Graza vs Brightland: Best US Olive Oils for Chili Olive Oil, Pizza, Cooking, Dipping & Gifting!
Graza vs Brightland
Graza vs Brightland: Are you considering buying Brightland olive oil or Graza olive oil? Wondering which one is best or if there are better options even?
There are a few things you need to know about me before you read any further. First, I’ve traveled to over 50 countries, including all the olive oil producing ones multiple times. I’m a huge foodie, and Italian food is my favorite to cook. My step-father is Italian-American from upstate New York, so I’m an honorary Italian. My husband is Greek and loves olive oil on everything. We can barely keep the stuff stocked in our house.
Also, I live in California. I’m a firm believer that the California climate produces great olive oil, and the California Olive Oil Council (COOC) has similar regulations with olive oil that the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) does in Italy. Yes, Italy has the reputation for producing some of the best olive oil in the world, followed by Greece, Spain, Portugal etc. However, just like wine, the olives and terroir bring out different flavor profiles in different regions. The quality can be the same in all of these regions.
Graza vs Brightland
Let’s Talk Pizza Chili Olive Oil
My husband and I lived in Toronto, Ontario, Canada for 2 years from 2011 to 2013. Every time we went out for pizza, no matter if it was a pizza by the slice or a nice brick oven place, there were always pizza chili olive oil bottles on the tables. Parmesan, chili peppers, and chili oil. Always.
Graza vs Brightland
As a lover of spice, I became quite the fan. Then, I moved back to the US, and to San Francisco. The pizza chili olive oil was nowhere to be found!
When I would travel to New York City for business, I would catch a glimpse of this pizza chili olive oil in pizzarias. Slowly, the trend started to make its way out West, but it’s taken way too long.
Let me tell ya… Pizza chili olive oil is finally hot! There are some companies out there bringing the trend to your home kitchens, and they’re doing it well. In comes, Brightland.
My absolute favorite pizza chili olive oil is from Brightland. There are two spicy oil options for your pleasure from Brightland.
First, there’s Brightland ARDOR olive oil, which is a 100% chili olive oil. This oil is blended with red chili peppers, jalapeño peppers, chipotle peppers, paprika and early-harvest Frantoio olives grown on small family farms in California’s Central Coast. ARDOR olives from Brightland are cold-pressed by a master miller within 90 minutes of harvest.
ARDOR comes in a beautiful white glass bottle with a rubber/cork like top. The label is paper and will likely come off in a couple rounds through the dishwasher. This is the kind of bottle you’ll want to keep and put delicate flowers in, or reuse for other oils/vinegars.
Brightland also has a specific pizza chili olive oil. This chili oil is made from California-grown Arbosana, Arbequina, and Mission olives cold-pressed with raw jalapeños, garlic, oregano, and basil. According to Brightland, this pizza chili olive oil is custom blended for drizzling on deep dish, dunking thin crust, and dressing up delivery pizza.
The custom Brightland Pizza Olive Oil is specifically designed for pizza, so it comes in their custom squeeze bottle. It serves a better purpose and the squeezability is causing quite the stir between Brightland and Graza olive oil companies. However, you’ll likely only repurpose the bottle for exactly that… Pizza oil.
Before you immediately think “well, of course I would get the pizza specific pizza chili olive oil for pizza” I have to admit that I like the versatility of having the Brightland ARDOR in my cabinet, and it’s lovely on pizza! Absolutely delightful, bright, smooth, pops of pepper…muah!
Here, I’m using the Brightland ARDOR on my favorite frozen pizza, Annie’s Margarita. I’ve also drizzled it on my homemade Mediterranean Bean Soup!
Graza vs Brightland? Brightland wins this one as Graza doesn’t have a pizza chili olive oil like Brightland.
Brightland vs Graza
Let’s Talk Dipping Olive Oil & Drizzling Olive Oil
Are you a bread dipper? A salad drizzler? I got you.
I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you know anything about us, we’re into our sourdough bread. I’ve lived in the East Bay in Berkeley since 2017, and during covid, my husband found a local bread place that only sells to the public on Wednesdays. Every Wednesday morning, he picks up a loaf of bread. Yup! That’s how much we’re into the stuff.
