Inside the Olive Oil Bottle with Elaine Trigiani

Olive oil is something many of us use every day—often without a second thought. But behind every bottle is a story shaped by land, timing, and generations of care. In this episode of Midwest Meets Mediterranean, Chef Laura Bonicelli sits down with Elaine Trigiani, a master olive oil producer in Tuscany, to explore what truly goes into making exceptional olive oil. Elaine took it to heart when her aunt told her, “You don’t buy olive oil—you make it.” Years later, she now produces award-winning olive oils in both Tuscany and Sicily. This conversation offers a deeper understanding of olive oil—not to complicate it, but to make it more approachable. By exploring both the process and the practical questions we all have, this episode will help you become a more confident and informed olive oil consumer. What You’ll Learn What makes high-quality olive oil different from what most of us buy How olive oil is grown, harvested, and produced in Tuscany and Sicily What to look for—and taste for—in a good olive oil Why cooking with good olive oil matters How to read and understand olive oil labels Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:43 – Welcome 02:45 – Elaine’s Story 07:59 – Olive Oil Production in Tuscany and Sicily 11:39 – Midroll 12:01 – Piero and La Storia 28:11 – Midroll 28:30 – Certification and Awards 31:40 – Color and What It Means 31:59 – Picking and Processing 41:51 – Heat and Olive Oil 47:56 – How to Buy Olive Oil 53:48 – Myths and Misconceptions About the Guest Elaine Trigiani is a master olive oil producer based in Tuscany, where she works closely with the land and traditional methods to produce high-quality olive oil. Her work reflects a deep respect for seasonality, craftsmanship, and the cultural heritage of Italian food. Resources & Links Visit Bonicelli Cooking Club: https://bonicellicookingclub.com Elaine Trigiani’s work: https://www.oliodelladonna.com/ https://www.olio2go.com/ Subscribe & Follow If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share it with someone who loves food, cooking, and discovering the stories behind what we eat.