Discover the Exceptional Taste of Chiquitita Olive Oil from Mallorca, Spain

The Beauty of Chiquitita Olive Oil

Olive oil is a pantry staple used by home cooks and chefs alike. Its grassy, fruity flavor adds depth and richness to everything from salad dressings to cake batters. But not all olive oils are created equal. There is one variety in particular that stands above the rest in terms of flavor and quality - Chiquitita olive oil.

What Makes Chiquitita Olive Oil Special

Chiquitita olive oil comes from the ancient Chiquitita olive trees found on the island of Mallorca off the coast of Spain. These trees produce small, delicate olives that yield an oil with a bright, peppery flavor and velvety smooth texture. Chiquitita oil has achieved Protected Designation of Origin status from the European Union, meaning that it must be made from Chiquitita olives grown exclusively on Mallorca.

The unique microclimate and soil conditions of Mallorca produce olives with a distinctive chemical composition. They are high in oleic acid, a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, as well as polyphenols, natural antioxidants that give EVOO its bitter, pungent taste. The result is an extremely well-balanced oil that adds a pop of fruitiness and spice to any dish.

Tasting Notes and Uses

Upon first taste, you’ll notice Chiquitita oil has a bold, grassy aroma and smooth yet peppery flavor. It has a medium fruity taste complemented by a pleasant bitter pungency. The viscosity is medium-bodied and it has a bright golden hue.

This olive oil really shines when paired with seafood, salads, fresh vegetables, eggs, and mild cheeses. It’s perfect for drizzling over grilled fish, meats or vegetables. For dessert, try using it to make olive oil cake or frostings. And of course, Chiquitita oil is excellent on its own as a dip for crusty bread.

Chiquitita Olive Oil Ricotta Cake

One of the best ways to showcase the flavor of Chiquitita EVOO is in this light and fluffy olive oil ricotta cake. No mixer required, just stir everything together in one bowl for an easy summer dessert. The olive oil keeps the cake supremely moist and adds a nice fruitiness that complements the berries.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup Chiquitita extra virgin olive oil
• 15 oz whole milk ricotta
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mixed berries

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 10-inch bundt pan with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until light yellow and frothy, about 2 minutes.
4. Whisk in the olive oil, ricotta, lemon zest and vanilla until fully incorporated.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently fold together just until no flour streaks remain.
6. Fold in the mixed berries.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy this light, fluffy cake on a hot summer day!

Buying and Storing Chiquitita Olive Oil

Authentic Chiquitita olive oil carries the PDO seal on its label along with the words “Aceite de Oliva Virgen Extra.” Make sure any oil you buy says it’s produced in Mallorca, Spain from Chiquitita olives. Beware of any imposters trying to pass off regular olive oil as the real deal!

Like all EVOO, proper storage is important to keep Chiquitita oil fresh. Always keep it in a cool, dark place and make sure bottles are sealed tightly. Heat, light and oxygen can cause olive oil to go rancid quickly. Store oils away from the stove or oven and avoid clear bottles.

An unopened bottle of Chiquitita EVOO will stay good for 12-24 months past its harvest date. Once opened, aim to use within 3-4 months. If an oil ever smells musty or off, it’s time to throw it away.

Worth the Splurge

At around $15-$30 per 500mL bottle, Chiquitita oil sits at the higher end of the EVOO price spectrum. But fans say its exceptionally complex flavor and velvety texture make it worth the splurge. A little goes a long way, and using such a high quality oil can greatly elevate simple everyday meals.

“It’s smooth, it’s silky, it’s flavorful, it’s excellent,” raves one reviewer. Other owners report the fresh, peppery taste enhancing everything from pasta to popcorn once they try it.

While cost may prohibit using Chiquitita as an everyday cooking oil, keeping a bottle on hand for drizzling over finished dishes or making special vinaigrettes is a worthy investment for any food lover. This Spanish national treasure offers a truly unique taste of Mallorca in every drop.

Exploring Other Mallorcan Olive Oils

If you love the taste of Chiquitita oil, it’s worth exploring other olive oils from the island of Mallorca. Within the PDO designation, there are several other permitted varieties besides Chiquitita that offer their own distinct flavors:

Arbequina Olive Oil

Arbequina trees yield small olives that produce oils with aromas of fresh grass, tomato, and artichoke. The oils have a round, smooth mouthfeel.

Picual Olive Oil

Mallorcan Picual oils are intensely fruity and herbal, with spicy notes of newly cut grass, green almond, and black pepper. They have a strong pungency and thick texture.

Empeltre Olive Oil

Empeltre oil has lighter fruitiness reminiscent of green apples and bananas. It has a mild peppery finish and smooth, fluid mouthfeel.

Mallorcan farmers pride themselves on producing exceptional olive oils from native olive varieties. Trying several PDO oils lets you experience the island’s terroir in a glass.

In the Kitchen with Chiquitita

Once you acquire a bottle of authentic Chiquitita olive oil, have fun using it in the kitchen.

