French organic oil pioneers

I remember working on my book in 2012 when, in an organic shop, I spotted a bottle from Huilerie Emile Noël. Very different than others. With my love for French products (even obsession at that time), I took it home, although quite expensive for my income at that time, and a week later, that bottle turned into a wonderful friendship as they supported my book and further discovery of their products delivering three boxes of oils of all sizes and tastes and health benefits. I sniffed and tasted every one of them, from simple cooking oils to olive and argan oils, which are so precious and so full of character. And that was when I started my love affair with the brand I choose today after moving to France.

Located between Provence and Rhône-Alpes, Huilerie Emile Noël is one of most distinguished organic oil producers in Frances. With a rich history spanning over 82 years, the brand was founded by Emile Noël and has been passed down through generations, now in the hands of his grandchildren.

But, it was not back in 1920 that they started with organic oil production, as that happened a good 52 years later in 1972, making them famous as they were the first ones to produce organic oils, starting with simple mono-variety oils and later moving to mixtures and varieties no one even talked about.

Today, after all this time, they are still considered one of the first ones to produce excellent organic oils, working with producers all over the world, supporting not only the idea of organic produce but also providing economic benefits, thinking about sustainability, fair trade, social matters and farming too. Their dedication to sustainability is truly inspiring and worthy of support.

Sometimes it takes around 14 kg of a product (which may vary from product to product) to make one litre of oil, pressed using traditional methods, hand in hand with modern technologies, for us to get the most beneficial result. No chemicals are used to affect the outcome, but very many tests are done to make sure the end result is excellent. Yes, it is not a fast and cheap process; however, when you taste the end result, it is worth every little drop of it.

From simple cooking oils (perfect for mayonnaise too, by the way) and exceptional mild and stronger olive oils to argan, pistachio, hazelnut, walnut and other nut and seed oils, they have expanded to nut butter as well and let me tell you a secret — it is divine.