Tucked away in a stunning seaside location in Parua Bay, Northland is the home of Taihoa Tides Extra Virgin Olive Oil. We all know olive oil is good for you, and Taihoa Tides tastes great! On our search for a high quality Northland olive oil for our NZ Gift box range, we were lucky enough to spend a few hours with owner Denise, who gave us a tour of their beautiful orchard and treated us to a tasting of their varieties of Taihoa olive oil.

The freshness of the olive oil is due to the fact the olives are hand harvested at the peak of ripeness and pressed onsite using the best technology, says Denise. Because the olive oil is extracted within moments of picking, this ensures the 100% pure virgin, spray free freshness of the delicious olive oil.

A true Northland olive variety and a favourite of mine, is the J5 oil. The story goes:

J5 is sourced locally in the North and Far North but originally was introduced by the Dalmatian gum diggers who came to New Zealand from Croatia in 1865. Milton Johnson, a nurseryman, took cuttings from an over 100 year old tree on the Pawarenga Harbour near Hokianga, and developed the J1 through J5 cultivars which thrive in Northland. J5 produces a rich, golden, buttery oil full of flavour.

Denise says “It also makes an amazing salad dressing whisked together with some fresh-squeezed lemon juice, some oregano, and some salt and pepper.'

Luckily for us, Denise has also shared with us her tasty

Taihoa Tides Green Dressing Recipe

1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, 1/2 cup basil, 1/4 cup mint ( all firmly packed cups)

3 coarsely chopped spring onions

1 small coarsely chopped cucumber

1/3 cup of Taihoa Tides Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/2 cup Greek or coconut yoghurt

2 tbsps red wine vinegar

freshly ground pepper and sea salt

Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender. Blend until all the ingredients are well combined - smooth but not completely liquefied. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.

Recreate this yummy recipe by purchasing Taihoa Tides J5 olive oil, either 250ml or 500ml glass bottles, found in our Build a Box product range Medium or Large Foodie boxes.

Enjoy!

For more information visit www.taihoatidesoliveoil.co.nz

The Tide has turned in Parua Bay