Olive oil is a staple
of the Mediterranean diet, widely recognized for its important health benefits.
It is also rich in benefits to the palate, adding a pungent flavor and pleasing
texture to soups, stews, meats and vegetables. Cooks who are unfamiliar with
the versatility of olive oil may think of it only a medium for sautéing or frying food, but high quality
olive oil is so delectable that it is best enjoyed at room temperature. One of
the first things to do when settling in to your Florence apartment is to enjoy a bite of olio nuovo (new oil) with a
piece of crusty bread. Be careful — the peppery sharpness of the new oil means it might bite
back. Coughing is a good sign that it is rich in healthy polyphenols.
