With more home cooks and chefs looking to localize their food purchases, Durant at Red Ridge Farms and their Durant Olive Mill provides consumers with a trustworthy supply of extra-virgin olive oil. Situated in the heart of Oregon’s picturesque Willamette Valley, the family-owned business has been farming since the 1970’s and producing the iconic Durant olive oil since 2005. They have a strong commitment to sustainability, using only organic farming methods. The resulting clean tasting oils that are estate grown, milled and bottled have a growing audience.
With a weather pattern that occasionally includes sub-freezing temperatures and snow, Durant is always experimenting to find the hardiest varieties. They produce only the finest olives from their estate groves, as well as carefully sourced from Northern California growers. Popular varietals such as Koroneiki, Frantoio, Arbequina, Mission and Tuscan are commonly found online and onsite at their on-farm retail store.
The “Olioteca” (olive mill) is the only one of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, and is a popular destination for people looking for a deeper food experience. Tours, cooking events, tasting visits, and culinary events are a draw for people who want their olive oil fresh and locally made.
How to cook with Durant olive oil
There are many different ways to use olive oil in cooking. You can use it as a primary cooking oil, or you can use it as a finishing oil.
As a primary cooking oil, olive oil is a great choice because it is high in monounsaturated fats and has a relatively high smoke point. This means that it can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including sautéing, baking, roasting, and frying.
When used as a finishing oil, olive oil adds a delicious flavor and richness to dishes. You can drizzle it on top of cooked foods or add it to dressings and sauces.
Recipes from the Durant kitchen
Here are a few recipes created by the Durant staff, some in partnership with local food bloggers and recipe developers:
Kale Quinoa Salad With Apples and Pomegranate
Bacon-wrapped Asparagus With Lemon Fused Olive Oil
Durant olive oil has been the recipient of numerous industry awards, including Gold and Silver awards at the 2020 New York International Olive Oil Competition. While the verdict may still be out on whether olives can be successfully grown in Oregon’s variable environment, consumers have a trustworthy supply of extra virgin olive oil….Oregon grown.
When you go: Plan ahead to allow time for tasting Durant’s estate produced wines, a visit to their chock-ful retail store, and leisurely al fresco tasting in one of their private cabanas.
