La Tourangelle has been crafting artisanal oils since 1867, blending French tradition with California innovation. Their commitment to quality shines through in their cold-pressed oils, particularly their extra virgin olive oils. These oils are carefully extracted within hours of harvest to preserve the olives’ natural flavors and antioxidants.
La Tourangelle’s cold-pressed oils offer a premium taste experience while maintaining high nutritional value. Their California Extra Virgin Olive Oil brings a golden warmth to kitchens, while their Organic Bright & Peppery Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Spanish Picual olives delivers a well-balanced, intense flavor profile. These oils are ideal for everyday cooking, adding depth and richness to a variety of dishes.
La Tourangelle’s dedication to sustainability and community extends beyond their products. The company focuses on producing food that benefits not only the table but also the planet. This commitment to quality and responsibility has made La Tourangelle a trusted name in culinary oils for over 150 years.
The Artisan Craft of La Tourangelle
La Tourangelle combines traditional French techniques with modern production to create high-quality artisan oils. Their commitment to craftsmanship and natural processes results in flavorful, cold-pressed oils.
History and Origin
La Tourangelle’s roots trace back to 1867 in Bourgeuil, France. The family-owned company began producing artisan oils using time-honored French methods.
In 2002, La Tourangelle expanded operations to Woodland, California. This move allowed them to bring their expertise to a new market while maintaining their dedication to quality.
The company’s name pays homage to the Touraine region of France, known for its rich culinary traditions.
Production Process
La Tourangelle employs cold-pressing techniques to extract oil from nuts, seeds, and fruits. This method preserves the natural flavors and nutritional benefits of the ingredients.
For their organic extra virgin olive oil, La Tourangelle sources olives from Andalucía, Spain. The olives are harvested early in the season to maximize freshness and antioxidant content.
The oils are carefully processed shortly after harvest. This quick turnaround ensures a well-balanced, bright flavor profile with peppery notes.
La Tourangelle’s commitment to quality extends to their packaging. They use tins to store their oils, which helps protect the product from light and air.
Health Benefits of Cold-Pressed Oils
Cold-pressed oils offer numerous health benefits due to their nutrient-rich composition and minimal processing. These oils retain more of their natural properties compared to refined alternatives.
Nutritional Content
Cold-pressed oils are excellent sources of essential nutrients. Olive oil, a popular cold-pressed option, contains vitamins E and K, as well as beneficial plant compounds. It provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which can support heart health when consumed in moderation.
The nutrition facts of cold-pressed oils vary by type. For example, walnut oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, while avocado oil offers vitamin E and potassium. These oils generally provide concentrated energy, with most containing about 120 calories per tablespoon.
Cold-pressed oils typically contain minimal protein. Their primary macronutrient is fat, which plays crucial roles in hormone production and nutrient absorption.
Antioxidants and Fatty Acids
Cold-pressed oils are renowned for their high antioxidant content. These compounds help protect cells from oxidative stress and may reduce inflammation in the body. Olive oil, in particular, contains potent antioxidants like oleocanthal and oleuropein.
Many cold-pressed oils are rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid associated with various health benefits. This fatty acid is particularly abundant in olive and avocado oils. Studies suggest oleic acid may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
The fatty acid profile of cold-pressed oils contributes to their status as some of the healthiest oils for cooking. Their stability at high temperatures makes them suitable for various culinary applications while preserving their nutritional value.
Varieties and Flavors
La Tourangelle offers a diverse range of cold-pressed oils, from pure extra virgin olive oil to unique flavored varieties. Their products showcase distinctive tastes and textures suited for various culinary applications.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
La Tourangelle’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil stands out for its quality and flavor profile. Sourced from California groves, this oil is cold-pressed within hours of harvest to preserve its fresh taste. It has a bright and peppery character with a smooth texture.
The oil is made from Picual olives, known for their robust flavor. This variety contributes to the oil’s peppery finish, making it ideal for salad dressings, dips, and finishing dishes.
La Tourangelle also produces an Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil option for those seeking certified organic products.
Infused and Flavored Oils
La Tourangelle expands its offerings with a selection of infused and flavored oils. These products add unique tastes to culinary creations.
White Truffle Infused Oil is a popular choice, priced at $24.99. It imparts a luxurious truffle flavor to dishes.
Other flavored options include garlic-infused oil and herb-infused varieties. These oils are versatile, suitable for cooking, baking, and as finishing touches.
La Tourangelle’s flavored oils turn ordinary meals into extraordinary ones. They’re designed to enhance stir-fries, smoothies, and baked goods.
Culinary Applications
La Tourangelle cold pressed oils offer versatile options for enhancing various culinary creations. These artisanal oils bring distinct flavors and nutritional benefits to dishes across different cooking methods and applications.
Cooking and Baking
La Tourangelle oils excel in everyday cooking and baking. For sautéing, their high smoke points make them ideal for stir-frying vegetables or searing meats. In baking, these oils can replace butter in many recipes, adding moisture and subtle flavors to cakes, muffins, and breads.
The California Extra Virgin Olive Oil works well for roasting vegetables or as a base for homemade marinades. Specialty oils like walnut or avocado can impart unique tastes to baked goods, elevating simple recipes with gourmet flair.
