Olive Oil Fused and Infused
What is Fused versus Infused Olive Oil?
We’ve received of a flurry of questions and comments regarding misappropriation of the term “fused” by stores not supplied by Veronica Foods who are using it to describe oils that are not mechanically crushed, which is a process that strictly defines the category of “agrumato”.
First, a little history… from the time we began making agrumato olive oil (aka “fused” olive oil) decades ago, we needed a word that best described our mill’s process of crushing whole, fresh, organic olives together with perfectly ripe, fresh produce, strictly using cold mechanical extraction. We chose to use the word “fused” because the only other word that existed to describe this unique, artisan process was the Italian term, “agrumato”. At the time, we felt the term “agrumato” was too obscure so we chose to call our agrumato olive oil “fused”. The term “fused” as used to describe this process was essentially invented or coined by Veronica foods decades ago.
We believe that the term “fused” has been co-opted for a few reasons. First and foremost, the process of making agrumato is incredibly difficult, costly, and therefore incredibly rare. It’s time consuming, laborious, and requires a near perfect choreography between farmers to bring fresh, ripe, locally sourced produce to the mill the moment the olives are ready to be harvested. We’re talking mere hours from harvest to crush for both olives and fresh produce at our mill.
Furthermore, a recipe must be developed dictating how many tons of fresh herbs, fruit, or vegetables should be crushed with a specific ratio of olives. This process of formulation can take many seasons to perfect. We had many failures along the way before we got each agrumato olive oil right. Remember, a mill cannot simply stop production to make tiny test batches of agrumato in order to find flavor harmony. Our mill has an Alfa Laval in full swing during fall/winter harvest, and fresh olives need to be crushed immediately! Needless to say, the process of agrumato is a labor of love which requires a level of craftsmanship and dedication to quality that we hang our hats on. We’re known globally for having one of the largest collections of authentic, high quality agrumato olive oil. We did not roll out of bed a couple years ago and decide to call ourselves experts. We arrived at our position in the industry after decades of hands-on experience. With that said, we’re never done reaching for excellence but we have put in the time fine tuning the process, accruing many accolades and gold medals along the way.
It’s for these reasons that we must assume that the intentional misuse of the term “fused” to describe oils that are actually infused, is a blatant attempt to fool and lure otherwise loyal consumers into believing product is authentic agrumato by competitors who can no longer acquire it. Below, please find photos of our agrumato taken on location at our mill, Med Gold. And please consider changing your verbiage to “agrumato” as opposed to fused in order to clarify facts for consumers who may be intentionally misled.
Baklouti Green (Fused) Chili Oil
$6.00
From the Barbary Coast of North Africa, this Tunisian Baklouti pepper is rare and unique to this region. This is fused oil is the only example of this fruity and...
Basil Infused Olive Oil
$6.00
Fresh, green, and herbaceous - this amazing infusion is made from Up Certified Extra Virgin Olive Oil infused with essential basil oil. Fantastic anywhere you’d like the fresh flavor or...
Black Truffle Infused Olive Oil
$12.00
This late fall, early winter truffle is used in the making of this savory oil. A ‘tea method’ is utilized which steeps the ripe truffles for extended periods of time...
Blood Orange (Fused) Olive Oil
$6.00
Made with fresh Blood Oranges and early harvest certified organic Tunisian olives. We crush them together to make this beautiful (agrumato) - a combination of whole, fresh citrus fruits crushed...
Butter Infused Olive Oil
$6.00
Made with UP Certified Extra Virgin Olive Oil, this creamy, dreamy infused olive oil is vegan, naturally infused, dairy free, and heart healthy! It gets its rich, decadent flavor of...
Chipotle Infused Olive Oil
$6.00
Made with UP Certified Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the smoky flavor of this chili-infused olive oil is great for marinating steaks, brushing on grilled chicken or paired with seafood. Drizzle...
Cilantro & Roasted Onion Infused Olive Oil
$6.00
Made with UP Certified Extra Virgin Olive Oil, this savory infused oil masterfully blends the flavor of roasted, sweet caramelized onions with fresh, herbaceous cilantro. It’s fantastic for marinating poultry...
Dill Infused Olive Oil
$6.00
Made with Certified Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil, this highly aromatic, vibrant infused olive oil is a must-have as a Mediterranean culinary staple. We recommend using it in dressings,...
