SQUEEZE THE DAY

Text by Uracha Chaiyapinunt

About a few years ago, I started noticing a new olive oil that was appearing in almost every cooking video on my social media feed. It was not hard to miss: packaged in a bright lime-green squeezable bottle — the kind you would typically associate with cafeteria ketchup and not a chic olive oil brand — Graza was just beginning to take the culinary world by storm.

Founded by two food enthusiasts, Andrew Benin and Tony DeLaurentis, Graza set out to create an olive oil that stands out in both quality and taste. The brand sources its olives from Jaén, Spain, a region celebrated for its exceptional olive groves. By using single-origin olives, Graza ensures a level of purity and consistency that is rare in the olive oil market. The taste you get is fresh, peppery and vibrant.

But as many in the industry know, reinventing a kitchen staple requires the product to be more than just tasty. In the saturated olive oil market, Graza changed the game with its innovative approach to packaging that was designed partly to catch the attention of regular consumers walking down the olive oil aisle at their local supermarket. In a sea of familiar-looking glass bottles, Graza’s unique, green squeezable bottle stands out from its competitors. The concept behind the packaging reinvented the perception of what olive oil should look like, while also providing practicality. The squeezable bottle allows for precise control over the amount of oil and also preserves the oil’s freshness by minimizing exposure to air and light. It’s simple yet brilliant.

Graza’s product lines are straightforward and versatile. “Drizzle” is Graza’s extra virgin olive oil, made from olives that are picked early, when flavor is bold and antioxidants are highest. It’s perfect for finishing dishes with a burst of freshness. “Sizzle,” on the other hand, is designed for cooking, with a milder taste that stands up well to heat. Made from mature, mid-season olives that yield a more mellow flavor, “Sizzle” is designed to be used “every day, in every way.”

The affordable prices and eco-conscious approach to restocking have also allowed Graza to build its cult following rapidly. A 500 ml bottle of “Drizzle” and a 750 ml bottle of “Sizzle” goes for USD 21 and USD 16, respectively. Refills are available in perfectly portioned and 100% recyclable, “beer cans” that are designed to keep the olive oil fresh until use.

Since its launch, Graza has quickly gained a following among culinary professionals. Esteemed chefs like Dan Barber of Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Missy Robbins of Lilia and Misi in New York City have praised Graza for its outstanding quality and flavor, helping cement Graza’s reputation as a go-to olive oil for those in the know.

Next time you’re looking to add a touch of magic to your dishes, reach for Graza.

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