It’s a question that pops up again and again: Where can I find truly amazing Italian extra virgin olive oil? Whether you’re exploring the charming streets of Italy or browsing the shelves back home, the search for that golden elixir can feel like a treasure hunt.

But here’s the catch: In recent years, finding top-notch olive oil has become trickier than ever. Think of it as a delicious detective story! Poor harvests, coupled with sneaky olive oil fraud, have made discerning the real deal a challenge, even for seasoned olive oil enthusiasts. In Umbria, our home with its sprawling olive groves, we’ve personally experienced the sting of disappointing harvests – plagued by pesky flies one year, parched by drought another, and this year, a late frost nipped the budding olives in the bud. Talk about a bummer! So, like you, I’m always on the lookout for the best olive oil, both for my own kitchen and for sharing with others.

The Search for the Perfect Bottle: Navigating the Olive Oil Maze

This year, the quest for quality olive oil is particularly tough in my corner of Umbria. The harvest was so meager that many local olive mills are barely keeping their doors open, running at half their usual capacity. It’s a difficult situation for everyone, but as they say, in a region where everyone seems to have a relative who grows olives, I’m confident I’ll eventually track down enough of that liquid gold to last us throughout the year.

But what about you, back in the States? How do you ensure that the olive oil you buy lives up to its lofty price tag? And it will be pricey. If you stumble across a bottle that seems suspiciously affordable, well… I can’t guarantee that it’s the genuine article, even if it boasts the coveted “extra virgin Italian olive oil” label.

Your Passport to Authentic Italian Olive Oil: Trusted Resources

Don’t worry, I’m not leaving you hanging! I’m happy to share a few of my trusted resources, importers I’ve personally worked with here in Italy, sourcing not just olive oil, but a whole range of delicious Italian delights. You’ll quickly notice that the price tag reflects the exceptional quality. Be prepared to spend a bit more than you’re used to at your local supermarket – true olive oil is a luxury, even here in its homeland.

And just a heads-up: This is a list of importers I know and trust personally. If you have other fantastic resources, please share them in the comments below! (PS – This is not a paid advertisement, just my genuine recommendations for some seriously good oil!)

Curious Appetite Gourmet Club: This exciting new food club, spearheaded by my friend Coral, features a selection of top-notch olive oils.

More Than Just Oil: Recipes, Workshops, and Your Olive Oil Journey

Craving some delicious recipes to pair with your newfound olive oil treasure? Look no further!

If you happen to be in Rome and are eager to dive deeper into the world of olive oil, consider joining us for an enlightening workshop. Just shoot me an email, and we’ll connect!

Looking for more guidance on navigating the Italian food scene? My app, Eat Italy, is packed with tips for finding the best olive oil and other culinary gems in the Eternal City.

Get ready for a culinary adventure! I’ll be spending next week exploring the charming hills of Umbria, leading a “Week in Umbria” food tour. We’ll be visiting a few local olive mills, so be sure to follow along on my Instagram account for behind-the-scenes glimpses and stories.

UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who’s shared their fantastic resources in the comments below! I’m so excited to see all the amazing options available in the USA. Make sure to check them out for more olive oil inspiration!