Editor’s Note: I received two bottles of Emile Noel oil for this review. In addition, I was compensated in exchange for trying the oils and writing about my honest opinion on my website and social media.
Emile Noel Fair-Trade, Organic Olive Oil and Sesame Oil
If you’re a real-food foodie, I’m sure you already know that fat is your friend. If you’re new to real food, let me assure you . . . Fat is your friend.
Because I love my recipes made with plenty of delicious, nutritious sources of brain-and-heart-supporting fats, I was thrilled to get the opportunity to review Emile Noel Organic Olive Oil and Sesame Oil. Before the oils arrived, though, I did a little research to find out what makes Emile Noel oils so special.
Emile Noel was born and raised “in olive oil”. According to the sweet story of Emile Noel on the website, he decided during his studies in engineering that milling olive oil was his true calling and he returned home to join his father’s milling business.
I don’t know about you, but I want to buy products from artisans and farmers who are in it for the love of it. Somehow I can see and taste the love!
Emile Noel Oils are Fair Trade
I prefer to buy my food as local as possible so that I can keep tabs on where my food comes from and if the source is engaging ethical practices. Sometimes there is no local source for the foods I need. Cooking oils are one example of a food I cannot find a local source for. This leads me to look for producers who have fair trade business practices.
Emile Noel oils are Fair Trade Certified. They treat the farmers and the land with the respect that each deserves. You can read more about Emile Noel’s fair trade practices.
Emile Noel Oils are Organic
Since pesticides can accumulate in fats, it is important to me that the fats in my diet come from an organic source. This applies to both animal and plant fats. In addition, organic farming practices are kinder to the earth and do less damage in the long run.
Emile Noel oils are organic and verified by the Non-GMO project. Emile Noel was the first oil miller in France to press oil from organic seeds. You can read more about the story of Emile Noel’s organic pioneering.
In addition to producing a quality organic product, Emile Noel uses traditional presses that don’t overheat the oils. This cold-pressed method is important to preserve the high quality of the oils. Overheated oils turn rancid and suffer flavor changes that render them dull tasting at best or unpleasant tasting at worst.
Emile Noel Mild Tasting Extra Virgin Olive Oil
When I opened the bottle of Emile Noel Mild-Tasting Extra Virgin olive oil, I was pleased by the aroma. The smell was mild and fruity. There were no hints of rancidity or fermentation.
To fully experience the flavor of the olive oil, I wanted to use it in a recipe without cooking it. I chose my Tomato, Goat Cheese and Avocado Salad. The olive oil had a mild flavor as promised. It was not overpowering or spicy like stronger olive oils can be. It was fruity and full, but blended well with the other flavors in the salad.
Over the next couple of weeks, I used the olive oil for sauteing onions, over vegetables and for dipping sourdough. It rounded out the flavor of my dishes and provided a buttery finish with the sourdough.
Overall, it beat my usual health food store chain’s house brand of organic olive oil in my personal taste test!
Emile Noel Toasted Sesame Oil
If you’re new to using sesame oil, you should know that it has a pretty distinct flavor. In lesser quality oils, that flavor can border on downright burnt tasting. I am very happy to tell you that the Emile Noel Toasted Sesame Seed oil does not taste burnt!
I used the toasted sesame seed oil to make a cashew chicken and rice dish that I love. It’s a creation of my own and I don’t follow any particular recipe, but I do use sesame oil to create a peanut sauce to pour over it. I love the extra boost of nutty flavor that the sesame oil provides.
The Emile Noel Toasted Sesame oil did not let me down. It had a deep, toasted flavor that added a richness to the sauce. I look forward to using this toasted sesame oil in stir-fry and other Asian dishes my family loves.
Where to find Emile Noel Olive, Seed and Nut Oils
Although Emile Noel oils are produced in France, they can be found throughout the United States in Whole Foods stores. Other stores, such as Sprouts, are beginning to offer the oils, as well. Emile Noel oils can also be found on Amazon.
Emile Noel oils include the following:
Robust Taste Olive Oil
Mild Taste for Everyday Use Olive Oil
Hazelnut Oil
Walnut Oil
Macadamia Nut Oil
Sweet Almond Oil
Sesame Oil
Toasted Sesame Oil
Sunflower Oil
Pumpkin Seed Oil
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