I Tried the Olive Oil Pro Chefs Call ‘Superior,’ and I’m Never Going Back
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Its fresh, earthy flavor complements every dish, including desserts.
Food & Wine / Madison Woiten
I’ve been watching professional chefs like Emeril Lagasse, Giada De Laurentiis, and Ina Garten on TV since I was in elementary school, and one thing that is ingrained in me from episodes of Barefoot Contessa is the importance of using “good olive oil.” When picking out olive oil at the store, I always look at the label to ensure the harvest date falls within the last three years and that it’s 100% extra virgin (the highest quality) instead of virgin, regular, or light.
The olive oils I’ve bought from my local supermarket have never been bad, but they also have never been so good that I’ve wanted to repurchase the same one. Some tasted too light, while others tasted too heavy. However, just in time for the busiest cooking season of the year, I received a sample of Corto’s Truly 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and let’s just say I think it’s Ina Garten-worthy.
Corto Truly 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Corto
$24
The family-run business is located in northern California with origins in Lucca, Italy, and its thoughtful process and strong values are what make its products a favorite among home chefs and professionals. Corto harvests the olives at peak ripeness, extracts them at a temperature below 27ºC (to maintain the nutritional value), and then stores them in the company’s climate-controlled cellar — after passing a strict taste test.
When the package arrived at my door, I was stoked to find that I received the brand’s 3-liter box of extra virgin olive oil. I’ve only ever owned 500-milliliter bottles, but the size wasn’t the only exciting part. This generous portion keeps the olive oil extra fresh thanks to its vacuum-sealed bag that stays in the box to prevent light, heat, and air from getting to it. To use it, you simply press the spout on the side to drizzle over foods and in pans. And don’t worry, if a 3-liter box is too much for you, it also comes in a 500-milliliter bottle.
My favorite part about Corto’s extra virgin olive oil is its fresh, earthy flavor that works well in both savory and sweet recipes. So far, I’ve used Corto’s olive oil in cakes, pasta dishes, soups, vegetable sides, homemade hummus, and salad dressings. And while I love incorporating it into everyday meals, it's one of the only olive oils I've owned that I will drizzle over dishes and dip fresh bread into (with a sprinkle of parmesan, of course). That enjoyment is the ultimate test, in my opinion.
Aside from my editor's seal of approval, the olive oil has earned five stars from more than 700 shoppers and is even used by professional chefs, with one of them calling the quality “superior.” One reviewer whose spouse is a “fabulous home chef” and “extremely selective” of products said it’s the “only olive oil she will ever buy.” Another customer shared that they’ve been “using Corto Olive Oil for over 10 years,” adding that it’s the “best [they’ve] tasted” — including ones from Italy.
Whether you’re like me and have been on the hunt for good-quality olive oil or are looking for a holiday gift for a foodie on your list, I highly recommend Corto’s 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Keep scrolling for more olive oil options from the brand.
Corto Lemongrass & Basil Olive Oil
Corto
$40
Corto Calabrian Chili Olive Oil
Corto
$40
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