By: Elisheva Blumberg, Lubicom Marketing Staff

Sponsored by Zeta Olive Oil

When it comes to superfruits, it’s hard to find one more powerful than the olive.

Olives, as well as olive oil, have always been treasured for their health benefits, versatility, and exquisite flavor. Since ancient times, olive oil has been dubbed “liquid gold.”

As one of the shivat ha’minim, (the Seven Species of Israel), Israel’s olives are especially prized. 

That’s why we love Zeta Olive oil.

Housed in the hills of Galilee, Zeta Olive Oil is extracted from some of the world’s oldest olive trees. Combining the best of the traditional and the high-tech, Zeta’s method of harvesting and cold-pressed extraction yields a delicious and gourmet extra-virgin olive oil.

In addition to the original extra-virgin olive oil, Zeta offers a range of flavor-infused olive oils with Lemon, Hot Peppers, or Basil and Garlic.

Read on to discover 8 amazing ways you can harness the power of olive oil this Chanukah.

1. Make an Olive Oil Tasting Bar

Everyone loves the freedom of a salad bar. For the ultimate Chanukah party twist, instead of a salad bar, put together an olive oil tasting bar.

What you’ll need to make your own olive oil bar:

• A variety of Zeta olive oils (both original and flavor-infused varieties)
• Crackers and slices of bread
• Cubed cheeses
• Crudité (such as carrots, bell peppers, baby corn, cucumbers)

Your guests will appreciate the variety of choices and the unique tasting experience.

2. Remove Stubborn Labels

Ever struggle with stubborn sticker residue? 

This year, instead of rubbing your fingers raw trying to scour off the price stickers from your Chanukah gifts, simply use olive oil!

Saturate the price sticker with olive oil and wait a few minutes. Then, swiftly and painlessly wipe everything off with a paper towel. 

3. DIY Infused Olive Oils 

On the lookout for a one-of-a-kind Chanukah gift?

A set of glass jars filled with homemade infused olive oils is a unique, personal, and memorable gift.

Here are two ways you can prepare infused olive oils:

a. Make the oils from scratch using only a few ingredients (flavor options include lemon, garlic chili, or rosemary) Check out instructions here.

b. For the most rapid-fire way to make flavor-packed olive oil, simply snag a package or two of Gefen frozen herb cubes! This option saves a lot of time and energy (no need to check the herbs for insects, either!)
                                                      

Frozen cubes of parsley, basil, garlic, or dill would all work phenomenally in this recipe. (We love the idea of using basil with garlic for a pesto oil.)

To make: pop out a few frozen herb cubes into a bowl of Zeta extra virgin olive oil. Wait a few minutes for the herbs to dissolve and then mix. Watch this how-to video and learn how to turn them into the cutest Chanukah gifts.

 Use one herb alone or mix-and-match for delicious flavor combinations. 

4. Prevent Candle Meltdown

Before you set your candles into the menorah, apply a thin coat of olive oil inside and around the base of the candle holder, or anywhere the wax may drip. 

The dripped wax should wipe right off, making post-holiday cleanup a breeze.

5. Whip Up an Ultimate Olive Dip

This Greek to Me Olive Dip is the ultimate olive lovers dip.

Combining green olives, black olives, and of course, extra-virgin olive oil, this dip makes for a phenomenal accompaniment to traditional potato latkes.

6. Make a 2-Ingredient Face Scrub

When biting winter winds wreak havoc on your skin, trust olive oil to come to your aid.

Olive oil is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and superb moisturizing power, and is a natural way to protect your skin.

This Olive Oil Brown Sugar Scrub uses 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Combine the two for an all-natural face scrub that will exfoliate and moisturize your skin. 

(P.S. pack the scrub into a pretty container for a gorgeous gift!)

7. Serve an Olive Oil Dessert

We tend to think of olive oil for use in savory dishes, but rich and flavorful olive oil can be a marvelous dessert ingredient, too.

For a festive Chanukah treat, try these olive oil dessert recipes:

• Olive Oil and Lemon Mini Cupcakes with Citrus Glaze
• Almond and Olive Oil Cake
• Olive Oil Basil Ice Cream

8. Light Your Menorah With the Best of the Best

What kind of oil should you use to light your menorah?

According to the the OU, “All olive oils, even if refined and not certified kosher, are acceptable for Ner Chanuka, as per most poskim. However, in the spirit of Mehadrin Min HaMehadrin, it is praiseworthy to use only Olive Oil that is certified kosher.”

Zeta olive oil is certified kosher and made from olives grown in Israel — certainly a beautiful way to fulfill the mitzvah of menorah!

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Whether you use extra-virgin olive oil in cooking, baking, beauty skincare, or for lighting the menorah, you’ll know that this special oil boasts immeasurable benefits. Try it this Chanukah, and you’ll know exactly why olive oil is called “liquid gold”!