At Frog Hollow Farm, we’re drawn to ingredients that feel both timeless and deeply connected to place; Our Organic Meyer Lemon Olive Oil is one of those ingredients. Bright, aromatic, and alive with flavor, it brings together two crops that thrive in California’s Mediterranean climate and transforms them into something greater than the sum of their parts.

The technique behind this oil is known as the Agrumato method, a centuries-old practice that originated in the Abruzzo region of Southern Italy. Rather than infusing citrus into olive oil after pressing, Agrumato oils are made by milling whole citrus fruit alongside olives. The origins of this method are rooted in practicality: farmers once used lemons to clean olive presses, and the citrus oils that lingered would subtly infuse the next batch of olive oil. Over time, this accidental flavoring became intentional. In 1989, the Ricci family of Lanciano trademarked AGRUMATO, helping preserve the craft and bring global attention to this traditional way of marrying citrus and olive oil.

How We Make Our Meyer Lemon Olive Oil

Our Meyer Lemon Olive Oil is milled at McEvoy Ranch, using organic fruit grown on our farm. Whole Meyer lemons are milled together with our Cortina olives, allowing the essential oils from the citrus to become fully embedded in the olive oil from the very beginning. 

Seasonality is essential to this process. While our Olio Nuovo is typically pressed in October, our Meyer lemons reach their peak flavor around December. As a result, we slightly delay some of our olive harvest by a couple of months so both fruits can be harvested and pressed together. This patience ensures that neither ingredient is compromised and that the final oil reflects the moment it was made.

Unique Flavor Profile

Meyer lemon is a Californian fruit, known for its sweetness and subtle complexity. In this oil, the lemon is the most pronounced note, making it bright and expressive. Alongside it are gentle herbaceous notes reminiscent of thyme and oregano, layered over the grassy, lively character of olio nuovo. The result is a more robust, explosive flavor that still feels balanced and fresh.

This year’s olive oil leans even further into that citrus-forward profile. Our 2025 press consists of 12% Meyer lemon, an increase from last year’s 9%. Farmer Al made this adjustment after listening to feedback from both customers and the Frog Hollow team, many of whom asked for a more lemon-forward oil. That feedback is something we deeply value, and this year’s oil reflects that collaboration and care.

How We Recommend Using It

Our Meyer Lemon Olive Oil works great as a finishing touch, where its flavor can truly shine. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, spoon it onto grilled chicken or fish, or toss it with warm pasta and seasonal greens. It pairs beautifully with winter produce, especially apples and citrus, whose natural green and bright notes echo those in the oil. 

It also makes an excellent base for salad dressings and marinades, and works surprisingly well in baking, adding depth and aroma to both savory dishes and baked desserts. While it’s not an everyday cooking oil, it’s a go-to condiment for adding brightness and complexity to your recipes.

Chef Mario reminds us, “Olive oil is meant for using, not saving.” Like all olio nuovo-style oils, this one is best enjoyed fresh. Use it generously, drizzle it often, and get creative—even ice cream is fair game!

A Seasonal Essential

Our Meyer Lemon Olive Oil is an invitation to slow down and cook with intention. It encourages you to finish a dish thoughtfully, to let flavor do the work, and to enjoy ingredients at their peak.

We invite you to bring a bottle into your kitchen and see how something simple can make a meal feel complete. Order our Organic Meyer Lemon Olive Oil today and experience it for yourself!