wonderboy, Author at D'Olivo Tasting Bar

February 22, 2023March 14, 2025

The History of Olive Oil

Olive oils and olives are a part of the cuisine in many homes and restaurants. For some, infusing olive oils into cooking and recipes is relatively new; other home chefs have been enjoying the delights of this ancient fruit for years.

Classified as a fruit, olives are composed of up to thirty percent oil. Its oil can vary in taste and color. Where the trees are grown, the process to extract the oil, and the ripeness of the olive are all factors in the resulting oils.

Origination of Olive Trees and Olive Oil

Findings from archeologists suggest that olive trees and olive oil may have existed as long ago as 5000 BCE. Pieces of pottery excavated in present day Israel contain evidence of olives and olive oil that supports the belief that olive oil may be up to 8,000 years old. The exact location of the first tree or grove of olive trees has not been discovered, but most scientists believe its origins are in the area of Syria, Israel, and/or sub-Saharan Africa.

Regardless of the location of the first tree, olive trees have been mentioned in literature from ancient texts and often throughout the Bible. As with its proliferation in writings from thousands of years ago, the trees themselves spread throughout the Mediterranean as trade flourished.

Records show that in ancient trading ports of 2000 BCE, olive oil was the most expensive oil traded and far more valuable than wine. Ancient Phoenicians continued spreading the propagation of olive trees with the growth of their trading routes. With the dramatic expansion of the Roman Empire, the cultivation and trade of olives, olive oil, and olive trees continued to spread.

Ancient Uses of Olive Oil

Due to its many uses, olive oil had tremendous value, which caused its rapid dissemination throughout the ancient trading pathways and the Roman Empire. Numerous rituals, civic and religious, included the use of olive oil. Kings, leaders, and warriors were anointed with olive oil to mark special occasions. Messiah means the anointed one. It was an essential part of daily life, used in cooking and providing fuel for lamps.

Many cultures refer to olives, olive oil, and olive branches. In the Old Testament of the Christian Bible, Noah receives an olive branch delivered by a dove. This was Noah’s notification that the flood was over, and he with other survivors could leave the ark. When the Jewish people had to flee from Egypt, only olive oil was permitted to light their Menorah. Today, olive oil remains the preferred method to light the candles.

Ancient Greeks believed olive oil was holy and used it in their sacred ceremonies. Preparation for burials included anointing the body of the deceased with olive oil. Ancient kings were anointed with olive oil in their coronation ceremonies. Many of the ancient religions believed that extra virgin olive oil was the only one worthy of offering to the gods. Religions of today continue to use olive oil in the anointing and consecration ceremonies.

Not only was olive oil used in burials, but olive twigs were also part of the ancient Spartan ritual. Branches created a protective foundation for the soul of the deceased. Attendees to the funeral wore crowns made from olive branches as a safeguard against evil spirits.
Ancient medical practitioners, including Hippocrates, treated over sixty known maladies with olive oil. Galen, a doctor from ancient Rome, used olive oil in his formation of cold cream. Conditions from infections to burns to sore throats were all healed with olive oil. Some people today believe that drinking olive oil each day maintains a healthy body.

Olive Oil’s Rise in Popularity and Use

Rising cholesterol levels and their corresponding medical issues in the 1980s caused concerns in the medical community. Research into contributing factors included the connection between trans fats and heart disease. These fatty acids now require labeling and in some areas are banned. Not only do trans fats increase the bad cholesterol, but they lower the good cholesterol levels in those who consume them.

Additional research from the medical community demonstrated the positive impact of a Mediterranean or Tuscan diet. Eliminating the use of killer fats with the healthier fats of olive oil was one key factor in suggested diet changes for many Americans. Medical experts touted olive oil’s role in controlling cholesterol. Data supports olive oil’s health benefits in lowering risks for heart disease, diabetes, and inflammation.

Olive Oil Production

It can be confusing to know which olive oil does what and when to use each grade. Processed without heat in the traditional method and creating a deeper flavor is cold-pressed olive oil. First cold pressed oils are more expensive, of higher quality, and healthier. It’s these oils that receive the Extra Virgin Olive Oil designation.

EVOO or Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the healthiest olive oil with vitamin E, polyphenols, and antioxidants. It is processed without any chemicals and will contain less than 0.8 percent free fatty acids. Between brands and manufacturers, the aroma, flavor, and color of the oil can and do vary. EVOO is the tastiest olive oil and makes a wonderful addition to many recipes.