For appetizers, drizzle it over fresh bruschetta or use it to make herb-infused oils. For salads, try splashing it over tomatoes with flaky sea salt, or whisk it with vinegar for a bright vinaigrette.

Use Chiquitita to sauté or roast vegetables, baste proteins like chicken, beef or salmon, or toss with pasta. For baking, substitute it 1:1 for other fats like butter or oil. Get creative with olive oil brownies, cookies and cakes.

Keep a small cruet of Chiquitita on the table for dipping bread. Or to really savor the flavor, sip it solo like a fine wine.

Perfect Food Pairings

Chiquitita oil matches beautifully with many foods. Here are some of the best pairings:

• Fish - Tuna, mackerel, anchovies
• Shellfish - Shrimp, mussels, clams
• Vegetables - Tomatoes, eggplant, spinach
• Cheese - Goat, mozzarella, parmesan, feta
• Herbs - Basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme
• Breads - Focaccia, crusty baguettes
• Desserts - Cakes, custards, frozen yogurt

With its robust flavor, Chiquitita oil can hold its own against bold ingredients while also enhancing more delicate ones. Experiment until you find your perfect matches.

Where to Buy Chiquitita Olive Oil

Searching for this prized Mallorcan olive oil? Here are some tips for finding authentic Chiquitita EVOO:

Specialty Stores

Check gourmet food shops, especially those focused on international or Spanish products. Many carry Chiquitita oil along with other imported EVOO.

Online Retailers

Several reputable online merchants offer mail order Chiquitita oil. Look for sellers who guarantee its authenticity.

Importers and Distributors

Some companies specialize in importing Chiquitita and other Spanish olive oils to the US and Canada. Contact them to find retailers near you.

Mallorca Travels

When visiting Mallorca, go right to the source! Many farms sell Chiquitita oil onsite.

With its PDO status and stellar reputation, genuine Chiquitita olive oil may not always be easy to find. But a little searching can yield liquid gold.

Tips for Cooking with Chiquitita Oil

Once you’ve acquired this coveted olive oil, you’ll want to use it properly in the kitchen. Here are some tips:

1. Store it correctly

Keep the oil in a cool, dark place in an airtight container to prevent oxidation.

2. Don’t overheat it

Use Chiquitita for dressings, drizzling and light sautéing. Overheating damages the flavor and nutrients.

3. Try it raw

Drizzle over finished dishes or dip bread in it to fully enjoy that fresh, peppery taste.

4. Use within 3-4 months

Like all EVOO, Chiquitita oil is perishable so try to use bottles quickly after opening.

5. Buy in small quantities

The fresher the olive oil, the better it tastes. Purchase just what you’ll use soon.

With its outstanding flavor, it would be a crime to cook the nuances out of Chiquitita olive oil. Handle this EVOO with care to fully appreciate its quality.

Common Questions about Chiquitita Olive Oil

What makes Chiquitita olive oil so special?

Chiquitita oil is produced from rare Mallorcan olive trees that yield oil with a uniquely fruity, peppery taste. The island's soil and climate impart excellent flavor.

Is Chiquitita olive oil the best?

Chiquitita is considered one of the finest extra virgin olive oils in the world, renowned for its complex flavor and velvety texture.

Is Chiquitita EVOO better than regular olive oil?

As an extra virgin oil, Chiquitita is far superior to regular olive oil in terms of flavor, aroma, and nutrients.

What does Chiquitita olive oil taste like?

It has an intensely fruity, grassy aroma and smooth, peppery flavor with a pleasant pungency.

What is the difference between Chiquitita and regular EVOO?

While both are extra virgin, Chiquitita comes from a specific olive variety in Mallorca, Spain, giving it a more distinct and nuanced taste.

How should I cook with Chiquitita olive oil?

Use for light cooking like sauteing. Drizzle over finished dishes to highlight its fresh, robust flavor.

Chiquitita olive oil is a world-class extra virgin oil perfect for anyone who appreciates exceptional flavor. Seek out a bottle of this Spanish treasure to enhance your cooking and salads.

FAQs

How is Chiquitita olive oil made?

Chiquitita olive oil is made by pressing Chiquitita olives grown on the island of Mallorca in Spain. The olives are harvested by hand, then cold pressed to extract the oil without using heat or chemicals.

What's the best way to store Chiquitita olive oil?

Store Chiquitita oil in a cool, dark place away from heat and light. An airtight container helps prevent oxidation. Refrigeration is not needed but will prolong shelf life.

What does "extra virgin" mean?

Extra virgin is the highest quality grade for olive oil. To be labeled extra virgin, the oil must be extracted from olives by physical means only and meet specific chemical criteria indicating freshness and purity.

How long does Chiquitita olive oil last after opening?

An opened bottle of Chiquitita oil will stay fresh for 3-4 months. Make sure to store it properly sealed in a cool, dark place.

What foods pair well with Chiquitita olive oil?

Chiquitita oil pairs nicely with seafood, vegetables, eggs, cheese, breads, and desserts. Its fruity flavor also shines when drizzled over hummus, pasta, grilled meats, and fresh salads.