Further virgin olive oil (EVOO), when drizzled onto pizza, introduces a layer of richness and enhances the prevailing flavors. This follow entails making use of a high-quality olive oil, characterised by its low acidity and superior style, to a baked pizza, typically simply earlier than serving. The appliance can complement a wide range of pizza kinds, from basic Margherita to extra complicated compositions that includes meats and greens.
The addition of a top quality oil contributes considerably to the general gustatory expertise. The oil’s fruity and peppery notes can elevate the inherent flavors of the sauce, cheese, and toppings. Traditionally, olive oil has been a cornerstone of Mediterranean delicacies, and its use on pizza represents a continuation of this culinary custom. The follow isn’t solely about style but additionally about including a perceived well being profit, as EVOO is understood for its monounsaturated fat and antioxidant properties.
The next sections will delve into the precise traits of olive oils finest suited to this utility, the methods for optimum utility, and the various taste profiles that may be achieved. Additional dialogue will discover the influence on totally different pizza kinds and tackle the issues for each house cooks {and professional} cooks looking for to refine their pizza-making methods.
1. High quality of the oil
The number of additional virgin olive oil essentially dictates the resultant sensory expertise when built-in with pizza. The inherent traits of the oil, decided by components comparable to olive varietal, rising situations, and extraction strategies, straight affect the ultimate taste profile and textural nuances.
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Acidity Degree
Decrease acidity ranges in EVOO point out the next high quality product, signifying cautious harvesting and processing. Oils with decrease acidity are inclined to exhibit a smoother, much less bitter style, which enhances the opposite components on a pizza with out overpowering them. Larger acidity ranges can impart a harsh or disagreeable taste that detracts from the general consuming expertise.
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Olive Varietal and Taste Profile
Totally different olive varietals yield oils with distinct taste profiles. For instance, oils from Tuscan olives typically possess a peppery, strong character that pairs nicely with savory toppings. Conversely, oils from Ligurian olives are usually milder and fruitier, appropriate for lighter, extra delicate pizzas. The selection of varietal ought to be thought of to enhance the precise components and desired taste final result.
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Harvesting and Processing Strategies
Hand-harvested olives and cold-extraction strategies contribute to the next high quality oil. Hand-harvesting minimizes bruising and harm to the olives, preserving their pure flavors. Chilly extraction avoids extreme warmth, which may degrade the oil’s delicate compounds and scale back its taste complexity. These strategies end in an oil that retains its inherent traits, enhancing the pizza’s closing style.
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Authenticity and Certification
Authenticity certifications, comparable to Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), be sure that the olive oil meets particular high quality requirements and originates from a chosen area. These certifications supply assurance concerning the oil’s origin, manufacturing strategies, and total high quality. Choosing licensed oils reduces the chance of adulteration and ensures a real product that contributes positively to the pizza’s taste.
In conclusion, the standard of the additional virgin olive oil isn’t merely an ancillary element however a crucial determinant of the pizza’s final style and attraction. Consideration of acidity ranges, varietal traits, processing methods, and authenticity certifications are all paramount in deciding on an oil that elevates the pizza to its fullest potential.
2. Taste Profile
The flavour profile of additional virgin olive oil exerts a considerable affect on the general gustatory expertise of pizza. The oil’s inherent traits, starting from fruity and herbaceous to peppery and strong, contribute considerably to the complexity and stability of the ultimate dish.
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Fruity Notes
Sure EVOOs exhibit pronounced fruity notes, paying homage to inexperienced apple, ripe tomato, or citrus. These oils can complement sweeter pizza toppings comparable to roasted greens or balsamic glaze, enhancing the general sweetness and including a layer of fragrant complexity. The presence of fruity notes introduces a refreshing counterpoint to richer, extra savory parts.
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Herbaceous Undertones
Herbaceous EVOOs, characterised by grassy or vegetal nuances, pair successfully with pizzas that includes contemporary herbs like basil, oregano, or arugula. The oil’s inexperienced notes amplify the natural qualities of the toppings, making a harmonious mix of flavors. This mix is especially well-suited for lighter, Mediterranean-inspired pizzas.
