Sundried Botija Olives from Peru are the most unique and strongly
flavorful olive in the world. Each bite explodes with the goodness of
what can only be called "authentic oliveness!" Savor the spiciness and
"olive oil" taste of each moist morsel. Unlike many sun-dried olives,
our scrumptious olives are juicy and full of natural rich olive oil. You can just pop them in your mouth or easily add
them to any recipe. Once you taste them you will cherish olives in a
whole new way!
What is Aji?: Aji is one of Peru's most common chili peppers. It has been used by the Incans since ancient days when they called it "uchu." This pepper has a more mild heat, but adds a tremendous spicy sundried flavor, a perfect complement to the oily olive.
Cultivation and Preparation: Olives are one of the oldest known and most
prized foods, both for their taste and health benefits. We offer
premium quality Botija Olives grown on coastal desert plains of
southern Peru in soil that has never been exposed to chemical
fertilizers, pesticides or toxins. They are organically cultivated and hand-picked at the peak
of ripeness. Then they are cured in a light sea salt water solution and
carefully sun-dried. Finally they are dry packaged in a 1/2 lb bag
(no brine) without the addition of preservatives or synthetic curing
agents. Completely Raw, Organic, and Delicious!
Pepe’s Story:
Olives are not commonly cultivated in the harsh desert 1
hour south of Lima Peru. But with
50 acres of land and a strong tie to his Spanish Andalusian roots, “Pepe,” the
grower of this delicious morsels, knew he could create a magnificent olive. So
he set about to produce the world’s first brine-fermented and dehydrated olive. With a background in chemistry, he knew
how damaging the effects of synthetic chemicals in foods can be. So he devoted
his knowledge to creating organic insecticides – a custom recipe made from the
extract of olive leaves - and compost – a recipe that takes a year to ferment
properly, providing the perfect nutrients for the soil and protecting the
environment. The olive orchards containing 5,000 trees are co-planted with
citrus, eucalyptus and figs, adding biodiversity that is ideal for protecting the
olives and enhancing their flavor. Pepe’s methods earned him the honor of being
the first certified organic farm in Peru. But truly the most important factor is creating these delicious olives
is the Love the Pepe give his trees and the land.
The Health Benefits of Olives: Healthy
Fat: 75% of the fat content is oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that
has been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels. The stability of
monounsaturated fats translates into a protective effect on the cell
that, especially when combined with the antioxidant protection offered
by vitamin E, can lower the risk of damage and inflammation Good
Source of Vitamin E: Vitamin E is the body's primary fat-soluble
antioxidant. It goes after and directly neutralizes free radicals in
all the fat-rich areas of the body. The vitamin E in olives may even help to reduce the frequency and/or intensity of hot flashes in women going through menopause. Protection
From Heart Disease: By preventing the oxidation of cholesterol, the
nutrients in olives help to prevent heart disease. Support
Gastrointestinal Health: By neutralizing free radicals, the nutrients
in olives help prevent colon cancer. A higher intake of both vitamin E
and the monounsaturated fats in olives is actually associated with
lower rates of colon cancer. Beneficial
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The anti-inflammatory actions of the
monounsaturated fats, vitamin E and polyphenols (phytonutrient
compounds) in olives may also help reduce the severity of asthma,
osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, three conditions where most
of the damage is caused by high levels of free radicals. Significant Minerals: iron, calcium, & copper Suggested Uses: Add whole to salads Slice and use as a topping on raw pizza Mix with oil & spices to make a tapanade Eat straight from the bag! * These
statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure
or prevent any disease.