Kito Yuzu Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The Kito district of Tokushima Prefecture is known as the birthplace of yuzu trees in Japan, so it’s only fitting that Ogon no Mura Co., Ltd’s Yuzu Extra Virgin Olive Oil is made from fresh yuzu picked in the region. It’s why the brand’s name also translates to “a village shining with the gold of ripened yuzu fruit.” Locally grown without chemicals or pesticides and certified with a Geographical Indication, the bright Asian citrus fruit is pressed for oil within 24 hours after harvesting to capture the freshest flavor. This oil is then paired with mild, smooth Taggiasca Extra Virgin Olive Oil, sourced from Liguria, Italy, for a flavorful and bright final product that expertly balances sour and sweet notes. With an aroma that falls between a mandarin orange and a Meyer lemon, it leaves behind a hint of fruitiness and pleasant richness on anything it’s drizzled over. Use to dip bread or for finishing crudo, ceviche, soups, noodles, salads and more.
Maruhon Lightly Toasted Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is an essential ingredient in East Asian cuisine for adding aromatic depth, but too often it can be cloying and overpowering. We tasted numerous versions and especially like Maruhon Lightly Toasted Sesame Oil made by Takemoto Oil & Fat Company, the oldest operating oil-extracting company in Japan, which traces its roots to 1725. Maruhon Lightly Toasted Sesame Oil has a far more delicate, nuanced flavor than supermarket versions and tastes distinctly of sesame, unlike the generic nuttiness of some mass-produced versions. This producer uses a chemical-free extraction process, which is not only healthier but also yields a cleaner taste that doesn’t overpower light dishes but stands up to heavier ones. The oil adds just the right amount of nutty richness and is much more aromatic than others we've tried.