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Peppery Depth
Oils with a peppery end ship a delicate or pronounced spicy kick, including depth and complexity to the pizza. These oils complement heartier toppings comparable to pepperoni, sausage, or spicy peppers, balancing the richness and including a stimulating aspect. The extent of peppery depth could be adjusted to swimsuit private preferences and the general taste profile of the pizza.
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Bitterness and Stability
A slight bitterness is a attribute of high-quality EVOOs, indicating the presence of useful polyphenols. This bitterness, when balanced with fruity and peppery notes, contributes to a fancy and nuanced taste profile. The interaction of those parts enhances the general style expertise, including depth and class to the pizza.
The strategic number of an EVOO with a selected taste profile permits for a focused enhancement of the pizza’s total style. The nuanced interaction between the oil’s inherent traits and the pizza’s toppings creates a cohesive and elevated culinary expertise, demonstrating the profound influence of taste profile on the ultimate outcome.
3. Software Technique
The strategy by which additional virgin olive oil is utilized to pizza considerably influences the ultimate taste and textural qualities. The timing, amount, and approach employed have an effect on the oil’s distribution, absorption, and interplay with different components. Making use of oil earlier than baking topics it to excessive temperatures, probably altering its delicate taste compounds and lowering its perceived well being advantages. Conversely, a post-bake drizzle preserves the oil’s inherent traits, permitting its aroma and style to completely specific themselves. The selection between these strategies represents a elementary choice level within the pizza-making course of, dictating the oil’s contribution to the general sensory expertise.
The precise approach additionally warrants consideration. A managed drizzle ensures even distribution, stopping extreme pooling in sure areas whereas leaving others dry. This may be achieved utilizing a nozzle-equipped bottle or a spoon, relying on the specified stage of precision. The amount of oil utilized is equally crucial; extreme oil may end up in a greasy texture and muddled flavors, whereas inadequate oil could go away the pizza tasting dry and missing richness. For instance, a Neapolitan-style pizza sometimes advantages from a lightweight drizzle after baking to reinforce its delicate flavors, whereas a thicker, Sicilian-style pizza may require a barely heavier utility to enhance its denser texture and richer sauce.
The suitable utility methodology is thus depending on the pizza type, the standard and taste profile of the oil, and the specified closing final result. Experimentation and cautious remark are important for figuring out the optimum approach for a given pizza recipe. Understanding the nuances of utility methodology permits for a extra deliberate and managed method to incorporating additional virgin olive oil, in the end resulting in a superior and extra satisfying pizza expertise.
4. Pizza Fashion
The precise type of pizza exerts a substantial affect on the suitable utility and influence of additional virgin olive oil. The crust thickness, topping density, and baking methodology inherent to every type dictate the optimum amount, timing, and taste profile of the oil used. As an example, a thin-crust Neapolitan pizza advantages from a lightweight drizzle of delicate EVOO post-bake, permitting the oil’s fruity notes to enhance the easy flavors of San Marzano tomatoes and contemporary mozzarella. In distinction, a thick-crust Sicilian pizza, characterised by its dense, focaccia-like base and heavier toppings, could require a extra beneficiant utility of a strong, peppery oil to penetrate the crust and stability the richness of the opposite components. Understanding these nuances is crucial for attaining a harmonious stability of flavors and textures within the closing product.
Moreover, the baking setting contributes to the interaction between pizza type and EVOO. Wooden-fired ovens, widespread in Neapolitan pizza preparation, impart a definite smoky taste that pairs nicely with lighter, fruitier oils. Conversely, typical ovens, which produce a extra uniform and fewer intense warmth, could profit from the usage of extra assertive oils to compensate for the dearth of smoky notes. The kind of cheese used additionally impacts the number of EVOO. Low-moisture mozzarella, prevalent in New York-style pizza, doesn’t launch as a lot fats throughout baking, probably resulting in a drier texture. A drizzle of EVOO can add moisture and richness, enhancing the general palatability of the pizza. These examples illustrate the sensible significance of contemplating pizza type when incorporating EVOO, highlighting how considerate utility can elevate the dish.
