Cento Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A Guide to Its Superior Quality and Uses
Cento Fine Foods offers a selection of high-quality olive oils, including Cento Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which is renowned for its robust flavor and versatility in various culinary applications. These olive oils are sourced from carefully selected olives, emphasizing the importance of purity and authenticity in their products. The Cento Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, in particular, is produced from organically farmed olives, ensuring that no preservatives, solvents, or chemical additives are included.
Maintaining the integrity of traditional Italian olive oil, Cento's products are packed in Italy, a country celebrated for its rich olive oil heritage. The extraction process used by Cento involves cold pressing the olives, a method that helps preserve the natural flavors as well as the beneficial antioxidants and heart-healthy polyphenols in the oil. This process underlines the company's commitment to delivering an extra virgin olive oil that is not only great for enhancing the flavors in recipes but also contributes positively to the consumers' well-being.
Cento provides detailed transparency for their products, allowing consumers to trace the origin of the olive oil back to the very groves where the olives were harvested. This commitment to traceability reassures customers of the authenticity and quality of Cento Extra Virgin Olive Oil, confirming its status as a genuine product imported from Italy. Whether used for sautéing, dressing, or as a finishing oil, Cento Extra Virgin Olive Oil brings a touch of Italian craftsmanship to kitchens around the world.
History and Origin
Cento Fine Foods is known for its commitment to tradition and quality in their production of extra virgin olive oil, adhering to a rich Italian heritage that resonates in every tin.
Italian Heritage
Cento is renowned for its range of extra virgin olive oils that have deep roots in Italy, a country synonymous with the highest standards of olive oil production. They pride themselves on offering products like the Cento 100% Italiano Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which is sourced directly from olives grown in the fertile soils of Italy, steeped in a long history of olive oil craftsmanship.
First Cold Press
The first cold press method is a cornerstone of Cento's olive oil production. This traditional technique ensures that the oil is extracted without the use of heat or chemicals, preserving the natural flavors, aromas, and nutritional benefits of the olives. Cento's olive oil is characterized by its purity and high quality, a result of this meticulous pressing process.
Health Benefits
Cento Extra Virgin Olive Oil is lauded for its nutrition profile, particularly its heart-healthy polyphenols and powerful antioxidants, which are integral to its various health benefits.
Heart-Healthy Polyphenols
Polyphenols are natural compounds found in Cento Extra Virgin Olive Oil. They are recognized for their cardioprotective properties. Specifically, these polyphenols contribute to:
Reducing inflammation: Chronic inflammation is associated with heart disease, and the polyphenols in olive oil have anti-inflammatory effects.
Lowering blood pressure: Regular consumption of olive oil rich in polyphenols may lead to improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
These benefits are attributed to the oil's capacity to improve endothelial function, which is pivotal in vascular health.
Antioxidant Properties
The antioxidants present in Cento Extra Virgin Olive Oil, such as vitamin E and hydroxytyrosol, offer protection against cellular damage caused by free radicals. The key antioxidant contributions include:
Protecting LDL cholesterol from oxidation: Oxidized LDL is a risk factor for heart disease, and antioxidants in olive oil help prevent this process.
Supporting overall cellular health: By counteracting oxidative stress, these antioxidants aid in maintaining healthy cells throughout the body.
Nutrition facts underscore the oil's rich antioxidant content, fortifying its status as a healthy addition to the diet.
Product Variants
Cento Fine Foods offers a range of Extra Virgin Olive Oil products to cater to various customer preferences and needs. Among these, two noteworthy variants are the Cento Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the Cento Imported Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Cento Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The organic variant is crafted from olives that are farmed organically, ensuring that no chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used in the process. It is a product that prides itself on not containing preservatives, solvents, or chemical additives. Cento Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil promotes a health-conscious approach with its blend focusing on powerful antioxidants and fostering heart-healthy benefits.
Size: 16.9 fl oz (500ml)
Packaging: Responsibly packaged to protect integrity and flavor
Price: Sold Out $10.99 (price subject to change)
Cento Imported Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Cento Imported Extra Virgin Olive Oil is heralded for its classic flavor profile, sourced from 100% Italian olives. Cento's commitment to quality is evident through their rigorous testing methods to ensure that the oil meets high standards of purity and taste. This imported olive oil variant caters to those seeking authentic Italian quality in their cooking ingredients.
Size: 101 fl oz (3L) and other options
Traceability: Lot codes for 100% traceability from bottle back to branch
Availability: Through Cento website and selected retailers
Flavor Profile and Sensory Characteristics
Extra virgin olive oil from Cento is recognized for its high quality and is lauded for providing the highest level of flavors. It offers a full flavor profile that is meticulously maintained to match global olive oil standards.
Flavor Intensity
Mild: These oils are smooth, often with a buttery taste, and have no bitterness or pungency.
Medium: A balanced, fruity flavor that may have hints of bitter and spicy notes.
Robust: Strong, pronounced flavors with significant bitterness and pungency; often denotes high polyphenol content.
