La Tourangelle
Artisanal Cold-Pressed Oils from France – A Culinary Tradition
La Tourangelle stands out as a purveyor of artisanal cold-pressed oils, crafting a piece of France's culinary tradition with every tin. Originating in the Loire Valley, a region lauded for its rich agricultural heritage, this family-owned company has been producing oils since 1867. With a commitment to quality, La Tourangelle combines time-honored French oil-making practices with California's agricultural bounty, ensuring their customers receive the purest and most flavorful oils for their cooking needs.
By adhering to traditional techniques of roasting and pressing, La Tourangelle delivers a variety of oils that retain the natural flavors and nutritional benefits of their source ingredients. These include their flagship roasted walnut oil as well as a range of other nut and seed oils. The company takes pride in using only the finest raw materials, with each batch of oil traceable back to the source, ensuring an authentic taste experience with a touch of French artisanal excellence.
La Tourangelle's range extends from classic olive and canola oils to more specialized options, each cold-pressed to preserve the aromatic profiles beloved by chefs and home cooks alike. This process also maintains the oils' healthful properties, making them a wholesome addition to any dish. As an environmentally conscious brand, La Tourangelle’s commitment extends beyond taste to include sustainable production practices that are geared towards reducing waste and promoting a healthier planet.
History of La Tourangelle
La Tourangelle has its roots deeply embedded in the tradition of artisanal oil-making, starting as a family-owned craft business in France and expanding across the ocean to California while steadfastly preserving its time-honored techniques.
Expansion from France to California
Saumur, France, is not just a picturesque city; it is the birthplace of La Tourangelle in 1867—a small roasted walnut oil artisan mill nestled in the famed Loire Valley. The commitment to crafting high-quality oils has been a guiding principle from the company's inception. This dedication has enabled La Tourangelle to transgress geographical boundaries and establish a significant presence in Woodland, California. The expansion aimed to bring their artisanal oils to a broader audience, blending French techniques with California’s rich agricultural resources.
Preserving French Artisan Techniques
La Tourangelle is synonymous with fostering the craft and tradition of French artisan oil-making. Despite their growth and transatlantic journey, the company fervently preserves the artisan techniques honed over centuries. They are committed to using the traditional roasting kettles and mechanical presses that were characteristic of their founders' methods in the 19th century. In modern facilities, La Tourangelle continues to ensure that each bottle of oil reflects the heritage of their family-owned business, the culture of Saumur, France, and the artisanal spirit that is the essence of their brand.
Artisanal Oil Production Process
La Tourangelle prides itself on an artisanal approach to oil production, ensuring that each step, from sourcing ingredients to packaging, adheres to the highest standards for quality and flavor.
Sourcing High-Quality Ingredients
La Tourangelle begins with the selection of the finest Non-GMO and, where possible, Organic ingredients. This careful sourcing is critical to the quality of the final product, as the oils reflect the flavor and nutritional profile of the raw materials they are pressed from.
Cold-Pressing Methods
The hallmark of La Tourangelle's production process is their traditional cold-pressing methods, which exclude the use of chemical solvents and high heats. The cold-pressed and expeller-pressed techniques maintain the integrity of the oil's flavor and nutritional value, resulting in a pure, high-quality product. This process involves:
Pressing: Nuts and seeds are ground into a paste and then mechanically pressed to extract the oil.
Settling: Oils are left to settle, allowing natural particulates to separate.
Filtering: The clear oil is filtered, ensuring a clean and pristine final product.
Bottling and Packaging
Once the oils are pressed and filtered, rigorous standards are maintained through to the bottling and packaging process. La Tourangelle uses durable canisters that not only protect the oils from light and air, two elements that can degrade quality, but are also aesthetically pleasing. Keeping with the artisanal ethos, the company ensures the packaging reflects the premium nature of the oil within.
Product Range
La Tourangelle offers an exquisite array of artisanal oils that cater to the distinct preferences and culinary needs of its customers. The range includes traditionally crafted, versatile oils that enhance any dish with their robust and unique flavors.
Extra Virgin Olive Oils
La Tourangelle's Extra Virgin Olive Oil is cold-pressed, preserving the pure taste and health benefits associated with this timeless oil. Their collection is known for its freshness and rich aromatics, ideal for dressings, drizzling, and sautés.
Nut and Seed Oils
Roasted Walnut Oil: La Tourangelle boasts a flavorful Roasted Walnut Oil, known for its deep, nutty profile, perfect for adding complexity to salads and baked goods.
Hazelnut Oil: Their Roasted Hazelnut Oil infuses a rich, distinctly nutty essence ideal for dressings and desserts.