In abstract, the connection between pizza type and EVOO is multifaceted, encompassing crust traits, topping density, baking methodology, and cheese kind. The cautious choice and utility of EVOO, tailor-made to the precise nuances of every pizza type, are important for attaining optimum taste and texture. Whereas challenges stay in generalizing utility methods as a result of huge array of regional variations and particular person preferences, a foundational understanding of those rules offers a invaluable framework for each house cooks {and professional} cooks looking for to refine their pizza-making practices.
5. Amount utilized
The quantity of additional virgin olive oil (EVOO) utilized to pizza straight influences the ultimate sensory traits of the dish. Discovering the optimum amount is important for attaining a harmonious stability of flavors and textures, avoiding each an excessively greasy mouthfeel and a dry, under-seasoned final result.
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Influence on Texture
Extreme EVOO utility saturates the pizza crust, rendering it soggy and detracting from its structural integrity. The added weight of the oil may also trigger toppings to slip off. Conversely, inadequate utility fails to supply satisfactory lubrication, leading to a dry and unpalatable texture. The perfect amount ought to present a delicate sheen with out saturating the crust.
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Impact on Taste Profile
The amount of EVOO influences the perceived depth of its taste. A beneficiant utility can overwhelm the opposite components, masking their particular person contributions. Conversely, a meager utility could not present ample taste enhancement, leaving the pizza tasting bland. The amount ought to be calibrated to enhance, fairly than dominate, the general taste profile.
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Affect on Caloric Content material
EVOO is a calorie-dense ingredient. Overuse can considerably enhance the general caloric content material of the pizza, which can be a priority for health-conscious customers. A average utility permits for the enjoyment of EVOO’s taste and dietary advantages with out extreme caloric consumption. Consciousness of portion sizes and conscious utility are important.
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Interplay with Toppings
The amount of EVOO ought to be adjusted primarily based on the moisture content material of the toppings. Pizzas with dry toppings, comparable to roasted greens or cured meats, could profit from a barely extra beneficiant utility to supply lubrication and improve taste. Conversely, pizzas with high-moisture toppings, comparable to contemporary tomatoes or mozzarella, could require a extra restrained utility to stop a soggy crust. Cautious consideration of topping traits is essential.
In the end, the optimum amount of EVOO on pizza is a matter of subjective desire, however it’s essential to grasp and intentionally calibrate the potential impacts on texture, taste, caloric content material, and ingredient interplay. A conscious method to EVOO utility ensures that the oil enhances, fairly than detracts from, the general high quality of the pizza.
6. Timing
The timing of additional virgin olive oil (EVOO) utility to pizza constitutes a crucial issue influencing the ultimate product’s taste and textural traits. The choice to use EVOO earlier than, throughout, or after the baking course of considerably alters its interplay with different components and the general sensory expertise.
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Pre-Bake Software
Making use of EVOO earlier than baking topics the oil to excessive temperatures, resulting in potential degradation of its delicate taste compounds and a discount in its dietary worth. The warmth may cause the oil to oxidize, leading to a much less nuanced and probably bitter style. Nevertheless, pre-bake utility can facilitate crust browning and forestall extreme dryness in sure pizza kinds, significantly these with leaner toppings. In particular instances, comparable to pizzas with minimal sauce or toppings, pre-bake utility can impart a vital layer of moisture and richness to the crust.
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Mid-Bake Software
Software throughout the baking course of permits for a compromise between taste preservation and integration with the opposite components. Including EVOO halfway by baking exposes it to warmth for a shorter period, minimizing the chance of taste degradation whereas nonetheless permitting it to meld with the melting cheese and different toppings. This methodology could be significantly efficient for pizzas with an extended baking time or these with a various array of components that profit from a extra unified taste profile.
