Discover the Bright and Flavorful World of Frog Hollow’s Meyer Lemon Olive Oil

A bottle of Meyer Lemon Olive Oil with a yellow label, on a platter surrounded by fresh lemons and olives, with two more bottles in the background.

At Frog Hollow Farm, we’re passionate about crafting products that connect people to the land and its flavors. One of our standout creations is our Meyer Lemon Olive Oil, a vibrant and versatile culinary delight! This oil is more than just a kitchen staple; it’s a celebration of history,  craftsmanship, and health.

The History of Agrumato: A Tradition Rooted in Italy

The infusion of citrus into olive oil, known as the agrumato method, has its origins in the Abruzzo region of Southern Italy. The word "agrumato" stems from the Italian word "agrume," meaning citrus. Historically, olive millers would clean their presses with lemons after processing olives, creating a harmonious blend of the two.

In the 1980s, the Ricci family of Lanciano trademarked Agrumato 1, bringing this ancient craft to the global spotlight and inspiring culinary artisans worldwide.

The Craft of Meyer Lemon Olive Oil

A close up image of fresh olives and lemon slices in the mill, ready to be processed into lemon infused olive oil
Our Meyer Lemon Olive Oil is created using a meticulous process, preserving the essence of this time-honored tradition. Partnering with McEvoy Ranch, we press our own organic Meyer lemons—skin, pith, flesh, and all—together with organic olives grown right here on the farm. The result is a seamless fusion of lemon essential oils and extra virgin olive oil that captures the unique terroir of Frog Hollow Farm’s Mediterranean climate. We're proud to bring this tradition to life as a California twist on an Italian classic!

This year, we selected our Cortina olive variety for our Meyer Lemon Olive Oil. While our olives are typically harvested between October and November, we waited until December to align the Cortina olive harvest with our Meyer lemon harvest, ensuring a perfectly timed fusion of flavors. Leaving the olives on the tree longer allows them to develop a buttery profile, enhancing the smooth, balanced flavor of our oil. By milling the olives and lemons together, we captured their freshest and most vibrant qualities. Meyer lemons comprised 9% of the total harvest weight, creating the perfect balance of citrusy brightness and robust olive oil character.

How to Use Meyer Lemon Olive Oil

This versatile oil is a culinary chameleon, elevating a wide range of dishes. Chef Mario recommends it for both savory and sweet creations:

  • Drizzle on roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or radishes for a burst of citrusy brightness.

  • Enhance proteins, such as seafood, chicken, or beef, with its subtle acidity.

  • Elevate desserts by incorporating it into olive oil cakes or drizzling it over high-quality vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of kosher or Maldon salt adds an exquisite finishing touch.

Let your creativity shine—this oil is a must-have for home cooks and professional chefs alike!

The Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Frog Hollow’s Meyer Lemon Olive Oil isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with health benefits. Made from cold-pressed, organic olives, it retains its natural nutrients and polyphenols, which act as powerful antioxidants that may prevent cell damage in our bodies. Rich in monounsaturated fats, it supports heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol. Olive oil also reduces the risk of osteoporosis, soothes the skin, and may help prevent strokes, heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. 

We think long-term about the health of our soil and farm, so it follows that we produce products that think long-term about human health as well. Healthy ecosystems, food systems, people—it’s all connected! By choosing our organic olive oil, you’re nourishing your body while supporting sustainability.

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