Now it is fragrant with hints of apple, burnt orange and almond, the promise of a long hot summer.

With aromas variously described as floral, peppery, herby and even tropical. The extra virgin, a fine all-purpose oil with a lemony taste and peppery bite, can be used for cooking as well as dressing vegetables.

Brothers Don Paco and Don Felipe Nunez de Prado are the seventh generation of a family that has been making some of Spain s finest olive oil at the same mill in Baena since 1795. Their passion for purity and quality has won them one of the few coveted DO (Denominacion de Origen) labels awarded for culinary excellence recognized throughout Spain.

Pair up with good warm bread, dressing superior salads or adding to the delicious local bread and tomato soup called salmorejo. However, Paco does not disapprove of adding a generous spoonful to a dish of paella, for example.