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Publish-Bake Software
Making use of EVOO after baking preserves its inherent taste traits and maximizes its fragrant influence. The oil stays unexposed to excessive temperatures, retaining its fruity, peppery, or herbaceous notes. Publish-bake utility permits the oil to behave as a crowning glory, enhancing the general complexity and including a layer of freshness to the pizza. This methodology is very well-suited for high-quality EVOOs with distinct taste profiles that will be diminished by warmth publicity. Drizzling the oil after baking may also add a fascinating sheen and forestall the crust from changing into overly dry or onerous.
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Layered Software
Combining totally different timing approaches presents a nuanced utility technique. A pre-bake brushed layer can imbue the crust with preliminary taste and forestall dryness, whereas a post-bake drizzle of a definite EVOO provides fragrant complexity and enhances the general tasting expertise. The strategy relies on a deep understanding of how flavors develop throughout baking and might convey essentially the most complicated layers of taste.
The optimum timing of EVOO utility is thus contingent upon the pizza type, the specified taste profile, and the standard of the oil used. Every methodology presents distinct benefits and drawbacks, necessitating a cautious consideration of the interaction between EVOO and the opposite parts of the pizza. The last word purpose stays to reinforce the general style and texture, making a harmonious and memorable culinary expertise. The selection is finest primarily based on what flavors the pizzaiolo needs the patron to understand.
7. Warmth resistance
The warmth resistance of additional virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a crucial think about its utility to pizza, considerably affecting taste stability and potential well being advantages. EVOO includes varied compounds, together with monounsaturated fat, polyphenols, and antioxidants, that are inclined to degradation at elevated temperatures. The smoke level, representing the temperature at which the oil begins to visibly smoke and break down, serves as a vital indicator of warmth resistance. Exceeding the smoke level ends in the formation of dangerous compounds, comparable to acrolein, which may negatively influence each style and well being. Consequently, understanding the warmth resistance of EVOO is important for optimizing its culinary use on pizza.
The influence of warmth resistance on pizza preparation is twofold: it influences the timing of EVOO utility and the number of acceptable oils. Pre-baking utility topics the oil to extended publicity to excessive oven temperatures, probably diminishing its taste and dietary worth. In distinction, post-baking utility preserves the oil’s inherent traits however could not totally combine its taste with the opposite components. Choosing EVOOs with larger smoke factors, sometimes these with decrease acidity and fewer impurities, can mitigate the chance of degradation throughout cooking. For instance, refined olive oils, although much less flavorful than additional virgin varieties, exhibit higher warmth resistance and could also be extra appropriate for pizza kinds requiring longer baking occasions or larger temperatures. Conversely, a fragile, high-quality EVOO is finest utilized post-bake to retain its distinctive aroma and taste.
In abstract, the warmth resistance of EVOO straight influences its utility in pizza preparation. Using EVOOs with acceptable smoke factors, coupled with strategic timing of utility, permits for the preservation of taste integrity and potential well being advantages. Whereas challenges stay in quantifying the exact results of warmth on particular person EVOO parts, a sensible understanding of those rules offers a framework for knowledgeable decision-making in each house {and professional} culinary settings, in the end enhancing the pizza-making expertise.
8. Ingredient synergy
Ingredient synergy, within the context of additional virgin olive oil (EVOO) on pizza, refers back to the harmonious interplay and enhancement of flavors achieved by the even handed mixture of EVOO with different pizza parts. The number of an EVOO that enhances the prevailing components can elevate the general gustatory expertise, making a extra complicated and satisfying taste profile. Conversely, a poorly chosen EVOO can conflict with or overwhelm the opposite flavors, leading to a much less fascinating final result. Trigger and impact are straight linked: the selection of EVOO straight impacts the ultimate taste profile of the pizza. Ingredient synergy is essential as a result of it transforms a set of particular person components right into a unified and cohesive culinary creation. For instance, a pizza that includes salty prosciutto and creamy ricotta advantages from a fruity, gentle EVOO that balances the saltiness and richness with out overpowering the fragile flavors. One other instance, a spicy pizza with Calabrian chili peppers, could be enhanced by a strong, peppery EVOO that intensifies the warmth and provides a layer of complexity.