Pistachio Oil: The Roasted Pistachio Oil provides a bold flavor, enriching culinary creations with its gourmet taste.
Roasted Almond Oil: This option is renowned for its versatility and subtle taste, a staple in both sweet and savory recipes.
Sunflower Oils: La Tourangelle crafts both conventional and Organic Sunflower Oil, light in flavor and suitable for high-heat cooking.
Toasted Pumpkin Seed Oil: An autumnal favorite with a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with roasted vegetables (What wine goes well with roasted vegetables?) and soups.
Infused and Flavored Oils
Avocado Oil: The Avocado Oil stands out for its buttery texture and compatibility with high-heat cooking, making it a pantry essential for health-conscious individuals.
Coconut Oil: Their Coconut Oil is revered for its versatility, adding tropical flair to both savory and sweet dishes.
Grapeseed Oil: The Grapeseed Oil is a chef's ally, known for its light taste and high smoke point, perfect for sautéing and frying.
La Tourangelle's product range successfully balances traditional methods with modern culinary needs, offering oils that are not only high-quality but also capable of elevating the simplest of dishes to gourmet standards.
Nutritional and Health Benefits
La Tourangelle's range of cold-pressed oils offers a plethora of nutritional advantages and supports a healthy lifestyle. These oils are a rich source of antioxidants and healthy fats which are vital for maintaining heart health and nourishing skin and hair, while also providing keto-friendly options.
Heart-Healthy Properties
La Tourangelle oils are crafted to benefit cardiovascular health, predominantly due to their high content of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats are known to help reduce harmful cholesterol levels, thus lowering the risk of heart disease. Notably, their walnut oil is especially rich in alpha-linolenic acid, an essential omega-3 fatty acid.
Antioxidants: Presence of antioxidants that help in reducing oxidative stress.
Healthy Fats: High in unsaturated fats, supportive of heart health.
Skin and Hair Health
The nutrient-rich profile of La Tourangelle oils, including vitamins E and A, contributes significantly to maintaining and improving skin and hair health. The oils act as natural moisturizers and can be beneficial for their hydrating properties. Virgin coconut oil, for example, is well-known for its ability to enrich the skin's texture and strength of the hair.
Nutrients: Essential vitamins act as agents for better skin and hair health.
Virgin Coconut Oil: Known for its deep conditioning properties for skin and hair.
Keto-Friendly Options
La Tourangelle provides oils suitable for high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets. These oils are energy dense, and their high smoke point ensures they retain nutrition and flavor upon heating, making them some of the healthiest oils to cook with.
Healthy Fats: The keto-friendly oils provide a source of energy without carbohydrates.
Smoke Point: Oils with a high smoke point retain nutritional integrity during cooking.
Cooking with La Tourangelle Oils
La Tourangelle oils offer a versatile range of high-quality, artisanal oils that elevate cooking and baking experiences. Here's how chefs and home cooks alike can incorporate these cold-pressed oils into their culinary endeavors.
Choosing the Right Oil for Your Dish
Selecting the appropriate oil from La Tourangelle for a dish depends greatly on the desired flavor profile and cooking method. For salads and dressings, Roasted Walnut Oil or Roasted Almond Oil adds a nutty essence. For sautéing and grilling, Avocado Oil is ideal with its high smoke point and subtle taste, complementing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Recipe Ideas:
Walnut Oil: Mix with balsamic vinegar for a rich vinaigrette.
Almond Oil: Drizzle over roasted vegetables for added depth.
Tips for Cooking and Baking
La Tourangelle oils can replace butter and vegetable shortening in many recipes, offering a healthier fat option. When baking, for instance, their Organic Canola Oil is a perfect substitute at a 1:1 ratio, maintaining the moisture without altering the taste. For frying, oils with higher smoke points, such as Grapeseed Oil, ensure better results and less degradation of the oil's properties.
Baking: Use Coconut Oil as a substitute for fats; melt to avoid clumping.
Sautéing: Avocado Oil maintains stability at medium-high temperatures.
Smoke Points and Usage
Understanding the smoke point of an oil—the temperature at which it begins to smoke and break down—is crucial for cooking. La Tourangelle's Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a moderate smoke point of 320°F, making it excellent for light sautéing, dressings, and dips. For high-heat cooking methods like frying and grilling, oils such as Organic Sunflower Oil with a smoke point of 440°F are recommended.
Smoke Points:
Oil Type Smoke Point (°F) Extra Virgin Olive Oil 320 Organic Sunflower Oil 440 Grapeseed Oil 420
It's essential to match the oil's smoke point with the cooking temperature to maintain the integrity of the oil and the healthfulness of the dish.
