Emma Mykytyn LAVERDE Artisan Sicilian Olive Oil Review: A Taste of Sicily
A good extra virgin olive oil can transform even the simplest dish. A drizzle over warm bread, ripe tomatoes or freshly cooked pasta can add freshness, aroma and a peppery finish that ordinary cooking oils often lack.
LAVERDE Olive Oil offers a single-estate extra virgin olive oil produced from Biancolilla olives grown in the hills of Caltanissetta, central Sicily. Rather than blending oils from different farms, regions or harvests, the company works directly with one family producer and imports the oil to the UK without brokers or distributors.
What is LAVERDE Artisan olive oil?
LAVERDE’s extra virgin olive oil is made exclusively using Biancolilla olives, an old Sicilian variety known for producing a relatively gentle and elegant oil.
The olives are harvested during November and transported to the mill within hours of picking. They are then cold-pressed at temperatures below 27°C before the oil is stored in stainless-steel tanks under nitrogen to reduce oxidation. LAVERDE says that it bottles the oil according to demand rather than allowing large quantities of filled bottles to sit in storage.
The current 500ml bottle comes from the November 2025 harvest and costs £20. It is sold in dark glass to help protect the contents from light. The company also offers smaller 250ml and 100ml bottles.
Where is it from?
Single-estate extra virgin olive oil produced from Biancolilla olives grown in the hills of Caltanissetta, central Sicily
Appearance and aroma
The oil has an attractive green colour that immediately makes it feel fresher and more characterful than a basic supermarket blend.
Its stated aroma is reminiscent of freshly cut grass, green tomato and almond. These are classic Mediterranean flavours, but the overall profile is intended to be softer and less aggressively bitter than some particularly robust extra virgin olive oils.
This makes LAVERDE a potentially useful choice for anyone who enjoys the freshness of good olive oil but finds heavily bitter or throat-catching varieties overpowering.
What does LAVERDE olive oil taste like?
Delicate rather than aggressive, with flavours of green tomato and fresh almond followed by a soft peppery finish.
The result is an olive oil designed to add flavour without overwhelming everything else on the plate. That balance should make it particularly versatile: distinctive enough to enjoy as a finishing oil but gentle enough for everyday cooking.
Its almond character would work especially well with vegetables, fish and lighter pasta dishes, while the green tomato notes make it a natural companion for salads and bruschetta.
How to use it
Although it can be used for cooking, an oil like this is at its best when its flavour remains noticeable.
Try it:
– Drizzled over tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil
– Served with warm sourdough or focaccia
– Poured over grilled or roasted vegetables
– Added to pasta just before serving
– Used to finish soups and lentil dishes
– Whisked into a simple lemon and herb dressing
– Drizzled over grilled fish
– Paired with balsamic vinegar as a bread dip
One of the simplest ways to appreciate it is also one of the best: pour a little into a shallow dish, add a pinch of sea salt and serve it with good bread. This allows the grassy aroma, almond flavour and peppery finish to come through clearly.
Provenance and production
The strongest part of LAVERDE’s offering is its traceability. Each bottle comes from a single producer, a single olive variety and one annual harvest. The company says each unit carries a lot number that can be linked to a particular milling date, with supporting supply-chain documentation available to wholesale and trade customers.
Is it worth £20?
At £20 for 500ml, LAVERDE is considerably more expensive than an everyday supermarket olive oil. However, it is positioned as a premium, single-estate product rather than a general-purpose blended cooking oil.
For the price, you are getting a named olive variety, a stated harvest date, direct Sicilian provenance and a more distinctive flavour profile. It therefore makes most sense as a finishing oil or table oil rather than something to pour generously into a deep pan.
Used carefully over salads, pasta, vegetables and bread, a 500ml bottle should last reasonably well. LAVERDE recommends storing it below 20°C, away from heat and light, and using it within three months of opening for its best aroma.
The olive oil has also been named a finalist in the Kitchen Condiments category of the Great British Food Awards 2026. The final award results are due to be announced soon.
Packaging and gifting
The dark-green glass bottle has a smart, understated appearance that feels suitable for both the kitchen cupboard and the dining table.
Its presentation also makes it a good gift for keen cooks, Italian food lovers or anyone who enjoys premium pantry ingredients. Smaller bottles are available for hampers and tasting gifts, while the 500ml size is more practical for regular use.
Where to buy
UK delivery is available through the LAVERDE Artisan website, with free delivery currently offered on orders over £40. The company also supplies independent retailers in London and offers same-day delivery in parts of central London through Deliveroo.
LAVERDE Artisan olive oil review: the verdict
LAVERDE Artisan stands out for its clear provenance, single-varietal production and approachable Sicilian flavour profile.
Biancolilla is a good choice for people who want a high-quality extra virgin olive oil without excessive bitterness. Its combination of green tomato, cut grass, almond and gentle pepper should complement food rather than overpower it.
It is not a budget cooking oil, and using it for deep frying would rather miss the point. Instead, keep it for dressings, dipping and finishing dishes where its flavour can be properly appreciated.
For anyone looking to upgrade from a standard blended olive oil, LAVERDE offers an attractive introduction to single-estate Sicilian extra virgin olive oil. Its traceable production, elegant flavour profile and smart presentation make it equally suitable for everyday food lovers and as a thoughtful culinary gift.
Overall: A versatile and gently peppery Sicilian olive oil with strong provenance and an appealing premium presentation.