Sensible functions of understanding ingredient synergy embrace consciously deciding on EVOOs primarily based on the prevailing topping mixtures. A pizza with roasted greens, comparable to eggplant and zucchini, pairs nicely with an herbaceous EVOO, mirroring the vegetal notes and creating a way of cohesion. Equally, a pizza with a tangy tomato sauce and pungent garlic is complemented by a extra assertive, peppery EVOO, reducing by the acidity and including depth. Restaurant homeowners and residential cooks can curate a number of EVOOs with distinct taste profiles to supply versatility of their pizza creations, permitting for intentional pairings that spotlight particular components or create novel taste mixtures. Moreover, understanding the flavour depth of every ingredient and the EVOO is essential. A fragile cheese like contemporary mozzarella is likely to be overwhelmed by a really intense, peppery EVOO, whereas a stronger cheese like aged provolone can stand as much as a extra strong oil.
In abstract, ingredient synergy is a elementary precept within the profitable utility of EVOO to pizza. It calls for a considerate consideration of the prevailing components, their particular person taste profiles, and the way they work together with the chosen EVOO. Challenges come up in exactly quantifying taste interactions and accounting for particular person preferences. Nonetheless, a deliberate method to ingredient pairing, guided by an understanding of fundamental taste rules, persistently yields a superior and extra pleasurable pizza expertise. By rigorously contemplating ingredient synergy, one can remodel a easy pizza right into a culinary masterpiece the place every taste enhances the subsequent.
9. Perceived well being
The addition of additional virgin olive oil (EVOO) to pizza is commonly related to constructive well being perceptions, stemming from the widely known dietary advantages of EVOO. The notion of improved well being contributes to the general attraction and client satisfaction related to pizza consumption. The trigger is the scientific proof supporting the well being advantages of EVOO, whereas the impact is the patron’s perception that pizza with EVOO is a more healthy choice. EVOO is wealthy in monounsaturated fat, antioxidants, and anti inflammatory compounds, all of which contribute to its perceived well being worth. This notion influences client selections, main them to favor pizza preparations that incorporate EVOO. An instance is the growing recognition of Neapolitan-style pizzas, the place a drizzle of EVOO is a typical follow, typically marketed as a more healthy various to closely processed fast-food choices.
The sensible significance of this understanding lies within the potential for meals producers and eating places to leverage the perceived well being advantages of EVOO to reinforce their product choices. Highlighting the usage of EVOO in advertising supplies and menu descriptions can appeal to health-conscious customers. As an example, a pizza restaurant might emphasize the usage of domestically sourced EVOO, detailing its particular well being properties and the way it contributes to the general dietary profile of the pizza. Additionally, a fast-food model can use the knowledge of dietary truth from scientific analysis to draw client, even simply including somewhat evoo on pizza. Nevertheless, it’s essential to mood expectations, as pizza stays a comparatively high-calorie meals, and the addition of EVOO, whereas useful, doesn’t negate the necessity for balanced dietary selections. Claims ought to give attention to the constructive attributes of EVOO fairly than implying that pizza itself is a well being meals.
In conclusion, the perceived well being advantages of EVOO considerably affect client notion and desire for pizza. Whereas the precise well being influence of EVOO-enhanced pizza should be contextualized inside broader dietary issues, the affiliation with constructive well being outcomes enhances the general attraction and marketability of the product. A key problem lies in responsibly speaking the advantages of EVOO with out misrepresenting the general dietary profile of pizza. Meals companies, researchers, and governments should work collectively to point out the constructive and damaging dietary components within the meals product to have client make good choices when consuming them.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning the appliance of additional virgin olive oil to pizza, offering readability and steerage on its optimum use.
Query 1: Does the addition of additional virgin olive oil considerably enhance the caloric content material of pizza?
Whereas EVOO does contribute energy, a average utility, roughly one to 2 tablespoons per pizza, ends in a comparatively modest enhance. The caloric influence depends on the amount used and ought to be thought of throughout the context of total dietary consumption.
