“Best Mediterranean Cuisine Book in the World” (Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, July 1st, 2009)The ancient Greeks venerated olive oil as a “gift of the Gods.” And the people were surely right: no other food can compare in health value or multiplicity of uses to this “divine gold!” In the region around the Mediterranean Sea, olive oil is a precious and irreplaceable basic source of nourishment. In many other countries as well, its importance to good health and a well-balanced diet is receiving ever greater recognition. Less well known, however, is the fact that after the EU, Tunisia is the largest national producer of olive oil. The country exports large quantities of the highest quality extra virgin olive oil, which is highly valued by bottlers—even if Tunisia is not mentioned as the country of origin. Together with her husband, Viktoria Hassouna operates an oil mill and a plantation for the production of high-quality organic olive oil, and has thereby accumulated a vast storehouse of knowledge that she presents in this volume in an informative and vivid manner. Descriptions regarding the cultivation, manufacture and effects of olive oil are complemented by useful tips about how to use it therapeutically for promoting good health and beauty care as well as recipes for preparing traditional Tunisian dishes. For healthy and flavourful nutrition, there is nothing better than olive oil! This treasure should be on hand in every kitchen!
