There is something so completely mesmerizing when it comes to food…the taste, the texture, the smell and of course where it comes from. When STAR Fine Foods contacted me earlier this month, I was definitely very excited to try their imported foods from Spain, France and Italy. The quality of their products make your mouth water, and your mind day dream of recipes to delight everyone in your life.
About STAR Fine Foods
STAR Fine Foods traces its roots back to 1898 in San Francisco when the Giurlani family started importing and distributing olive oil under the STAR brand. “STAR” was chosen as the brand name to show their American patriotism.
Over the years products have been added to the portfolio: balsamic and wine vinegars, olives, peppers, and capers. STAR is now the #1 selling brand of olive oil, wine vinegar and Spanish green olives in retail grocery stores in the Western United States and growing in distribution in the rest of the US. STAR Fine Foods was acquired by Borges in 1995.
The Products
For this review, I was sent a very LARGE box filled with the following STAR products:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
STAR Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a blend of the finest ripe olives fresh-pressed within 24 hours of harvest yielding a rich, intense flavor. There is no finer olive oil to use with your freshest foods and in recipes where its deliciously robust flavor will enhance every taste.
Family Reserve Olive Oil with Fresh Rosemary
A garnish with an unmistakable freshness for salads, fish and cheese. An oil with countless uses. Regarded as one of the world’s most creative chefs, Ferran Adrià’s constant passion for creating new concepts, techniques and flavors has inspired him to use delicious olive oil in his world famous elBullirestaurante, a Michellin 3-star restaurant in Catalonia, Spain.
Balsamic Vinegar
Exclusively from the Modena Region of Italy, the delicate aging process imparts a distinct flavor that delights the palate. No cholesterol, fat and sodium. Using STAR Vinegars is a quick and easy way to enhance foods without adding extra calories, fat or salt.
Combine with a small amount of olive oil for a quick salad dressing
Sprinkle on cooked fish and chicken
Season vegetables, sauces, soups and marinades
Splash over cooked vegetables
STAR Grapeseed Oil is a delicious ingredient which, unlike canola oil, has a slight aroma and minimal flavor so it does not mask the flavor of foods pared with. It is also environmentally friendly because it is a by-product of grapes after wine production.
Low in saturated fats. High in polyunsaturated fats – approximately 72% Linoleic acid (Omega 6), has greater effect in elevating “good” HDL cholesterol and reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol. High in antioxidants, it contains vitamin E and vitamin A. Grapeseed oil is a healthier alternative to vegetable oil.
NEW!! Olive Pouches
STAR Olive Pouches are a convenient way to enjoy a healthy, delicious, on-the-go snack that is low in calories, cholesterol and gluten free. Choose from five delicious ready-to-eat flavors. Pouches are resealable and contain 5 servings per container. We are delighted to bring you these new STAR olive flavors in a healthy and convenient format.
1. Olives Seasoned with Provencal Herbs
Just when you thought a classic manzanilla olive was the best, we added the savory blend of Provencal herbs, the traditional blend of aromatic herbs from the region of Provence, France. The resealable bag is perfect to have on hand for picnics, snacks or to add zest to your salad.
2. Olives Seasoned with Basil
Basil, the sweet and somewhat tangy herb added to manzanilla olives ever so lightly coated with oil provide for an irresistible treat. Our convenient resealable bag makes it perfect for on the go healthy snacking, picnics, adding to salads, or pasta dishes.
3. Ripe Olives Medium Pitted
STAR pitted ripe olives are mildly seasoned with herbs to elevate from the classic ripe olive to exceptional. Taste the difference and enjoy as a snack anytime in our new resealable bag.
4. Olives Stuffed with Minced Pimiento
Manzanilla olives known for their rich flavor and firm texture are the most widely grown variety in the world. Stuffed with the slightly sweet Pimiento pepper, the versatile classic is now packaged in a convenient resealable bag, perfect for healthy snacks, picnics, tailgating or on pizza and pasta dishes.
5. Manzanilla Olives Pitted
Manzanilla olives known for their rich flavor and firm texture are the most widely grown variety in the world. The rich soil and warm sunny climate in the South of Spain have made the name Manzanilla synonomous with Spanish olives. Our resealable bag is perfect for a healthy snack or enjoying as usual in salads, on pizza or on an antipasto tray.
My Thoughts
I consider myself so incredibly lucky to try such an assortment of products from such a wonderful company like STAR!
The olive oils, balsamic vinegar and grapeseed oil are some of the most unique, and exquisite products I have ever tried. They provide so many options for cooking and creating meals that everyone in your family will love. Our family loved creating our own salad dressing, as well as “seasoning” our vegetables. I cannot wait to try them out on my next baking adventure, or stir fry.
And the NEW Olive pouches were the perfect size to snack on, share with a friend, and bring on a picnic or a play date. Plus, you don’t have to feel guilty eating these yummy creations, since they are only 25 calories (per 5 olives). I could literally eat all of them in one setting, and now I don’t have to worry about doing so 😀
Each of the products our family received were wonderful ~ they had great taste, smell, texture, and knowing that they came from a quality company like STAR, was just “icing on the cake”. I love the rich flavors, and healthy benefits I am encouraging my family (and friends) to try at every meal, snack and/or dessert in our home. I would highly recommend anyone and everyone to buy STAR products! Are you curious where you can buy STAR products? Click here to find a store near you!
To learn more about Star Fine Foods, you can visit their website, like them on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter.
Now for the give away…Star Fine Foods has generously offered to giveaway a HUGE gift basket (valued at over $95) filled with products to ONE Frugal Fabulous Finds reader!!
Here are the products included in gift basket:
- Star Golden Balsamic Vinegar 8.5 oz
- Star Family Reserve Natural Aromatic Olive Oil with Fresno Rosemary 6.8 oz
- Star Red Wine Vinegar 12 oz
- Star Spanish Olives Manzanillas 3 oz
- Star Original Olive Oil 500 ml
- Star California Extra Virgin Olive Oil 710 mL
- Star Extra Light Olive Oil 500 mL
- Star Family Reserve Premium Cannonballs Spanish Queen Olives 8.5 oz
- Star Balsamic Vinegar of Modena 8.5 oz
- Star Family Reserve Natural Aromatic Oils Olive Oil with Lemon Peel 6.8 oz
- Star Farmer’s Market Olives Seasoned with Basil pouch
- Star Farmer’s Market Olives Seasoned with Provencal Herbs pouch
- Star Spanish Olives Manzanillas 5 oz
- Cara Mia Marinated Artichoke Hearts 14.75 oz
- Cara Mia Premium Green Asparagus 10 oz
- Cara Mia Sun Dried Tomatoes Julienne Style 8 oz
There are TWO mandatory things you must do:
1. Enter your name/email address in the giveaway form below (for each entry), so that I can contact you!
There are also several other OPTIONAL entries as well, including (but not limited to):
Liking FFF on Facebook, liking this blog post via FB, tweeting and more!
***Very Important: All of your entries MUST be entered into the giveaway form below, or they will not count towards winning!***
This giveaway will end Wednesday, February 29th at midnight. The winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter.com and will be announced Thursday, March 1st! Good luck!
Post published by Melissa Roach, our new Product Review & Giveaway Specialist.
Melissa is a Full Time Mom & Blogger HERE (please check out her blog!)
Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
If you cannot see the giveaway form below, please click here!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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