Val d’Ocia, in Tuscany, is characterized by a rich history, picturesque villages, and gently rolling hills, making it a very suitable environment for the olive groves that bear this incredibly fine oil. Derived from a blend of three different varieties of olives, these fruits are harvested exclusively by hand between the end of October and early November, and the oil is extracted within eight hours of being plucked to prevent the deterioration of flavors and fragrances. A clear pale greenish-yellow color, this lively, full-bodied extra-virgin oil is rich with the flavors of fresh artichoke, mown grass, celery, and green apple. Leaving a pleasantly lingering aftertaste, it submits to slight pleasant piquancy.

Use this in Tuscan-style soups and on grilled meats. Try it on crostadas and bruschetta, in bean and cannellini salads, or drizzle it on roasted or grilled fish.

Fairway Marketplace is brought to you by Fairway Market, a specialty food chain that started back in 1933 with a small fruit and vegetable stand on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Today, Fairway Market is legendary for its experts and expertise in all things food, and a relentless obsession with quality throughout all of the different departments in its stores. In December of 2011, Fairway launched this online shop, so that we could bring the best of the best of what Fairway offers, at the same great values, to those who don’t live near one of our stores. Why keep all of this foodie goodness to ourselves? That simply would not be fair.