Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Pizza
Pizza is one of Italy’s most beloved culinary gifts. Whether it’s topped with fresh mozzarella, seasonal vegetables or artisan meats, the perfect pie is more than its toppings. The real star is the olive oil – that golden elixir that binds dough, sauce and toppings together and adds a subtle peppery kick. In longevity hotspots such as Sardinia, a Blue Zone where centenarians thrive, high‑quality extra virgin olive oil is a dietary cornerstone. Incorporating premium oil into your pizza ritual can not only elevate flavor but also deliver the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet. This article explores why Spanish olive oil like The Immortal Extra Virgin Olive Oil a drinkable extra virgin oil should be in your kitchen and how a drizzle can transform your pizza into a longevity‑boosting meal.
Why olive oil quality matters for pizza
Virgin vs. extra virgin
Not all olive oils are created equal. Virgin olive oil is mechanically pressed without refining, but it can contain minor defects in flavor and aroma. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the highest grade: cold‑pressed, unrefined and free of defects, with a low acidity below 0.8%. Research shows that EVOO is rich in monounsaturated fat (about 71 % oleic acid) and contains polyphenol antioxidants that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. These compounds not only support heart health and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases, they also contribute to EVOO’s peppery, fruity notes.
What makes Spanish olive oil special
Spain produces roughly 45 % of the world’s olives, offering over 200 diverse varieties. According to food writers, Spanish olive oil is characteristically yellow‑gold with nuttier, fruitier flavors compared with Italian oils, which tend to be grassy and herbal. Because of Spain’s warm climate and early harvesting, many Spanish EVOOs, like The Immortal, are exceptionally high in polyphenols, giving them a pleasant bitterness and a spicy finish – a sign of potency. These oils are so flavorful that aficionados often describe them as drinkable olive oil, which is why Janna Breslin begins every day with an Immortal Shot.
Health benefits that pair with pizza
A daily dose of EVOO provides numerous benefits. Oleic acid and polyphenols can help improve blood cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk while antioxidants protect blood lipids from oxidation. The PREDIMED study found that people following a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra‑virgin olive oil had a 30 % reduced risk of heart disease and stroke and up to a 40 % lower risk of developing diabetes. EVOO may also improve mental performance in older adults and relieve constipation when taken by the spoonful. These benefits make high‑polyphenol EVOO an ideal match for the indulgence of pizza – it adds flavor while supporting longevity.
How to use extra virgin olive oil on pizza
Choose high‑quality oil
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The Immortal EVOO is the prefect olive oil for your pizza.
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Seek peppery or fruity tasting notes; these indicate a higher polyphenol content. Avoid oils labelled simply “light” or “refined,” which lack the beneficial compounds.
Incorporate EVOO at multiple stages
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In the dough: Replace a portion of the water with EVOO. The monounsaturated fat tenderizes the dough and adds subtle flavor.
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Before baking: Brush the crust with EVOO to create a crisp, golden exterior.
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After baking: Finish with a generous drizzle of drinkable olive oil right before serving. This preserves delicate aromas and maximizes health benefits.
Pair with Blue Zone toppings
For a longevity‑inspired pie, top your pizza with Mediterranean ingredients such as fresh tomatoes, basil, arugula, sardines or anchovies (for omega‑3s) and a sprinkle of pecorino cheese. Once out of the oven, drizzle your robust Immortal extra virgin oil over the hot pizza; the warmth will release the oil’s fruity aromas and merge with the toppings.
Watch Janna’s pizza ritual
For inspiration, watch Janna Breslin make pizza in one of the world’s oldest pizza ovens. She demonstrates how extra virgin olive oil completes a perfect pie, from brushing the crust to the final drizzle. Check out her video here: https://youtu.be/ztZzWmQZkNk.
Frequently asked questions
Is it healthy to drink olive oil?
Some people take shots of olive oil for digestion or detox purposes. While EVOO provides healthy fats and may relieve constipation, no research supports drinking it offers more benefits than using it with food. In fact, consuming olive oil with food increases absorption of antioxidants from tomatoes and other produce. It’s also calorie‑dense, so drinkable olive oil should be enjoyed mindfully.
What’s the difference between virgin and extra virgin olive oil?
Both are mechanically pressed, but extra virgin has stricter quality standards, lower free‑acid content and no flavor defects. This results in higher antioxidant levels and a fresher taste, making it the best choice for finishing pizza.
Do Spanish oils taste different from Italian oils?
Yes. Spanish oils tend to be yellow‑gold and nuttier or fruitier, while Italian oils are often darker green and grassier. Choosing between them is a matter of personal preference, but Spanish varieties pair particularly well with pizza’s rich tomato and cheese flavors.
Conclusion
Elevating your pizza is as much about the olive oil as it is about the toppings. Extra virgin olive oil, especially The Immortal EVOO infuses your pie with fruity, peppery notes and delivers heart‑healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. This simple drizzle is a nod to the dietary traditions of Blue Zones like Sardinia and can bring a touch of longevity to your everyday meals. Whether you sip it, cook with it or pour it over hot pizza, high‑quality EVOO deserves a starring role in your kitchen. Enjoy your next slice knowing you’re indulging in both flavor and wellness.