At least one night a week, we slice up a piece of bread, a piece of cheese, fruit, veggies, nuts, and olive oil and balsamic. Sometimes, we grate parmesan cheese, and mix it with the olive oil to make a cheese dipping sauce.
Some favorites include the following:
Graza Drizzle Olive Oil (500 ml) $20 - Extra Virgin finishing oil made from picual olives from Andalusia in Jaen, Spain. They’re picked early, when flavor is bold and antioxidants are highest. Made for eating, never heating.
Enzo’s Table Bold Olive Oil (500 ml) $23 - Crafted in California’s San Joaquin Valley with robust, grassy and nutty notes. The Ricchiuti Family farm also has missions towards sustainable farming.
Brightland AWAKE (375 ml) $40 - AWAKE is one of Brightland’s premium no-added-flavors olive oils. It’s a bold and robust cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil designed for roasting, sauteing, soups, stews, and bread. Made with early-harvest Arbequina olives grown on small family farms in California’s Central Coast. Amazing with a sourdough!
Brightland ALIVE (375 ml) $40 - ALIVE is also one of Brightland’s premium no-added-flavors olive oils. It’s a little less bold than its buddy; This smooth and grassy cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is ideal for salads, hummus, baked goods, fresh greens, and bread. Made with early-harvest Arbequina, Arbosana, and Koroneiki olives grown on small family farms in California’s Central Valley.
Brightland LUCID (375 ml) $40 - LUCID is a lemon olive oil blended with lemon and early-harvest Frantoio olives grown on small family farms in California’s Central Coast. This olive oil drizzles so well over salads, hummus, veggies, and fish. It’s also great with lemon desserts!
Brightland vs Graza
Brightland on Martie at a Discount!
Sometimes you can get last year’s batch of Brightland Olive Oil on Martie at a steep discount. I’ve tried it and it’s just as delicious. Plus, with my affiliate discount, you’ll get $10 OFF your first Martie order. Just click and shop!
Let’s Talk Cooking with Olive Oil
If you’re into cooking, you may have learned that olive oil can be temperamental with its smoking point. It’s typically recommended to use other oils in the frying pan, or to use an oil blend or blend yourself.
Here are some of the more common types of olive oils used in cooking:
Virgin Olive Oil: Virgin olive oil is also derived from the first pressing of olives but has a slightly higher acidity and milder flavor compared to extra virgin olive oil. It can be used for cooking at medium heat, such as sauteing, stir-frying, and baking.
Pure Olive Oil: Pure olive oil is a blend of refined olive oil and virgin or extra virgin olive oil. It has a higher smoke point and a milder flavor than virgin olive oil, which makes it suitable for higher heat cooking methods like frying and deep-frying.
Light Olive Oil: "Light" in this context refers to the mild flavor and color. It’s not lower in calories than other olive oils. Light olive oil is a highly refined oil that undergoes a filtration and processing method. It has a higher smoke point, which makes it good for high-heat cooking methods like frying, grilling, and baking.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): Extra virgin olive oil is considered the highest quality and most flavorful olive oil. It is made from the first cold pressing of olives and has low acidity. EVOO is ideal for drizzling over finished dishes, dressings, and dips. It can also be used for sautéing, roasting, and grilling at low to medium heat. It’s never recommended to use EVOO for things like cast-iron or flat top cooking at high heats.
Tell me more about oil smoking points:
The smoke point of an oil refers to the temperature at which it starts to smoke and break down. When an oil reaches its smoke point, it releases visible smoke and may develop a burnt taste. Different oils have different smoke points due to variations in their composition.
Brightland vs Graza
Oils with a higher smoke point are more suitable for high-heat cooking methods, such as frying, searing, and baking, where the oil is exposed to higher temperatures for longer durations.
Here are some common smoke points for popular cooking oils:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 325°F to 375°F (165°C to 190°C)
Virgin Olive Oil: 375°F to 420°F (190°C to 215°C)
Pure Olive Oil: 410°F to 470°F (210°C to 240°C)
Light Olive Oil: 460°F to 485°F (235°C to 250°C)
Canola Oil: 400°F to 450°F (205°C to 230°C)
Grapeseed Oil: 420°F to 445°F (215°C to 230°C)
Avocado Oil: 375°F to 520°F (190°C to 270°C)
Coconut Oil (refined): 400°F to 450°F (205°C to 230°C)
Peanut Oil: 440°F to 450°F (225°C to 230°C)
Sunflower Oil: 440°F to 450°F (225°C to 230°C)
Now that we know a little more about smoking points, and why you can’t just use any olive oil, I’m going to recommend the best one to use in the pan. That said, I still don’t recommend this olive oil for cast-iron cooking or a flat top, but you can safely go to medium-high heat with this EVOO. I even see gifs and video clips on their website with some pretty intense pan frying with this Olive Oil!
