California-grown olive oil is some of the best there is, and this year’s winners of the California State Fair Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition are the cream of the crop! Many shining examples of smooth, complex oils won awards in the 2017 competition, including not one or two, but THREE varieties of Organic Roots Extra Virgin Olive Oil! Founded by the Polit family in 1983, Organic Roots is a small, family-owned and operated company based in Colusa and Glenn County that’s powered by a passion for producing the highest quality extra virgin olive oil. Check out all three of their prize-winning picks!

Arbosana – Bronze, EVOO Single Variety Delicate: Made from a Spanish varietal of olive, this award-winning oil is mild and well balanced with creamy and fruity notes on the palate and a complex green aroma. With hints of artichoke plus a clean mouthfeel and faintly peppery finish, it’s ideal for drizzling as a finishing oil on everything from soups and salads to barbecued steak.

Arbequina – Silver, EVOO Single Variety Medium: Made with a Spanish varietal, this versatile olive oil is fresh and grassy upfront with a peppery finish. Along with aromas of fruit, green grass and hints of tomato, this oil has a complex combination of bitter and sweet flavors with fruit, grass and floral notes. Try this oil in fresh homemade pesto or with sautéed vegetables.

Koronekiki – Gold, EVOO Single Variety Robust: This food-friendly olive oil is made from a Greek varietal that’s high in polyphenols. A gold medal-winner, it has unmatched flavor with plenty of fruitiness, sweetness, bitterness and pungency plus floral and green banana notes and a peppery finish. Its medium intensity and fruity, green grass aromas make it ideal for rich dishes, vinaigrettes or marinades.