Virgin Olive Oil is still a tasty olive oil with a slightly more elevated level of acidity. Sautéing and other low heat food preparation can be good uses of virgin olive oil. Virgin olive oil has a milder taste than EVOO, so it works well in recipes that the taste of the oil is not the star. Its free fatty acid levels will be less than 2.0 percent.

Refined Olive Oil has been processed through more steps than EVOO. This oil can cook foods at a high temperature, which is what refined olive oil is most useful for.

Pure Olive Oil is a blended oil created by combining extra virgin or virgin oil and refined oils. Used for cooking, massages, or skin treatments makes the best use of its qualities.

About Our Olive Oil

Here at D’Olivo Tasting Bar, we pride ourselves on only selling the highest quality extra virgin olive oils to our customers. Be sure you’re getting the most out of cooking with olive oil by learning how to identify and select high quality olive oils, proper storage, and creative ways to incorporate this fun and healthy oil into daily diets.

Visit our store in person or online to shop our full selection of UP extra virgin olive oils, as well as our fused and infused olive oil options.

January 31, 2023

Fun Ways to Cook With Olive Oil in 2023

Olive oil is a heart-healthy addition to anyone’s diet. So, most of us have a bottle or two in our pantries. Sometimes when we know a food is good for us, it doesn’t seem like it can be fun as well. Let’s change that and explore ways to have fun cooking with olive oil in 2023.

Hitting the Boards

From charcuterie boards to butter boards, olive oil has a starring role in all types of boards. For your charcuterie board, drizzle olive oil over hard cheeses. Add some freshly ground pepper to enhance the taste. Heighten the flavor intensity of fresh and soft cheeses with a delicate stream of olive oil with a pinch of sea salt.

Butter boards are not complete without a roasted head of garlic or two. Using olive oil is a great to create a rich depth of garlic flavor. Add the jam-like garlic to your butter board.
Don’t put the olive oil or your boards away, yet! To create your potato board, you will need to use your favorite olive oil to create delectable crispy potato wedges. Use different types of potatoes as the base for your potato board. Add dipping sauces of aioli and herb-infused olive oils to create a fun tasty treat.

Maybe an olive oil board is the next appetizer sensation?!

Elevating your Snacks

Movies and popcorn are a great way to spend time with family and friends. Why not use olive oil instead of less healthy oil to pop your corn? No need to melt and pour butter over your hot just popped corn, drizzle some oil and sea salt to create an easy, fun, and affordable snack. Freshly ground pepper can really bring out the depth of flavor from the olive oil.

Another snack classic whose flavors can be elevated by cooking with your favorite olive oil are chicken wings. Mix your wings in olive oil before putting them in the oven. Turn a couple of times, so the wings are crispy on both sides. Then mix hot sauce and olive oil, baste frequently. Use the rest of the sauce for tangy dipping.

Don’t Forget your Air Fryer

A fabulous addition to many kitchens is the versatile air fryer. A great way to make almost anything and make it healthier is mixing your ingredients in olive oil before adding them to the air fryer. Extra light olive oil has a high smoking point, so it is a terrific oil to use with your air fryer. From steaks to veggie chips to shrimp for tacos, all your air fried food flavors will be intensified when you use any one of your favorite oils.

Time for Dessert

Yes, even cakes, cupcakes, and cookies can be more fun if you upgrade from regular oil or butter to heathier and more tasty olive oil. When substituting butter with olive oil, you usually do not need a one-to-one ratio. Instead try .75 olive oil to 1.0 of the butter requirements. Your cakes will be moist and crumbly. Don’t forget how tasty the combination of dark chocolate, sea salt, and olive oil is, which is a great topping for your olive oil infused cake!

Enjoy experimenting and cooking with olive oil in 2023. There’s a seemingly endless combination of flavors to explore!

January 12, 2023

What Is the Healthiest Olive Oil

While the popularity of olive oil has grown over the years, experiencing a major boost in the last decade or so, the information surrounding olive oil and its health benefits is still surprisingly difficult for many consumers. In fact, though it remains one of the most popular cooking fats, thanks in large part to its presence in the Mediterranean diet, there are very minimal national regulations that producers must follow.

As everyone looks for healthier cooking options, marketers world-wide have created a lot of confusion about this special oil and what exactly makes it unique. We’re here to help break down the information barrier by offering quick tips on how to truly understand olive oils.