My recommendation for a cooking olive oil is the Graza Sizzle. This is the best EVOO to cook with if you want to push temperature boundaries in the pan with a pure-blend EVOO. You can also use it for drizzling, dipping and everything in-between, and it comes in a squeeze-bottle, which is super easy to handle in the kitchen.
Graza vs Brightland? Graza takes the win in the cooking category as they have a focus on smoke-point and have curated an oil specifically for this.
Let’s Talk Olive Oil Gifting:
Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey and jam make amazing gifts. There are two major considerations when gifting these so it doesn’t look like you’re just gifting groceries. Quality and packaging.
Here are my favorite options from Brightland and Graza. Before delving into making your selections, there are a couple things to note. First, who are you gifting these to?
The packaging with Brightland is a little more bright, light, and clean. It’s also a little more spendy. Brightland olive oil bottles are also 375 ml vs the Graza option which are respectively 500ml and 750 ml.
The Graza olive oil packaging is a little more “fun” and colorful. Less polished but still very trendy. Also, the squeeze bottle vs the glass bottles. I have friends that appreciate the beauty of the glass presentation.
I also have my Italian step-father that appreciates high quality and branding as he works as an exec in high end hotel real estate. He also has ADHD and moves fast and tends to spill a lot. I could totally see him reaching into the cabinet for the Graza Drizzle, making some olive oil magic happen on some reheated pizza, and putting it back in the cabinet within 5 seconds flat.
The other thing I love about Brightland is they have balsamic vinegar, champagne vinegar and honey. If you want to go all out with a hot gift, or you have a corporate gift for a client, this could be a fantastic way to go. Who doesn’t love this? It fits pretty much all diets, and it’s sexy.
If you want to be a little more cost conscious, you can purchase one Graza Olive Oil Duo for only $35, and every order comes with a mini cookbook!
That said, I should note, Graza did have a very tough time fulfilling their 2022 Holiday orders. There are only so many olives to squeeze and I think they didn’t anticipate their hype to climb faster than their supply. My hunch is this was a lesson hard learned and they’ve since bounced back, but it has to be noted.
Graza vs Brightland in the gifting category? Both. They both win for completely different reasons. Graza is a little more casual with the branding, and the price is wonderful for what you get. Brightland kicks it up a notch, and the glass bottle is so sexy. Brightland also offers options to add other items besides olive oil.
If you want to add a little pzazz to the olive oil gifting, I recommend adding in the Tartine Bread Book. Scroll to the bottom of this blog for more details on this.
Graza vs Brightland
Some of my favorite gift options from Graza Olive Oil and Brightland Olive Oil:
Graza vs Brightland
The Essential Capsule
Brightland offers a kit with the two unflavored olive oils and both balsamic and champagne vinegars!
Let’s Talk Shopping Local Olive Oils for US and Canada:
In the United States, California is the primary region for olive oil production and accounts for the majority of North America’s olive oil production, although a small amount is crafted in Arizona, Texas, and Georgia. The Mediterranean-like climate, with its hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, creates favorable conditions for olive cultivation.
The main regions within California that are known for olive oil production are:
Central Valley: The Central Valley in California, such as Fresno, Tulare, and San Joaquin, have a large number of olive orchards and processing facilities.
Central Coast: The Central Coast of California, which includes areas like San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Monterey, is another prominent region for olive oil production. The coastal influence and diverse microclimates contribute to the cultivation of various olive varieties.
Sonoma County: Sonoma County, located in Northern California, has gained recognition for its olive oil production. The Mediterranean climate, fertile soils, and scenic landscape make it an ideal region for growing olives.
San Joaquin Valley: Situated in the southern part of California's Central Valley, the San Joaquin Valley is known for its agricultural productivity. It has a substantial olive oil industry, with counties like Madera and Kings contributing to the production.
