Olive oil is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin K and vitamin E. Worldwide studies have also linked the consumption of olive oil with health benefits, such as a heightened immune system, anti-inflammatory properties and protection against Alzheimer’s.
But have you ever imagined this 'superfood' being a KEY ingredient used in desserts?
A new brand of dairy-free frozen desserts, Wildgood, has recently been developed by Greek artisanal ice-cream maker Sotiris Tsichlopoulos.
He “tapped his family’s olive groves to create a plant-based treat that has a creamy texture and low saturated fat content with no hint of olive oil taste,” Food Business News (FBN) reported.
“I started selling dairy-based ice cream in my first store in Athens, Greece, 13 years ago, but shortly after it became apparent to me that people were seeking non-dairy alternatives,” Tsichlopoulos told FBN.
“For example, when I created a non-milk-based chocolate flavour it would sell out within an hour of opening my store. I even had customers calling me to order more over the phone. Knowing this, I set out to create the non-dairy ice cream of the future by using a healthier fat alternative, extra virgin olive oil, as the main ingredient. Olive oil has long been a part of Greek culture and known as one of nature’s ‘good fats.’”
'Wildgood' is backed by Gary Hirshberg, co-founder and former chief executive officer of Stonyfield Farm, along with Orgain founder Andrew Abraham and celebrity chef Bobby Flay.
“Our team of investors appreciates that we are artisan-made and believe in our vision for creating a healthier planet with plant-based foods that don’t sacrifice taste,” he added.
Options include sea salt caramel, mint chocolate chip, chocolate, chocolate hazelnut, mango, pistachio, coffee and vanilla bean.
More flavours will be available soon.
“We envision a future where plant-based foods are the norm,” Tsichlopoulos continued.
“And not just plant-based alternatives created in a lab, but food using real ingredients made by chefs and artisans that just happen to be plant-based.”
The frozen dessert is made in the United States with Wildgood headquarters located in Vermont.
Online store coming in May 2021.
*More on GCT- Olive Oil: The Great Healer
