May 31, 2024

A Med Month Finale and Olive Day Launch

Posted in: Holidays, Mediterranean Diet

A Med Month Finale and Olive Day Launch

Mediterranean Diet Month

In Celebration of Mediterranean Diet Month, James Beard Award finalist, restauranteur, and Sylvia Center board member Chef Ayesha Nurdjaja has created a warm and comforting Mediterranean "girl dinner" with Divina Dolmas, Roasted Peppers, and fresh marinated tomatoes. Stick around until the end of the video for a surprise cocktail! 

"Now what's girl dinner? In my opinion, girls should eat what they want for dinner." 

 

 

A longtime partner of ours, the Sylvia Center is a local organization that seeks to create healthy communities through the power of cooking. Their mission is to educate young people and families through culinary programming to promote health and well-being. Ayesha Nurdjaja is a member of the diverse group of industry leaders who make up the Sylvia Center Board of Directors. She is also Executive Chef and Partner at New York City Mediterranean restaurants Shuka and Shuketta. 

National Olive Day

It's our favorite time of the year! As we transition from Mediterranean Diet Month to National Olive Day on June 1 (a holiday we invented!), we celebrate an essential element of Mediterranean cuisine: the olive. 

Did you know?

  1. Olives are a fruit.
  2. Around 80% of olives harvested are used for olive oil production.
  3. There are hundreds of olive varietals. A few of our favorites are the Castelvetrano, the Kalamata, and the Mt. Athos Green Olive.
  4. Many variables affect the taste and texture of an olive: terroir, varietal, maturity at harvest, and curing style to name a few!

Celebrate Mediterranean Diet Month and National Olive Day with these Mediterranean-inspired recipes.

April 22, 2024

Happy Earth Day!

Posted in: Holidays, Mediterranean Diet

Happy Earth Day!

While autumn is the optimal time to plant an olive tree, they can also be planted in the spring – perhaps as a part of an International Earth Day Celebration! In autumn of 2022, we accompanied one of our Kefalas Village farmers to plant new trees in an organic Kalamata olive grove just outside of Sparta.

After preparing the earth, we gently removed the saplings from their pots and settled them into the ground. We then watered the saplings, prompting the growth of an extensive root system that anchors the tree to the earth and effectively pulls up nutrients and water into the tree for use. These trees will start producing olives in the next few years and for the next few generations. 

We continue to be impressed by the ways olive groves inherently support our sustainability initiatives, a healthy planet, and a brighter future. Today we'd like to honor and celebrate olive groves for providing home to flora and fauna, livelihood for farmers and delicious olives for our tables. 

We hope you may include olives in your celebration today too!

June 01, 2023

National Olive Day 2023

Posted in: Mediterranean Diet, News

National Olive Day 2023

FOODMatch and Divina – FOODMatch’s flagship brand – established National Olive Day in the United States eight years ago. Occurring annually on June 1, the holiday coincides with the new crop arrival of Kalamata olives. Each year, the company has marked this commemorative day in a fun and exciting way, and this year is no exception. FOODMatch is thrilled to announce the arrival of several new and innovative products in celebration of National Olive Day.

Available in bulk case packs of four 2.2 lb pouches, the new Divina Cerignola Verde is a bright eye-catching olive for restaurant menus, olive bars, and deli repack. Cured in the style of the Castelvetrano, Divina’s Cerignola Verde retains the firm, buttery bite and bright emerald color of the Castelvetrano with the stunning size of a classic Italian Cerignola, resulting in an aesthetically-pleasing olive for charcuterie boards and cheese plates.

For grocery and specialty retailers, FOODMatch has released a new marinated varietal line. The line consists of a classic Greek Market Mix and Pitted Italian Olive Mix, as well as an innovative Chili Lime Frescatrano™ Olive, all available in a shelf-stable glass jar. While they anticipate plenty enthusiasm for the entire line, Divina is especially excited to share the Chili Lime Frescatrano™ with fans of the brand. This trademark olive – an unfermented Halkidiki varietal that is known for its sweet, mild, buttery flavor – is marinated in a zesty, spicy chili lime brine. This is a unique flavor profile that’s staying ahead of current flavor trends.

According to FOODMatch’s VP of Marketing, Brandon Gross, “National Olive Day has been a way to honor and celebrate one of the oldest and most diverse foods in the world.”

New products are available for distribution across the U.S. and most of North America. Inquire about international ordering. For more information or to place an order, contact [email protected]. Existing customers should reach out to their FOODMatch sales representatives.

FOODMatch is an award-winning producer of traditionally and responsibly crafted Mediterranean olives, antipasti and specialty ingredients.

January 06, 2023

Mediterranean Diet Named Best Diet of 2022

Posted in: Mediterranean Diet

Mediterranean Diet Named Best Diet of 2022

Once again, the Mediterranean Diet has been named the #1 Overall Diet of 2022 by US News & World Report. The Mediterranean diet is a traditional way of eating throughout the regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Many studies have shown that the Mediterranean Diet can contribute to longer lifespans and a higher quality of life.

While the dishes eaten in the Mediterranean will vary by country, this diet typically always includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean proteins like fish, and unsaturated fats like extra virgin olive oil. Unlike many other popular diets, the Mediterranean Diet does not prohibit any specific foods, but rather places an emphasis on eating mostly whole foods and suggests limited consumption of red meat, sweets, and dairy products.  It’s all about variety and balance, not restriction.

Try a few of our Med Diet approved recipes featuring authentic, high-quality FOODMatch ingredients straight from the Mediterranean.

Salmon Provençal

Dolma Stuffed Roasted Tomatoes (Vegan Recipe)

Chili Spiced Kale & Kalamata (Vegan Recipe)

For more information about the Mediterranean Diet, visit our nonprofit partner, Oldways.

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