Sustainable and Community Initiatives
La Tourangelle is not only recognized for its artisanal culinary oils but is also lauded for its dedication to sustainable practices and enriching local community developments. The company's operations are deeply rooted in environmental responsibility and support for local producers, reflecting a solid commitment to sustainability and community welfare.
Environmental Responsibility
La Tourangelle operates with a strong environmental conscience, demonstrated through sustainable agriculture and energy practices. The company's California oil mill is situated on a 28-acre property, boasting around 10,000 olive trees that contribute to biodiversity and soil health. At the forefront of green energy adoption, they utilize a 350 KWH solar farm to power its operations, minimizing its carbon footprint. La Tourangelle's dedication to nature extends to its product range, offering Non-GMO Project Verified oils, echoing consumer demands for transparency and natural products.
Supporting Local Producers
In France's Loire Valley and in California, La Tourangelle nurtures strong partnerships with local producers to ensure a supply of high-quality ingredients. These collaborations aid not just in securing the best quality raw materials but also in bolstering local economies. The company carries the USDA Organic Certification, which underscores their commitment to promoting organic agriculture. Through the La Tourangelle Foundation, the company also contributes to local communities by providing educational programs about sustainable agriculture and nutrition.
Usage Beyond Cooking
La Tourangelle oils, known for their pure and high-quality attributes, extend their benefits beyond culinary use, catering to skincare and hair care needs due to their high content of healthy fats and antioxidants.
Skincare with La Tourangelle Oils
La Tourangelle oils serve as a natural skincare alternative, rich in antioxidants and 100% pure oil content. They provide a moisturizing effect that is suitable for various skin types. Individuals may incorporate these oils into their daily skincare regimen to harness the nourishing benefits of healthy fats.
Moisturizer: Apply a few drops of almond or avocado oil to the face for hydration.
Makeup Remover: Use a small amount of oil on a cotton pad to gently remove makeup.
Hair Treatment and Care
For hair health, La Tourangelle oils offer restorative properties. The pure oils can be massaged into the scalp and hair to add shine, aid in moisture retention, and protect against breakage.
Conditioner: Use oil as a deep conditioning treatment by warming it and applying to hair ends.
Scalp Treatment: Massage the oil into the scalp to stimulate health and growth.
Purchasing and Availability
La Tourangelle oils are available through a variety of purchasing options, catering to the preferences of different customers. They offer convenience in both online and in-person shopping experiences.
Where to Buy La Tourangelle Oils
La Tourangelle's artisanal oils are stocked by retail partners across the United States. Customers can find their products in select grocery stores and specialty shops. For those near Woodland, California, La Tourangelle has a local presence, allowing for an opportunity to purchase their oils directly from where they are produced.
Online Shopping and Shipping Information
Customers also have the option to purchase La Tourangelle oils through their online store. The online platform provides a wide selection of their oils, with detailed product information and user reviews. Shipping options vary, with standard and expedited shipping available to cater to the urgency of the customer's needs. La Tourangelle ensures their products are packed securely to maintain quality during transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, readers will find targeted information answering common inquiries about selecting La Tourangelle oils to match dietary preferences, the antioxidant content of oils, and proper storage practices to maintain optimal freshness.
Selecting the Best Oils for Various Diets
When choosing oils to complement specific diets, one should consider flavor profiles and dietary restrictions. For a vegetarian diet, La Tourangelle's Roasted Almond and Avocado oils offer rich, nutty, and buttery flavors perfect for dressing salads or roasting vegetables. Those following a keto diet may opt for oils with higher fat content, like Walnut oil, that accomodates the diet’s emphasis on fats. For cooking at medium-high temperatures, or preparing meats, an Artisan oil such as Avocado is suitable.
Understanding Antioxidant Levels in Oils
Antioxidants play a vital role in reducing oxidative stress. La Tourangelle's oils, such as the Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, are cold-pressed, a process which helps retain higher antioxidant levels. Oils like Walnut and Avocado are known for their beneficial antioxidant compounds, which may help support overall health.
Storage and Shelf Life
La Tourangelle recommends storing oils in a cool, dark place to preserve their integrity. Below is a brief guide to the shelf life of different oils when properly stored:
Cooking Sprays: When unopened, cooking sprays can last up to 2 years. After opening, they should be used within 6 months.
Cooking Oils: High-quality cooking oils typically have a shelf life of 6 months to 1 year once opened. Oils with higher oxidative stability, such as Avocado oil, may last longer.
Using the right salt and peppery seasonings alongside La Tourangelle's oils can enhance the natural flavors of food, whether one is sautéing vegetables or grilling meat.