When it comes to buying olive oil, there are several potential benefits for North Americans to consider when choosing olive oil from California over Italy and Europe. Let’s see if Graza vs Brightland wins in each of these categories:
Freshness and Local Sourcing: Buying California olive oil can provide the advantage of freshness and a shorter supply chain. California-produced olive oil has a reduced travel time for those in the US and Canada, and, therefore, a shorter shelf life compared to imported oils from Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal and the rest of Europe. Graza vs Brightland? Brightland wins this one!
Support Local Economy: Local sourcing from California can support local farmers and contribute to the regional economy. Graza vs Brightland? Brightland wins this one!
Quality Control and Standards: The United States, including California, has its own set of regulations and standards for olive oil production similar to the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in Italy. The California Olive Oil Council (COOC) certification ensures that olive oils meet specific quality criteria and undergo sensory and chemical analyses. This certification provides reassurance to consumers regarding the quality, authenticity, and adherence to specific production practices. Graza vs Brightland? Brightland and Graza both win. It’s a tie.
Transparency and Labeling: California olive oil producers often emphasize transparency and provide detailed information on labels, including the harvest date, olive varieties used, and production methods employed. This transparency allows consumers to make informed choices and have a better understanding of the product they are purchasing. Graza vs Brightland? Brightland wins again!
Environmental Considerations: By choosing locally produced olive oil, American consumers can reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. Additionally, supporting domestic olive oil production can contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and promote environmentally responsible farming techniques within the local context. Graza vs Brightland? Brightland wins again!
Flavor Profiles and Culinary Preferences: Olive oils from California and Italy can have distinct flavor profiles and differences. Neither one is better. California olive oils are known for their fruity and sometimes buttery or nutty flavors. The choice between the flavor profiles can depend on personal taste preferences and the culinary applications. Graza vs Brightland? Both win. They’re both great for different reasons considering the price points, packaging, branding, taste-profiles etc.
Perhaps the biggest consideration is the environmental impact as it needs to be transported halfway around the world by air or sea to make it to the West Coast of the US, when we grow olives right here in California!
Plus, olive oil won’t be as fresh when buying high end oils when it has to travel far. If olive oil is transported via ocean freight, the shipping time can range from around 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the specific route and the efficiency of the shipping company.
Between Graza vs Brightland, the two companies highlighted in this piece, Brightland is the standout here as the olives are grown in California. Graza is a US company, so you would be supporting some of the economic aspects of both Spain (where the olives are grown) and the US, where the company is based. With Brightland, it’s a completely 100% made in America company.
Want to Make the BEST San Francisco Sourdough Bread to go with Your Olive Oil?
I was recently watching the TV show based on the book The Last Thing He Told Me on Apple TV. The show was riddled with San Francisco Bay Area references and companies, likely sponsors. Blue Bottle Coffee, and businesses strung throughout the San Francisco Ferry Building.
One thing stood out as eye-roll-worthy for me. The main character lived in Sausalito, which is the city on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge. She traveled into San Francisco, all the way across the city to the Ferry Building to buy bread from Acme Bread, stating it was her step-daughter’s “favorite bread in the Bay Area.”
Few things I’ll note. Acme is good. Nothing wrong with Acme Bread. They’re the largest local bread baker in the San Francisco Bay Area and you can but it in almost every grocery store, including Sausalito. The Bakery and distribution center is a mile away from me in Berkeley as well.
Secondly, if one is going to travel that far into San Francisco to buy bread, it’s likely going to be a loaf of Tartine. Tartine makes the best bread in the San Francisco Bay Area. More specifically, the Tartine Country Loaf.
Good news is that you can make that bread at home, anywhere in the world! I even live 17 minutes away from the original Tartine in good traffic, and I still make this bread sometimes. Great for olive oil dipping!
I have the Tartine Book with ALL of their bread and restaurant recipes, however, they have their Tartine Country Loaf Recipe posted for free on NYT Cooking.
What you’ll need to make this bread (in addition to recipe ingredients) is a dutch-oven or bread-pot, and a sourdough starter. I have the French Emile Henry Bread and Potato Pot, and I LOVE it!
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Graza vs Brightland Olive Oil
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