Olive Oil Grades

The first step to understanding olive oil is a recognition that there are several grades of this type of fat. Depending on the source you use, there are typically five or six grades. Using the USDA regulations for example show five total grades including U.S. Extra Virgin, U.S. Virgin, U.S. Virgin Not Fit for Human Consumption without further processing, U.S. Olive Oil, and U.S. Refined Olive Oil. For a complete guide to these visit the website here (https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/olive-oil-and-olive-pomace-oil-grades-and-standards)

While many of these titles won’t be seen on the labels you find at the store, it’s important to note that Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the highest quality or grade of olive oil that you can purchase.

Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oils are the purest oils that you will find on the market. By definition, extra virgin olive oils are made from the first, cold-pressing of the olives. Using this method of extraction for the oil means that no heat or chemical compounds are used in the production of the olive oil juice.

By not using heat or chemicals, it maintains both the purity of the olive fruit and the health benefits as well. Studies have linked olive oil to numerous health benefits including:

– Decreased blood pressure
– Lower inflammation
– Improved Heart Health
– Weight Loss Aid

Other olive oil titles you may see on grocery store labels include pure, light, virgin, etc. these labels indicate that the oil is no longer in its purest form and most likely are blended with other, less high-quality oils such as vegetable or canola.

What to Look for When Shopping

As we’ve mentioned, because there is no real national standard for regulation on olive oils, it’s important for every consumer, especially those looking for the highest quality product, to be wary of labels that they see on the grocery store shelves. Even those oils that are labeled extra virgin may not meet the standards outlined by the USDA.

Tips to Ensure You Get the Best Quality Olive Oil

1.Buy from a Specialty Retailer – one of the best ways to ensure that you get an actual high-quality olive oil is to purchase from a specialty retailer who knows the olive oil industry and has a focus on providing quality products to their customers. D’Olivo for example, specializes in olive oils and balsamic vinegars, sourcing all our products from Veronica Foods.

Veronica Foods takes seriously the quality of their products and ensures that every oil offered from their distributors meets the most rigorous of standards, earning their oils the designation of ultra-premium.

2. Look for a sell-by or harvest date – any quality extra virgin olive oil will provide this information on a label so that consumers know when the oil itself was harvested and when it should be sold by to ensure a high-quality taste.

3. Know What A Good Olive Oil Tastes Like – knowing the product your buying will go a long way in ensuring quality. A fresh, high-quality olive oil should smell like fresh grass, and the most flavorful will have a fruity or peppery taste. Ideally, you’ll be able to taste the oil before you make your purchase which will guarantee you get a good one.

4. After You Purchase Store the Oil Properly – once you’ve purchased your olive oil, in order to make sure that it doesn’t go bad after opening you’ll want to store it properly. This means you need to store you oil in a dark bottle, with a good seal to avoid exposure to the outside air. You also want to store it in a cool, dark location. Exposure to both heat and light can cause spoiling of the oil. Also, be sure to use it up within a few months after opening or within two years if it’s still sealed.

December 2, 2022

Tips and Tricks for Cooking with Olive Oil

With the end of October in site, that means the holiday months are nearly here. With this season of thankfulness and cheer is also accompanied by lots of time in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting family for Thanksgiving or gearing up for all those holiday office parties, food is most likely on the brain.

We hope that like us, this idea of extra time in the kitchen for cooking and baking brings a sense of true joy. Our team at D’Olivo loves preparing delicious food for those we love to enjoy. As we look forward to lots of that in the weeks ahead we’re sharing our top tips and tricks for cooking with the always popular olive oil.

Remember Olive Oil Can Be Used with High Heat

One of the points that olive oil opponents often use in arguments for why you shouldn’t use olive oil as a fat alternative in cooking is that it cannot be used at high heats. However, if you’re using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil this simply isn’t true. In fact, high-quality olive oils have an extremely high smoke point making them safe for use, even in high heat situations.

So, if you’ve got a turkey you want to fry or another high-temperature recipe don’t be afraid to purchase a high-quality olive oil and use it as a healthy alternative for your holiday recipe.

Olive Oil Makes A Great Butter Substitute

While we love to cook and bake, we also recognize that this time of year can bring lots of anxiety as we look to stay healthy while still enjoying baked goods. This is where olive oil can play a role, as it makes a great substitute for butter and other fats in many recipes. As you get ready to make your next pie crust, cookies, or other delicious treat upgrade the ingredients and try a high-quality olive oil.

