As we approach what for us is one of the most significant moments of the year, the production of new olive oil, we ponder how nature works to bring precise and beautiful synchronicity to our lives, and our kitchens.

Autumn harvest brings a large list of great vegetables, fruits and herbs that are ideally complimented by fresh, quality olive oil. The first items that come to mind are pumpkin and butternut squash. These two varieties of squash offer a natural sweetness that works as a counterpoint to rich, slightly bitter olive oil.

Butternut squash ravioli with sage and newly made olive oil can be memorable. Or, try a simple soup or pumpkin puree drizzled with olive oil. Depending on when it is harvested and how it’s milled, our Mission olive -- which grows only in California -- is the base of our Tehama Blend, a beautiful, assertive olive oil that is ideal for these dishes.

Autumn also brings the opportunity to explore flavors that require a growth of our taste, like the bitterness of members of the chicory family: escarole, endive or radicchio (the lettuce that has a lively red color).

These ingredients can be used in salads, though they make great appetizers when grilled and finished with olive oil. In this case, a milder olive oil made from Manzanillo or Arbequina olives, like our Eva's Blend, is a good choice. Because you already have a good deal of bitterness from the veggies, accompanying the dish with a ciabatta or sweet baguette will help tame the strong flavors. The same can be said for enjoying home-cured olives that are on the robust side.

With autumn comes the second harvest of fennel, a uniquely flavored, aromatic bulb. Make a wonderful first course in this easy way: Remove the green, feathery tops and tough parts at the base. Cut the fennel bulb into eighths and steam until soft. Place in preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Shave some Parmesan cheese on top and finish with olive oil. The fennel is so flavorful and versatile that any olive oil will pair well with this dish. Having said that, our Proprietor's Select, with its wonderful aromas of tropical fruit, peach and flowers will add a layer of complexity to it.

Whatever you choose to prepare in your kitchen, you’ll marvel at how much pleasure will be brought to the table with the modest use of noble ingredients such as seasonal vegetables and fresh olive oil.

Happy cooking!

The Pacific Sun Olive Oil Team

Leslie, Brendon and Pablo

P.S. Mark your calendar for November 5th and join us for “Love at First Crush”, Pacific Sun’s open house and community milling day.