Garlic Infused Olive Oil
$6.00
Our Garlic Olive Oil (made with UP Certified Extra Virgin Olive Oil) is redolent with the pungent flavor of fresh garlic. This versatile, heart healthy oil can be used for...
Ginger and Black Garlic Olive Oil
$6.00
Our Ginger & Black Garlic Infused Olive Oil is Out of this World! Earthy, savory, and sweet, it is great for marinades, bread dipping, incorporating into dressings, finishing chicken or...
Harissa Infused Olive Oil
$6.00
Made with UP Certified Extra Virgin Olive Oil, this savory infused oil masterfully blends the flavor of roasted, sweet caramelized onions with fresh, herbaceous cilantro. It’s fantastic for marinating poultry...
Herbes de Provence Infused Olive Oil
$12.00
Made with UP Certified Extra Virgin Olive Oil , this classic herbal combination includes notes of lavender, rosemary, savory, thyme and bay leaf. It’s a show stopper drizzled over grilled...
Lemon (Fused) Olive Oil
$6.00
Our Eureka Lemon olive oil is produced by pressing whole, fresh lemons together with early harvest, certified organic olives at the time of crush. Its light, refreshing flavor is just...
Madagascar Black Pepper Olive Oil
$6.00
Spicy and floral with notes of fresh, ground peppercorn and a lingering, tingly Szechuan peppercorn finish. Great for marinades, dressings, aioli, sautéing and over ice cream. Try it in a...
Milanese Gremolata Infused Olive Oil
$6.00
Certified Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil is infused with Gremolata – a traditional Italian herbal condiment consisting of fresh lemon zest, minced garlic, Italian flat leaf parsley & a...
Olive Wood Smoked Infused Olive Oil
$6.00
Savory notes of smoky olive wood are infused with the highest quality, fresh extra virgin olive oil to make our Olive Wood Smoked Olive Oil. The flavor of olive wood...
Oregano Whole Herb Infused Olive Oil
$6.00
Made with fresh oregano crushed with early harvest, fresh picked Greek olives, using 100% mechanical cold extraction methods. Fresh, bright and herbaceous – this is by far one of the...
Persian Lime Infused Olive Oil
$6.00
This is a sharp, White Balsamic Vinegar, infused with the herbaceous flavor of oregano, to produce a classic Mediterranean flavor. It’s a perfect complement to a wide variety of oils, such...
Red Cayenne Chili Fused Olive Oil
$6.00
Made at our certified organic olive oil mill in Tunisia by crushing together fresh, whole, ripe red cayenne chilies with 100% certified organic, early harvest Chetoui olives. The olives and...
Rosemary (Fused) Olive Oil
$6.00
Made with fresh wild Rosemary crushed with early harvest, fresh picked, certified organic Chetoui olives using 100% mechanical cold extraction methods. This fused herb oil embodies the heart and soul...
Smoked Olive Wood Infused Olive Oil
$6.00
Savory notes of smoky olive wood are infused with the highest quality, fresh extra virgin olive oil to make our Olive Wood Smoked Olive Oil. Our smoked olive oil is all...
Spicy Calabrian Pesto Infused Olive Oil
$6.00
Spicy Calabrian chilies, sweet basil, pungent purple heirloom garlic, and piquant Pecorino are produced in the rich Mediterranean soil. We artfully bring these iconic flavors of Italy together for you...
Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil
$6.00
Our Tuscan Herb infused oil contains a harmonious and delicious combination of herbal flavors including rosemary, marjoram, oregano, and garlic. Use to saute, grill, broil, roast, and bake. It brings...
ULTRA PREMIUM EVOO (Medium)
$12.00
Robust Intensity A robust olive oil offers a bold flavor, a balanced bitterness, and is a very prominent peppery finish. It can be great for grilling, baking, sautéing, in sauces,...
ULTRA PREMIUM EVOO (Mild)
$12.00
Robust Intensity A robust olive oil offers a bold flavor, a balanced bitterness, and is a very prominent peppery finish. It can be great for grilling, baking, sautéing, in sauces,...
ULTRA PREMIUM EVOO (ROBUST)
$12.00
Robust Intensity A robust olive oil offers a bold flavor, a balanced bitterness, and is a very prominent peppery finish. It can be great for grilling, baking, sautéing, in sauces,...
Wild Mushroom & Sage Infused Olive Oil
$6.00
This infused oil contains a delicious combination of fresh, herbaceous sage with an array of savory, wild mushrooms including Cremini, Shitake, and Porcini. Try drizzled over cream of mushroom soup,...
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