For many Italian Americans, food is more than just nourishment — it's heritage. That's true for Salvatore, a second-generation Italian American from Pittsburgh. When he tried Papa Vince Extra Virgin Olive Oil, he said it reminded him of his family roots in Calabria and Sicily.
Discovering Papa Vince
Salvatore first met our family at an Italian-heritage conference hosted by the Italian American Future Leaders (IAFL). When he learned we import olive oil directly from our family orchards in Santa Ninfa, Sicily, he was intrigued enough to try it — and that's where this story begins.
From the bottom of our heart, grazie to our friends at the Italian American Future Leaders (IAFL) for creating the space where we met Salvatore and so many passionate Italian-American leaders.
What Stood Out the Most
The first thing he noticed was the peppery kick — that signature sign of fresh, high-polyphenol EVOO.
"I never tasted that peppery aftertaste before. It has a little kick to it."
This comes from a compound called oleocanthal, one of the natural polyphenols in Papa Vince EVOO. But he didn't just stop there — he described the oil as "grassy, earthy, and fresh," flavors that stood out compared to other oils he'd used.
More Than Flavor — Family Legacy
For Salvatore, authenticity mattered just as much as taste.
"I think it's beautiful that it's been passed down through generations and still comes from the orchards in Sicily."
Papa Vince isn't just another imported brand. Our olive oil is harvested, pressed, and shipped straight from our family groves — the same orchards our great-grandparents worked over 80 years ago.
Why Papa Vince EVOO Feels Different — The Hydroxytyrosol Connection
Beyond the peppery kick of oleocanthal, Papa Vince EVOO is also rich in hydroxytyrosol (HT), another powerful polyphenol found only in olives.
European research shows that just 5 mg of HT per 20 g of olive oil may help support normal lipid oxidation. Our current harvest provides about 10 mg per 20 g — nearly double that benchmark.
So when Salvatore drizzles Papa Vince on bread or uses it as a finishing oil, he's not just enjoying bold, authentic flavor. He's also choosing an olive oil backed by lab testing, with naturally high levels of antioxidants that support overall well-being.
👉 Learn more about hydroxytyrosol in olive oil here.
Closing Thought from Salvatore
"The product speaks for itself now having tried it. It smells so good, like you can really tell the craft and authenticity."
For Salvatore, Papa Vince isn't just olive oil — it's a bridge back to Sicily, one drizzle at a time.
Disclaimer: This testimonial reflects one individual's experience. Results may vary. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a healthcare professional.