Cento's extra virgin olive oil is available in different flavor intensities. The robust varieties in particular are high in polyphenols, which are associated not only with health benefits but also with more intense flavors.
Flavor Versatility
Cooking: Ideal for sautéing and grilling, imparting a subtle richness to food.
Finishing: Adds depth when drizzled over dishes before serving.
Dressing: Forms a flavorful base for salad dressings and marinades.
Cento extra virgin olive oils possess versatility in flavor that complements a wide array of culinary applications. Its range of flavor intensities ensures there is a perfect match for any dish, whether one is looking for a subtle taste enhancement or a full-bodied, flavor-forward addition.
Culinary Uses
Cento Extra Virgin Olive Oil plays a pivotal role in the kitchen, lending its distinct flavor and versatility to a wide array of culinary applications. Its use in everyday cooking and as a fundamental ingredient in dressings exemplifies the olive oil's adaptability.
Everyday Cooking
Cento Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a staple for everyday cooking. Its robust flavor enhances the taste of various dishes, making it an excellent choice for both sautéing and frying. When heated to a suitable temperature, the oil imparts a Mediterranean essence to vegetables and proteins. Notably, its performance at high heat allows for a pleasing char on items like broccoli, without compromising the oil's inherent taste.
Dressings and Salads
Uniquely suited for dressings and salads, Cento Extra Virgin Olive Oil's fruity notes elevate a simple dressing to a flavor-rich condiment. It serves as an emulsifying agent, binding ingredients together for a coherent blend. For salads, a drizzle of this olive oil adds depth:
Vinaigrette: Mix with vinegar, salt, and optional herbs.
Italian Dressing: Combine with lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings.
Product Identification
Cento Fine Foods offers a range of extra virgin olive oil products that appeal to consumers seeking quality and authenticity in their olive oil. Cento Imported Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tin and Cento Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil are two variants available, catering to different preferences.
The UPC for Cento Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is 070796602115, which can be used to identify the product uniquely in retail and inventory systems. The category for these products is olive oil, specifically extra virgin, which is the highest quality grade due to its low acidity and superior taste and aroma.
Cento emphasizes the importance of traceability in its olive oil products. The company employs a system that allows consumers to trace the origin of their olive oil. Lot codes are positioned on the packaging, which when referenced with customer support, enables tracking back to the specific grove where the olives were harvested.
Customers can identify Cento's extra virgin olive oil through its packaging:
Cento Imported Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tin: Comes in a 101 fl oz tin.
Cento Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Available in 16.9 fl oz bottles, prominently labeling organic certifications and absence of chemical additives.
Here is a simplified product identification list for Cento’s olive oils:
Product: Cento Imported Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Size: 101 fl oz | Type: Tin
Product: Cento Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Size: 16.9 fl oz | Type: Bottle | UPC: 070796602115
These products undergo rigorous quality assurance, including laboratory testing and quality control, ensuring compliance with the purest standards of extra virgin olive oil.
Storing and Handling Tips
Proper storage and handling of Cento Extra Virgin Olive Oil are vital for maintaining its quality and flavor. Here are several tips to ensure the olive oil stays fresh:
Location: It should be stored in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard, away from heat sources like stoves or ovens.
Temperature: Aim to keep the oil at a consistent temperature, ideally between 65°F and 75°F.
Light Exposure: Minimize or eliminate exposure to light, as it can degrade the quality of the oil. Opt for an opaque container, if possible.
Containers and Air Exposure
Sealing: Always keep the container tightly sealed when not in use. This limits oxidation and preserves freshness.
Pour Spouts: Avoid leaving pour spouts on the bottle if they cannot be sealed.
Usage Tips
Shelf-Life: Use the olive oil within three to six months after opening for optimal flavor.
Avoid Refrigeration: Refrigerating the oil can lead to condensation and affect the oil's taste and aroma.
By adhering to these guidelines, consumers can enjoy the robust flavors of Cento Extra Virgin Olive Oil at their finest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes are available for Cento Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
16.9 fl oz
33.8 fl oz
101 fl oz
Is Cento Extra Virgin Olive Oil organic? Cento offers both organic and non-organic Extra Virgin Olive Oils. The organic options carry the USDA organic seal.
How should one store Cento Extra Virgin Olive Oil? It should be stored in a cool, dark place away from the stove to prevent oxidation, which could lead to rancidity. The cap should be closed securely when not in use.
Can Cento Olive Oil be refrigerated? It is not recommended to refrigerate olive oil, as it can lead to condensation and affect quality.
Is there a specific harvest origin for the olives used in Cento Olive Oils? Yes, the olives used for Bellino Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil are 100% single origin Italian olives.
What are the health benefits of using Cento Extra Virgin Olive Oil? The oil is a source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
Does Cento meet international olive oil standards? Cento Extra Virgin Olive Oil complies with standards set by the International Olive Council (IOC), which includes sensory analyses and various chemical tests.
