In a world where every bite tells a story, savoring food becomes an act of connection-connecting us to the land, the hands that harvest it, and the values we hold dear. Enter Fair Trade Olive Oil Focaccia: a humble yet exquisite bread that transcends mere flavor, inviting us to taste with purpose. Infused with ethically sourced olive oil, each slice offers not just a culinary delight but a celebration of fairness, sustainability, and the passionate communities behind every golden drop. Join us as we explore how this artisanal focaccia embodies both rich tradition and a commitment to a better world, proving that good food can nourish more than just the body-it can feed the soul.

Savor Fair Trade Olive Oil Focaccia: Taste with Purpose

Savor Fair Trade Olive Oil Focaccia, a culinary masterpiece that honors centuries-old traditions while embracing ethical, sustainable practices. This fragrant, golden focaccia is infused with the vibrant, fruity notes of fair trade olive oil – an ingredient that not only enhances flavor but supports communities around the globe. Taking a simple bread and elevating it with conscientious choices transforms every bite into a celebration of heritage and mindful eating.

Prep and Cook Time

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Rising: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Baking: 25 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours

Yield

Makes one 9×13-inch focaccia, serves 8

Difficulty Level

Medium – Ideal for cooks comfortable with yeast dough but approachable for adventurous beginners

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 cup warm water (105°F to 110°F)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• ⅓ cup Fair Trade Olive Oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 ½ tsp sea salt, plus flaky sea salt for topping
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• Fresh rosemary, about 2 tbsp, roughly chopped
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the honey in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy, signaling active yeast.
2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the sifted flour and 1 ½ tsp sea salt. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture and ⅓ cup fair trade olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead: Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 6-8 minutes.
4. First rise: Lightly oil a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside. Turn it to coat all sides. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the focaccia: Gently punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Using your fingers, spread and press the dough evenly to fill the pan. Don’t worry if it springs back-just keep stretching gently.
6. Second rise: Cover loosely and let it rest for 20-30 minutes to rise again.
7. Add toppings and dimples: Use your fingertips to create deep dimples all over the surface. Drizzle generously with fair trade olive oil, sprinkle with garlic slices, rosemary, flaky sea salt, and cracked black pepper.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the focaccia on the middle rack and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crisp on top.
9. Cool and serve: Let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan before slicing into squares. Drizzle with an extra splash of fair trade olive oil before serving to highlight the flavors.

Tips for Success

• Use quality ingredients: The star of this dish is the fair trade olive oil. Choose one with a fruity, peppery profile for the best aroma and depth.
• Water temperature matters: Too hot can kill the yeast; too cold stalls fermentation. A kitchen thermometer is a valuable tool.
• Customize your toppings: Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions for a Mediterranean twist.
• Make ahead: Bake the focaccia, cool completely, then freeze wrapped tightly. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes before serving.
• Oil drizzle tip: A finishing drizzle of fair trade olive oil just before serving amplifies freshness and adds a glossy appeal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm slices of this fair trade olive oil focaccia alongside a rustic antipasto board with marinated olives, aged cheeses, and cured meats. For a light yet elegant meal, pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette and a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with fresh herbs. Garnish the focaccia with sprigs of rosemary and whole garlic cloves baked to sweetness for impressive presentation. It also makes an exquisite sandwich base when sliced horizontally, layered with roasted vegetables and fresh mozzarella.

For more inspiration on using sustainable ingredients in baking, check out our guide to sustainable baking. To deepen your knowledge on fair trade olive oil’s global impact, the Fairtrade Foundation offers extensive resources and certification details.

Q&A

Q&A: Savor Fair Trade Olive Oil Focaccia – Taste with Purpose

Q1: What makes Fair Trade Olive Oil Focaccia different from regular focaccia?
A1: Fair Trade Olive Oil Focaccia isn’t just about deliciousness-it’s a celebration of ethics and flavor. Unlike conventional focaccia, this version is made with premium olive oil sourced from Fair Trade cooperatives. This ensures farmers earn fair wages and work sustainable land, infusing every bite with purpose and soul.

Q2: How does Fair Trade certification impact the quality of olive oil used in focaccia?
A2: Fair Trade certification guarantees that olive oil is produced under standards promoting environmental stewardship and social responsibility. This means the olives are often handpicked at peak ripeness, yielding a richer, more vibrant oil that elevates the focaccia’s aroma and taste while supporting eco-friendly farming practices.

Q3: Can you describe the flavor profile of Fair Trade Olive Oil Focaccia?
A3: Imagine biting into a golden, airy crust kissed by the peppery, grassy notes of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The focaccia carries a harmonious balance of savory warmth from sea salt and a touch of rosemary or thyme, creating a mouthwatering symphony that connects you to the Mediterranean roots and the hard-working hands behind it.

Q4: Why is choosing Fair Trade olive oil in focaccia a meaningful decision?
A4: When you opt for Fair Trade olive oil focaccia, you’re supporting a fair economy and sustainability. Your choice helps small-scale farmers thrive, promotes biodiversity, and reduces exploitation. It’s a delicious way to practice conscious consumption, blending pleasure with ethical impact.

Q5: How can I enjoy Fair Trade Olive Oil Focaccia to make the most of its taste and story?
A5: Serve it warm alongside fresh cheeses, roasted vegetables, or a hearty salad. Use it as a base for gourmet sandwiches or simply dip it into balsamic vinegar and more olive oil. Each bite is a reminder that good food can nourish not just your body but the planet and communities too.

Q6: Where can consumers find authentic Fair Trade Olive Oil Focaccia?
A6: Look for artisanal bakeries and specialty food stores that prioritize ethical sourcing. Many Fair Trade cooperatives partner with local bakers and gourmet brands, often available through farmer’s markets or online retailers emphasizing sustainability.

Q7: How does incorporating Fair Trade products into baking contribute to global change?
A7: Incorporating Fair Trade ingredients like olive oil fosters economic empowerment and environmental care on a global scale. Each loaf of focaccia becomes a small act of solidarity, connecting cultural heritage, fair labor, and conscious eating-turning an everyday pleasure into a catalyst for positive change.

In Retrospect

As you savor each bite of Fair Trade olive oil focaccia, you’re not just indulging in a delicious treat-you’re partaking in a story of sustainability, fairness, and care. This humble bread, enriched with ethically sourced olive oil, transforms every meal into an act of mindful enjoyment. By choosing fair trade, you support farmers’ livelihoods, foster environmental stewardship, and champion a more equitable food system. So next time you break bread, remember: with fair trade olive oil focaccia, your taste buds and your values find perfect harmony-truly, a flavor with a purpose.