What to Buy Trending Products & Deals I Tried the Olive Oil Pro Chefs Call ‘Superior,’ and I’m Never Going Back Its fresh, earthy flavor complements every dish, including desserts. By Bridget Degnan Bridget Degnan Expertise: Food, Home, Lifestyle, Kitchen ProductsBridget is an Associate Commerce Editor specializing in kitchen product reviews and roundups. Bridget joined the Dotdash Meredith commerce team in 2019 and has three years of experience writing and editing food, drink, and lifestyle content for a variety of brands. Her work has appeared in Real Simple, Southern Living, Food & Wine, Better Homes and Gardens, and more.Experience Bridget is an Associate Commerce Editor at Allrecipes and has three years of experience writing and editing for Dotdash Meredith brands. She has tested and reviewed several meal subscription services and has spent countless hours researching kitchen and food products. She has a B.A. in advertising from Iowa State University, where she found her passion for magazine writing thanks to her journalism professors.Bridget has always loved being in the kitchen, whether it's cooking a new recipe or baking a cake for no reason in particular. Most of her recipe inspiration comes from her dad (who loved to cook), Giada De Laurentiis, and Ina Garten. Bridget is also a coffee aficionado. The highlight of her week is her early morning coffee dates with her sister. For three years, they have met at different local establishments on Thursdays before work. Lavender oat milk lattes are her favorite. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 27, 2023 We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Photo: 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 Buy Now $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 Buy Now $40 Corto Calabrian Chili Olive Oil Corto Buy Now $40 Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! 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