Why We Use Olive Oil (and Not Seed Oil) in Our Ajvar
Ajvar is more than just a spread—it’s a tradition, a taste of home, and a labor of love. At The Spicy Balkan, we stay true to authentic flavors while ensuring the highest quality in every jar. One of the key ingredients in our Spicy Balkan Ajvar Spread is olive oil, not seed oil—and for good reason.
If you've ever made ajvar from scratch, you know it’s not a quick process. We fire grill our red peppers, roast our eggplant, grind them into a rich, smoky base, and then slow-cook the mixture for hours. This slow infusion allows the ingredients to develop deep, rich flavors. But the real magic happens when olive oil is added during the cooking process.
Unlike seed oils, which often have a neutral or industrial taste, olive oil enhances the natural sweetness of roasted peppers, balances the smokiness of eggplant, and carries the subtle heat of chili peppers—giving our ajvar its signature depth.
Why We Avoid Seed Oils
Seed oils—like sunflower, canola, and soybean—are commonly used in store-bought ajvar. But here’s why we avoid them:
1. Seed Oils Are Highly Processed
Most seed oils go through an intense refining process that involves chemical solvents, high heat, and bleaching. This strips the oil of any natural nutrients while introducing oxidized compounds that can affect both the flavor and health benefits of your food.
2. They Don’t Hold Up to Long Cooking Times
Ajvar is cooked slow and low for hours, and not all oils can handle that kind of heat. Many seed oils break down and oxidize at high temperatures, leading to a bitter, burnt taste. Olive oil, on the other hand, remains stable and enhances flavors instead of ruining them.
3. Olive Oil Brings Health Benefits
In the Balkans, we cook with olive oil not just for its flavor but also for its health benefits. It’s packed with antioxidants and heart-healthy fats that support overall wellness. Seed oils, in contrast, are often high in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to health issues over time.
We believe in bold, authentic flavors. That’s why we take the extra step to use high-quality olive oil in our Spicy Balkan Ajvar Spread. Every bite is infused with slow-cooked perfection, capturing the essence of the Balkans in a jar.
So next time you open a jar of ajvar, check the label. If it’s made with seed oils, you’re missing out on the rich, deep flavor that only olive oil can bring. Try ours and taste the tradition done right.