Cooking & Preparation

  1. 1. How do I use different types of olive oil?

    Use extra virgin grades for finishing, dressings and dipping where the olive flavour should come through, and pure or light-tasting grades for everyday cooking, sautéing and higher-heat frying. Check the product page to see which type you have.

  2. 2. What is cooking oil best used for?

    Neutral cooking oils suit everyday frying, sautéing, baking and general cooking thanks to their mild flavour and higher smoke point. See the product page for the specific oil type.

  3. 3. How do I use canned tomatoes and pasta sauce?

    Use them as the base for pasta sauces, soups, stews, chili, pizza and braises. Whole and diced tomatoes can be simmered down, while ready sauces can be heated and served or seasoned to taste as a starting point.

  4. 4. How long does dry pasta take to cook?

    Most dry pasta cooks in roughly 8 to 12 minutes in plenty of boiling salted water, depending on the shape and how al dente you like it. Always follow the cooking time printed on the package.

  5. 5. How do I cook specialty pasta shapes?

    Cook in plenty of boiling salted water until al dente, usually around 8 to 12 minutes depending on the shape. Follow the time printed on the package, and check small soup shapes early as they cook quickly.

  6. 6. Should I rinse and drain canned beans before using them?

    Draining and rinsing canned beans under cool water is recommended for most recipes. It removes the packing liquid and can lower the sodium in the finished dish. For soups and stews you may keep some liquid if the recipe calls for it.

  7. 7. How do I cook dried beans?

    Soak dried beans in plenty of water for several hours or overnight, drain, then simmer in fresh water until tender, which can take one to two hours depending on the variety. Follow the package directions for specific guidance.