Not only will you save on calories, but the health benefits of olive oil will give it an extra boost. The ideal ratio for butter substitutions is below:

1 teaspoon = ¾ teaspoon
1 tablespoon = 2 ¼ teaspoons
2 tablespoons = 1 ½ tablespoons
½ cup = 3 tablespoons
1/3 cup = ¼ cup
½ cup = ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons
2/3 cup = ½ cup
¾ cup = ½ cup + 1 tablespoon
1 cup = ¾ cup

When substituting olive oil for canola, vegetable, or another oil simply use a 1:1 ratio.

*Pro tip – try our butter flavored olive oil to keep that rich, buttery flavor alive in the dish.

Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative

Our team at D’Olivo always tries to encourage this point for every customer who steps through the door to taste through our selection. Olive oil, especially our flavored varieties, offer a world of opportunity for enhancing and changing up even your most standard of dishes. Especially if paired with our selection of delicious balsamic vinegars.

If you’ve got a turkey to cook, try basting it with our rosemary, garlic, or mushroom sage olive oils. Preparing to make a side salad? Whip up a dressing using your favorite balsamic vinegar paired with olive oil. If you want to make the prime rib pop for guests, marinate it ahead of time with our Tuscan herb olive oil and neapolitan herb dark balsamic vinegar.

Don’t Forget Cocktail Hour

While not the first thing you might think of when it comes to balsamic vinegars, they make a great, low calorie addition for many of the cocktails that you might be planning to enjoy this holiday season. Check out a few of our favorite recipes below.

Hot Toddy – https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipes/hot-toddy/
Orange-Umeboshi Mimosa – https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipes/orange-umeboshi-mimosa/
Lemongrass-Mint Mojito – https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipes/lemongrass-mint-mojito/
Elderflower Champagne Cocktail – https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipes/elderflower-champagne-cocktail/
Tropical Shrub (non-alcoholic) – https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipes/tropical-shrub/

As you jump into the season, remember most importantly to enjoy the experience and if you need any help, visit our website for plenty of inspiration and suggestions – https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipe/

October 15, 2022November 15, 2022

Our Favorite Fall Recipes

The fall season is one of our favorites around here. There’s something magical about the cool, crisp mornings followed by warm afternoons that inspires us in the kitchen. We love watching the colors change on the trees knowing that the holiday season is just around the corner.

As we welcome in fall this year, we’re sharing our favorite fall recipes. We hope you’ll enjoy them too.

1. Bruschetta

Everyone loves a good appetizer. Whether you’re cooking for a small group of close friends or planning to entertain at a large gathering, bruschetta is going to be a hit. We love a traditional Italian style bruschetta that features ripe Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, parmesan cheese, garlic, and of course olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Check out our go-to recipe here.

https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipes/bruschetta/

2. Roasted Acorn Squash

Squash takes center stage in the fall from butternut to acorn to spaghetti there are tons of recipes out there featuring these tasty options. One of our personal favorite sides for any meal is roasted acorn squash. All you need is a little of your favorite olive oil to drizzle on top and you can have an easy and delicious meal ready in no time.

This dish is also a great one to experiment with different olive oils to find the one you like best. We recommend any of our ultra-premium olive oils as well as garlic and rosemary.

Find the recipe here – https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipes/roasted-acorn-squash/

3. Corn Bisque with Crispy Fried Shallots

There’s nothing better in the fall months than a good soup or a hearty, warm chowder. There are dozens of options to choose from and any of them will be great in a pinch. One of our personal favorites features another fall classic – corn.

This corn bisque is delicious and the best news is, that it’s best when made in a pressure cooker. That means you can have a piping hot meal in a short amount of time. What’s not to love about that? Grab the full recipe here – https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipes/corn-bisque-with-crispy-fried-shallots-evoo/

4. Bacon Cheddar Quiche

Breakfast is a meal that we can’t forget to mention, and one of the best ways to start a day in the fall is with quiche. Not only will it help ensure you start the day with a full stomach, but your house is going to smell delicious for the whole day. Bonus that leftover quiche (if you’re lucky enough to have some) is an easy dish to re-heat throughout the week while maintaining its flavor.

