Nicola Trapani

Expert in the science of making wines and olive oil Professor Nicola Trapani argues that extra virgin olive oil is the only oil that should be used in our daily diets whether in the kitchen or at the table. His talk will be followed by some tastings of Racalia’s organic olive oil.

Trapani counters the myths around extra virgin olive oil that it is more calorific, less digestible and not suitable for frying. He says extra virgin olive oil improves health and should be used as part of a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetable fibres and low in fats of animal origin. The event will include a tasting olive oil from the Racalia estate in Sicily, a family estate inherited by former solicitor William Richards. The estate produces 4,500 litres of oil a year for the UK and Italian markets.

Trapani taught the theory and practice of winemaking at Istituto Tecnico Agrario of Marsala, at the Libera Università of Trapani and at the University of Palermo. He has researched the techniques of using cold temperatures for the making of wine and has promoted the education and training of Sicilian winemakers. He has also spent several years researching olive oil and its health attributes and has written a book on the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. He says: ‘Make sure your food is your medicine and your medicine is your food’.

This talk will be in Italian with simultaneous English translation It will last one hour 15 minutes.

This event is part of Italian day at the festival.