For high-heat cooking, La Tourangelle offers options like their refined coconut oil or grapeseed oil, which maintain stability at higher temperatures.
Salads and Dressings
Cold pressed oils shine in salad applications, where their flavors can truly stand out. La Tourangelle’s extra virgin olive oil forms an excellent base for vinaigrettes, balancing acidity with its fruity notes.
For Asian-inspired dressings, their toasted sesame oil adds depth and nuttiness. Walnut oil pairs beautifully with bitter greens and fruit-based salads, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
To create unique dressings, blend different La Tourangelle oils. For example, combine their avocado oil with lemon juice and herbs for a creamy, dairy-free option rich in healthy fats.
Dips and Drizzles
As finishing oils, La Tourangelle products truly shine. A drizzle of their cold pressed oils can elevate simple dishes to gourmet status. Use their truffle-infused oil to finish pasta dishes or drizzle over popcorn for a luxurious snack.
For dips, blend La Tourangelle oils with herbs and spices to create flavorful accompaniments for bread or vegetables. Their roasted hazelnut oil makes an excellent base for chocolate-hazelnut spreads or as a nutty drizzle over ice cream.
In Mediterranean-inspired dishes, a final touch of their extra virgin olive oil enhances flavors and adds a silky texture to hummus, baba ganoush, or freshly baked focaccia.
Choosing the Right Oil for Your Needs
Selecting the ideal oil depends on taste preferences, cooking methods, and health considerations. La Tourangelle offers a range of cold-pressed oils to suit various culinary needs.
Taste and Aroma
Cold-pressed oils retain their natural flavors and aromas. Walnut oil imparts a nutty sweetness, perfect for desserts and Asian stir-fries. Extra virgin olive oil provides a robust, grassy taste with herbal notes, enhancing salad dressings and sautéed dishes.
For a neutral flavor, canola oil works well in many recipes. Experimenting with different oils can add depth to your cooking. Try blending oils to create unique flavor profiles in your favorite recipes.
Cooking Techniques
Different oils have varying smoke points, affecting their suitability for cooking methods. Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for low to medium-heat cooking, like sautéing vegetables. Its lower smoke point makes it less suitable for high-heat frying.
Canola oil, with its higher smoke point, is versatile for various cooking techniques, including baking and frying. Consider the cooking temperature when selecting an oil to preserve its nutritional benefits and avoid harmful compounds from overheating.
Dietary Considerations
Oils play a crucial role in meeting dietary needs. Walnut oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health. Extra virgin olive oil contains antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, supporting overall wellness.
For those following a keto diet, oils high in healthy fats are essential. Olive and walnut oils fit well into this eating plan. When choosing oils for hair health, look for those rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, like olive oil.
Always check nutritional information to ensure the oil aligns with your dietary goals and restrictions.
Sustainability and Sourcing
La Tourangelle demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable practices and responsible sourcing for their cold-pressed oils. The company prioritizes organic farming methods and works closely with local communities to promote environmental stewardship.
Organic and Non-GMO Practices
La Tourangelle’s cold-pressed oils are produced using USDA Organic and Non-GMO certified ingredients. The company sources its seeds and fruits from farms that employ regenerative agriculture techniques, which enhance soil health and reduce pesticide use.
These practices help maintain ecosystem balance and preserve biodiversity. La Tourangelle’s organic extra virgin olive oil, for example, is made from Picual olives grown without synthetic chemicals or genetic modification.
The company’s dedication to 100% Organic products extends across their range of cold-pressed oils, ensuring consumers have access to high-quality, sustainably produced options.
Local and Community Initiatives
La Tourangelle actively engages with local communities near its production facilities in France and California. The company sources seeds and fruits from nearby farmers, supporting regional agriculture and reducing transportation-related emissions.
In France, La Tourangelle works with farmers in the Saumur area to promote sustainable farming practices. Their commitment to local sourcing helps preserve traditional agricultural landscapes and supports rural economies.
The company also participates in community garden programs, fostering education about sustainable food production and healthy eating habits. These initiatives strengthen the connection between La Tourangelle’s products and the communities they serve.
La Tourangelle Beyond the Kitchen
La Tourangelle oils offer versatile applications beyond cooking. These high-quality oils provide benefits for hair and skin care while also lending themselves to creative uses around the home.
Hair and Skin Benefits
La Tourangelle’s cold-pressed oils can nourish hair and skin. Olive oil acts as a natural moisturizer, helping to soften dry hair and reduce frizz. It can be applied as a pre-shampoo treatment or mixed into conditioner.
For skin care, avocado oil from La Tourangelle absorbs quickly and may improve skin elasticity. Its antioxidants and vitamins can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Coconut oil works well as a natural makeup remover and body moisturizer. Its antimicrobial properties may also help combat acne when used in moderation.
Other Creative Uses
La Tourangelle oils have practical applications outside of beauty routines. Olive oil can polish wood furniture, restoring shine to dull surfaces.
Coconut oil makes an effective natural lubricant for squeaky hinges or stuck zippers. It can also condition leather goods, helping to prevent cracks and extend their lifespan.
In the garden, neem oil from La Tourangelle acts as a natural pesticide. When diluted and sprayed on plants, it deters many common garden pests without harsh chemicals.
Walnut oil brings out rich tones in wood, making it ideal for finishing cutting boards or wooden utensils.