No doubt, by now we have all heard about the COVID-19 and the extreme measures Italy is taking to contain the virus.  Our own country has introduced measures these past few weeks to prevent spreading the virus.  At Mia Emilia, we have been keeping in close contact with our producers and friends in Italy, and we want to reassure you that our producers are healthy, continuing to create the artisanal products we all love, and we continue to offer them (and enjoy them ourselves!) free from interruption.  Our producers continue to work in incredibly clean facilities, many of which we...

As Giuseppe introduces us to his son, Fabio, it is clear that he has inherited his father’s love of the land and its flavors.  Instead of telling us all his accomplishments, he praises the miracle of nature in the spring, when flowers bloom and fruits fill the trees and vines.   I watched this video before opening my new bottle of Marini Giuseppe’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil Toscano IGP, and I had to smile at the first taste.  Breathing in its aroma hints at the flavors to come, spicy and fruity at the same time.  The first taste is soft...

Every year the time seems to fly by faster, and here we are in December once again!  It’s Christmas time, and in Italy markets are opening, cities are lighting their trees, and the spirit of Christmas warms the chilled air. If you are still thinking through your Christmas list this year, we have put together a guide to help give you some ideas for the special people in your life.  Please enjoy, and we wish you all, Buon Natale!  Merry Christmas!  

As the holiday approaches this week, we would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!  Thanksgiving is, of course, an American holiday, but the traditions of the day remind me very much of life in Italy.  A day to spend together cooking, eating, laughing, reminiscing, and enjoying time spent with the ones we love.  Italians in general spend more time gathered around the table than we do.  Meals are lingered over and never rushed.  Ingredients are quality and fresh for the season.  Much like our Thanksgiving!  In Italy they say, La Festa di Ringraziamento, and the Italian calendar is full...

There are few things more instantly satisfying than the first drop of a high-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  Mia Emilia’s Goccia Umbra Olive Oil makers must have realized that long ago when creating their company.  Goccia Umbra means, “Drop of Umbria”, and that it is.  Umbria is a gorgeous region of central Italy between Tuscany, Lazio, and Le Marche.  Splendid hill towns and rich farmlands bless this region with some of Italy’s most delicious products.  The producers explain the origins of Goccia Umbra at Castel Vitiano, a tower which has stood for a thousand years in these Umbrian hills.  Surrounded...

Italy loves and honors the Saints, and Festa di San Martino is celebrated in different ways all throughout Italy.  Generally, it also coincides with the time to try new wine and the peak of chestnut season.  In many of the celebrations, you will find chestnuts and wine.  Sounds like a good time, doesn’t it?  Italy has several proverbs surrounding Estate di San Martino and involving the season of Autumn, harvest, chestnuts, and wine.  I love this one, “Per San Martino castagne e buon vino” “Chestnuts and good wine for St. Martin’s day”.  You’re sure to find both everywhere, and one...

As a main component of the Mediterranean diet, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has been the subject of many studies to discover its health benefits.  The makers of some of the best EVOO we have yet to come across shared a few studies with us about the discoveries regarding the health benefits this oil provides. The Marini Giuseppe Farm in the hills of Pistoia, Tuscany, takes pride in their olive oil and the land that produces it.  The IGP seal assures us that the product has met all qualifications in growing, harvesting, pressing, and bottling, required by the Olive Oil...

In the Amalfi Coast, where lemons are famous and plentiful, you can find them infused into recipes, liqueurs, olive oils, soaps, perfumes, and even hand-painted onto gorgeous majolica tiles. The locals love their lemons and celebrate them all year round!  Around this time last year, my husband and I were in the Amalfi Coast for his first time.  Hot days cooled by the shade of green lemon groves and flowers still blooming long into September.  Infinite Sea Views from the aptly named, “Terrace of Infinity”, left us speechlessly pondering eternity.  La Dolce Vita, The Sweet Life indeed.  It was several...

To be considered Extra Virgin, the oil must be mechanically pressed, crushing the entire olive without chemical or heat treatment.  The words, “cold pressed” refer to this lack of heat involved.  As a result of this method, the acidity is very low, less than 1%.  Health benefits are maximized, retaining the vitamins and antioxidants naturally occurring in the olive itself.  Color is green or golden, and the appearance is often cloudier than that of regular olive oil.  Even with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, quality and origin can vary.  Italy has a great solution to assure the utmost quality.  Look for...