Negrinha do Douro Olive Paste with Spices
Description
The Negrinha do Douro Olive Paste with Spices is crafted from Negrinha do Douro PDO olives, grown on the steep terraced groves of the Douro Valley, one of Portugal’s most iconic regions. This variety is known for its natural deep violet-black color, its intense fresh olive aroma, and its creamy texture enhanced with pieces of spices. Preserved only in extra virgin olive oil, it stands out for its authentic flavor and its deep connection to the agricultural traditions of the Douro.
Internationally acclaimed, it was awarded 2 stars at the ITQI Awards 2017, where over 125 Chefs and Sommeliers judged it in blind tastings, highlighting its texture, flavor, aroma, and visual appeal as unique and exceptional. This award confirms the superior quality of this paste, which combines the richness of the Negrinha do Douro olive with the aromatic balance of spices, resulting in a gourmet product of excellence.
Versatile and sophisticated, it can be enjoyed in many ways. It is ideal spread on fresh multigrain bread, cornbread, rye, crackers, or even on bolder pairings such as wasabi crisps or goat cheese crostini with chard. It also works beautifully as a complement to appetizers or alongside soft, creamy cheeses, creating a truly memorable tasting experience.
It can also be integrated into main courses, enhancing the flavors of game meats, fresh pasta, and creative salads such as couscous or Greek salad. In vegetarian combinations, it elevates the simplicity of grilled or raw vegetables, while the smoothness of the spices naturally harmonizes with fresh oils and seasonings.
A true example of Portuguese gastronomic richness, created to transform simple moments into gourmet experiences.
Suggested Use
The Negrinha do Douro Olive Paste with Spices is perfect for simple yet flavorful moments. Its creamy texture and the intense taste of this DOP olive make it an irresistible choice for spreading on multigrain bread toasts, traditional Portuguese cornbread or rye bread, vegan crackers, or even bolder options such as wasabi crisps or goat cheese and Swiss chard crostini. An appetizer that combines authenticity with sophistication, guaranteed to impress at any table.
In main dishes, this paste reveals its full versatility. It is an exceptional complement to game meats such as wild boar, partridge, or venison, enhancing robust flavors with the aromatic touch of spices. It can also be used with roasted or grilled white meats, adding an extra layer of intensity and complexity that transforms simple recipes into true gourmet experiences.
Its potential also shines in salads. It becomes a refined seasoning for couscous, Greek, or vegetarian salads, where the freshness of the vegetables meets the deep character of the olive. Mixed into fresh pasta or cold salads, it creates a perfect balance between lightness and intensity, while maintaining the natural, healthy profile that defines this product.
Finally, it can be used as a base for creative appetizers and starters. Spread the paste on toasted bread and top with cream cheese, or use it as a filling in small rolls of grilled vegetables. Its richness of flavor and aroma allows endless pairings, turning every use into an opportunity to discover new ways of celebrating the tradition and innovation of Portuguese gastronomy.
Recipes | Chef
- Greek Salad with Negrinha do Douro Olive Paste meia.dúzia® - Chef Álvaro Costa
- Fresh goat cheese salad with Negrinha do Douro Olive Paste meia.dúzia® and beetroot bread
- Niçoise Style Tuna Salad with Negrinha do Douro Olive Paste meia.dúzia® - Chef Álvaro Costa
- Goat Cheese Toast with Bravo de Esmolfe Apple Jam with Cinnamon meia.dúzia®, Negrinha do Douro Olive Paste meia.dúzia® and Red Pepper Chutney meia.dúzia® - Chef Álvaro Costa
Ingredients
“Negrinha do Douro” olive (81%), virgin olive oil, honey, spices, acidity regulator (citric acid) and salt. It may contain traces of olive pits.
Nutritional information
Average nutritional information per 100 g / 3.53 oz: Energy 1206 kJ / 286 kcal; Fats 8,2 g / 0.3oz, of which saturated fat acids 5,0 g / 0.2oz; Carbohydrates 49,7 g / 2oz, of which sugars 48,7 g / 2oz; Proteins 2,0 g / 0.07oz; Salt 0,0 g / 0.0 oz.
Origin of raw materials
The Negrinha do Douro Olive Paste with Spices is born from the authenticity of a unique olive, with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), cultivated on the steep slopes of the Douro Valley. This region of northern Portugal is defined by its hot, dry climate and schist soils, which give the olive trees and their fruits their singular character.
Negrinha do Douro PDO Olive
The Negrinha do Douro PDO Olive stands out for its smooth, rounded shape, firm consistency, and average weight of 3 to 5 grams. Its color evolves from greenish-yellow to deep violet-black as it ripens, offering a visual personality as distinctive as its flavor. Harvesting is done manually, honoring tradition and ensuring the preservation of each fruit’s quality, in a process that highlights both the connection to the land and the ancestral know-how of the local communities.
The balance between the intensity of the olive and the aromatic touch of the spices used in this paste results in a unique combination. Preserved in extra virgin olive oil, the recipe follows natural methods, enhancing an authentic, rich, and engaging flavor that reflects the excellence of Portuguese gastronomy.
Each tube of this paste is more than just a product: it is a reflection of the Douro Valley’s tradition, the dedication of generations, and the ability to transform genuine ingredients into sophisticated and memorable gastronomic experiences.