Q: What has a robust aroma, flavors evocative of fresh fruit, a peppery bite and a hint of bitterness?
A: Holy Land olive oil from Palestine, available at Global Exchange Fair Trade shop in Berkeley.
Tonight I am using Holy Land olive oil to make:
- Delicious and versatile no-cook pesto sauce for pasta
- Baby heirloom tomato salad drizzled with olive oil
- Kale, feta and carrot salad drizzled with olive oil
The flavor of this olive oil is enough to dress salads alone but I added a dash of salt, pepper, and lemon.
Pesto Ingredients:
1/4 cup walnuts
2 cups packed chopped basil
1/2 cup grated hard Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons HOLYLAND extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Method: Pulse all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. I am adding this pesto to hot noodles but it can also be paired with steamed vegetables, used as a spread on sandwiches or served as a simple and healthy dip with raw veggies or pita chips.
Holy Land is proud to be the first to import Palestinian olive oil into the U.S. and their mission is to create and sustain a permanent market for Palestinian farmers. Your purchase of Holy Land is valued as an expression of support for the olive farmers. Reading about Palestinian olive trees, looking at beautiful pictures of Palestine and enjoying the rich taste of this olive oil makes me want to experience the harvest for myself, luckily I have a great connection.
Global Exchange invites you to travel to Palestine and Israel for a very special “Fair Olive Harvest” Reality Tour to learn how Fair Trade cooperatives are restoring hope and providing economic alternatives to a population under occupation.
Witness communities building economic alternatives by way of the Fair Trade model, experience and cultivate a greater appreciation of Palestinian traditions, food and people, and spend a day or two harvesting olives with a farm family. Participants will also discuss integral human rights issues with Palestinian and Israeli organizations, as well as observe first-hand the effects of occupation on the Palestinian economy, the land and life.
Become inspired to change the U.S.’s negative role in the conflict, and become a conduit for promoting solidarity between internationals and Palestinian farming communities while learning the benefits of supporting Palestinian Fair Trade products in the U.S.
- organic extra virgin Holy Land olive oil (500ml) $17.95, available at Global Exchange Fair Trade shop in Berkeley.
- all other ingredients used are organic and from Berkeley Bowl.
Photography by Lauren Matley