Query 2: Is it preferable to use EVOO earlier than or after baking pizza?
Publish-bake utility is mostly really helpful to protect the EVOO’s taste and dietary properties. Pre-bake utility topics the oil to excessive temperatures, probably degrading its delicate compounds.
Query 3: What traits outline an EVOO finest suited to pizza?
Excessive-quality EVOOs with balanced taste profiles are perfect. The precise traits, comparable to fruity, peppery, or herbaceous notes, ought to complement the prevailing pizza toppings. Acidity ought to be low.
Query 4: Can EVOO be used successfully on all kinds of pizza?
EVOO can improve varied pizza kinds, however the amount and utility methodology ought to be adjusted accordingly. Thinner crusts sometimes require much less oil, whereas thicker crusts could profit from a extra beneficiant utility.
Query 5: Does EVOO impart any well being advantages when added to pizza?
EVOO is a supply of monounsaturated fat and antioxidants, which provide potential well being advantages. Nevertheless, the general dietary worth of pizza depends on the opposite components and preparation strategies.
Query 6: How ought to EVOO be saved to take care of its high quality?
EVOO ought to be saved in a cool, darkish place, away from direct daylight and warmth. Correct storage helps stop oxidation and preserves the oil’s taste and dietary properties.
In abstract, the strategic use of EVOO can elevate the flavour and probably improve the healthfulness of pizza, supplied that it’s utilized judiciously and in consideration of the opposite components.
The next sections will discover particular methods for EVOO utility and supply detailed suggestions for various pizza kinds.
Suggestions for Enhancing Pizza with Further Virgin Olive Oil
The even handed utility of additional virgin olive oil (EVOO) can considerably elevate the pizza expertise. These pointers supply insights into optimizing its use.
Tip 1: Prioritize Excessive-High quality EVOO. Go for EVOO with a low acidity stage and a discernible taste profile. The standard of the oil straight impacts the ultimate style.
Tip 2: Make use of Publish-Bake Drizzling. Making use of EVOO after baking preserves its taste nuances and aroma, which are sometimes diminished by excessive warmth.
Tip 3: Calibrate Amount Based mostly on Pizza Fashion. Thinner crusts require much less EVOO to stop sogginess, whereas thicker crusts can accommodate a extra beneficiant utility.
Tip 4: Take into account Taste Pairings. Choose EVOOs with taste profiles that complement the prevailing toppings. Fruity oils pair nicely with gentle cheeses, whereas peppery oils improve spicy components.
Tip 5: Make the most of a Managed Software. Make use of a nozzle or spoon to make sure even distribution, stopping extreme pooling and sustaining a constant texture.
Tip 6: Retailer EVOO Correctly. Defend EVOO from direct daylight and warmth to take care of its high quality and forestall oxidation.
Tip 7: Experiment with Infusions. Improve the flavour by infusing EVOO with herbs or spices, like garlic or chili, for an extra taste layer.
The following tips emphasize the significance of high quality, timing, and considerate utility. Mastery of those methods will improve any pizza creation.
The next concluding remarks will summarize key factors and supply closing ideas on EVOO’s function in pizza preparation.
Conclusion
The previous exploration of “evoo on pizza” has illuminated the multifaceted function of additional virgin olive oil in enhancing this culinary staple. From deciding on acceptable oil profiles to mastering utility methods, it’s evident that the strategic use of EVOO transcends mere addition, changing into an integral aspect of taste orchestration. The standard of the oil, its timing of utility, its synergy with different components: These components all demand cautious consideration to realize the specified gustatory final result.
Subsequently, it’s incumbent upon each culinary professionals and residential cooks to method “evoo on pizza” with knowledgeable intention. By means of a continued dedication to understanding these rules and experimenting with their utility, the potential for elevating the pizza expertise stays boundless. The way forward for “evoo on pizza” lies within the continued refinement of those methods and the continuing exploration of taste prospects. The culinary world should, due to this fact, proceed to check and examine this meals mixture.
