In fact, its composition of fatty acids will not be modified after thermal treatment, even at a temperature of 200°C for 3 hours. At home olive oil must be kept in a clean place, protected from light, at a temperature between 12° and 24° Celsius (54° - 75° F.). At  Villa Stabbia also flavoured oils (infused, aromatic oils) are available. These oils are made by infusing the Extra Virgin Olive oil with herbs and spices from the orchard at the Villa. The resulting oils are very versatile - excellent for salads; the spicy and hot oil is perfect on a pizza; and by adding a few drops of oil scented with sun-dried tomatoes and basil to a tomato sauce -  or lemon and black pepper over the grilled fish - a balanced elaboration between flavour and aroma is obtained.