There are a lot of cool things out there that make us wonder — do they really work? In our I Tried It series, we set out to use them in the real world and have determined that, in fact, they really do.
On trial: Pineapple Collaborative's The Olive Oil
The tester: Danielle St. Pierre, serious L-O-V-E-R of E-V-O-O
The brief: I’ve been cooking at home a whole lot more during quarantine, which means I’ve also been constantly running through my olive oil stash. Since I’ve had more dedicated time to test out the many solid EVOO brands out there, I’ve come to rely on one standout brand that tastes so fresh, I've been tempted to drink it straight from the tin ... for real.
Fellow EVOO lovers: I'd like you to meet Pineapple Collaborative's The Olive Oil. I initially spotted the brand on the ’gram, since it goes without saying that these vintage-inspired colorful tins are super cute and will make your pantry look immediately more chic. However, aesthetics aside, once I actually received my own tin to try out this winter and started cooking with the oil, I was immediately hooked.
Before we get into that further, here's some background on the brand. Pineapple Collaborative is a transparent, community-first brand that launched kitchen staples including The Olive Oil and The Apple Cider Vinegar last year. So far, the new brand has already received major media praise from the likes of Food & Wine and The Strategist, to name just a few. The coolest part about the brand's pantry goods? All products are proprietary blends sourced from women-led farms in California. That's some serious girl power.
Pineapple’s mission as a food brand is also incredibly powerful. In their words: “We believe food is more than just what’s on our plates — what we cook and eat reflects our unique styles, identities, and values. We’re on a mission to connect and celebrate people who love food —to cook it, to eat it, to learn about it, to share it.”
For their tasty olive oil blend, Pineapple Collaborative works with California olive oil maker Kathryn Tomajan — one of the only female millers in the country — using a blend of organic Koroneiki and Picual olives grown by the Ricchiuti family at ENZO Olive Oil Company and Rio Bravo Farm in California.
After trying The Olive Oil in various formats over the past few months, I can honestly say that it tastes just as good as it looks. I’ve torn through two tins already, using the oil as my base for sautéing salmon fillets, chicken breasts, and veggies, as well as a finishing oil to drizzle on top of soups, chili, and pasta dishes.
I would describe the taste as being on the light-to-medium side of intensity, with a bright, grassy, slightly citrusy flavor. It’s probably the most versatile olive oil I’ve ever tried, since I never have to think twice about reaching for it while I cook, as the taste only intensifies whatever I’m making, especially when garlic is involved (which is always, duh).
The 16.9-ounce rectangular olive oil tins are the perfect size to neatly stow away in any pantry or kitchen cabinet — although full disclosure — you'll probably want these little baddies on display at all times. The built-in pour spout is also fun and makes me feel more chef-like when I drizzle the oil straight from the can as I cook.
Available in five vintage-inspired colorways (cool white, mustard yellow, blush pink, sage green, and true blue), these stainless steel tins are meant to complement the home cook’s personal decor and style, left out on countertops or used for drizzling at the dinner table. These oils are $34, which is a small investment given how long these tins last, as well as the quality, versatility, and fresh flavor. They're also super giftable, in my opinion.
Closing Argument: Since you're already cooking more at home and likely tearing through your own personal olive oil stash, give Pineapple Collaborative a try. You'll be supporting a woman-owned brand that gives a damn about nourishing and looking after their community.
Read More:
Kosterina Greek Olive Oil Adds Major Mediterranean Flavor to Meals
Our Editors Swear By These Tasty Olive Oil Brands
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