There are lots of ways to make an excellent quiche, but if you’re looking for a new recipe that will become a favorite then give this one a try – https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipes/bacon-cheddar-spinach-quiche/

5. Cauliflower Stir Fry w/Peanuts

If you’re like us then in the summer we try to avoid cooking indoors to help fight the heat. That means when fall hits we’re ready to fire up the stove top and oven again and that means a good stir-fry is once again in season. One of our favorite parts of a stir fry is that it truly can be a last-minute throw together using whatever vegetables and meat that you happen to have on hand.

While any stir fry is a great option, we can’t help but rave about this vegetarian version featuring cauliflower, peanuts, UP extra virgin olive oil, chili sauce and more.

https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipes/cauliflower-stir-fry-w-peanuts/

6. Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake

We’re rounding out our fall list with a delicious dessert that’s the perfect combination of fall flavors. Cranberry (of course) and orange are two flavors that always pair well together, but they really highlight the fall and winter seasons for us.

Baking is the perfect weekend project so be sure to grab these ingredients and whip this up sometime soon. https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipes/cranberry-orange-olive-oil-bundt-cake/

September 27, 2022

Understanding Olives – A Beginner’s Guide

Whether you love them or hate them, the chances that you’ve encountered olives on a dish somewhere is highly likely. From charcuterie boards to nachos to martinis these, in our opinion, delectable treats can be found nearly everywhere.

While not everyone is a huge fan of them we’ve decided to give a brief beginners guide introduction to one of our favorite foods.

What is An Olive

An olive, surprisingly enough, is a small fruit that is grown on olive trees in the Mediterranean areas of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North and South America, and South Africa. They belong to a group of fruit called drupes, or stone fruits, and are related to cherries, peaches, mangoes, almonds, and pistachios.

Green Olives vs. Black Olives

There are two kinds of olives that are most commonly seen, those being black and green olives. The difference between these two is really quite simple and is based entirely on when the olive is harvested. Green olives are harvested before becoming fully ripe while black olives are allowed to ripen before harvest.

The timing of the harvest will dictate a different taste for the olives which is why you may find in sampling them that you prefer one kind over the other.

What Do We Use Green Olives For?

Green olives are used primarily in the production and manufacturing of olive oil. In fact, over 90% of olives harvested are used to produce olive oil, while a mere 10% are used as table olives.

Green olives that are used in the production of olive oil are harvested prior to ripeness and are then made into a paste, called pomace. From this pomace the olive oil is then extracted.

Understanding the Different Types of Olive Oil

As you explore the world of olive oil, you’ll find that there are a variety of kinds ranging from extra virgin to light and several in-between. The difference in these oils is based both on production method as well as purity.

Extra-virgin olive oil, is the highest quality olive oil that you can purchase. In order to even be labeled extra virgin the oil must be created from the first cold-pressing of the olives. This method of extraction ensures that all of the health benefits of the olive fruit remain in the oil. Making extra-virgin olive oil one of the healthiest fats you can use in cooking.

Other olive oil varieties may be created using chemicals or heat to extract the oil, and in addition many are mixed with lower quality oils such as vegetable or corn.

At D’Olivo we sell only the highest-quality olive oils ensuring that our products meet over 33 quality parameters before being made available to consumers, earning our oils the designation of ultra-premium.

Health Benefits of Olive Oil

One of our favorite reasons to enjoy olive oil is that it is one of the healthiest fats on the market that you can use in your cooking or baking. High quality extra virgin olive oils have an extremely high smoke point as well, making them perfect for any dish that you might be interested in trying.

Olives are high in antioxidants which work by preventing the oxidation of cells. This helps with blood pressure and cholesterol, both of which are leading risk factors for heart disease. In addition, olives and olive oil in particular, are high in oleic acid. Oleic acid has been known to help reduce cholesterol and reduce inflammation.

How to Use Olives

While these fruits may be tiny, they pack a flavor punch that makes them great for cooking in all kinds of ways. In fact, since olives comprise both a liquid form with olive oil, and a solid form with table olives, there’s really no end in sight when it comes to ways you can utilize them in the kitchen. Below are just a few of our favorites.

Olive Tapenade

This tasty dip can be made ahead and kept for up to five days in the refrigerator. Simply take your favorite Delizia brand stuffed green olives – lemon, garlic, and green chili are all great choices. Pulse together with capers, garlic, dill, and olive in a food processor and serve with crackers, pita bread, or grilled baguette. For a complete recipe check here (https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipes/lemon-stuffed-olive-tapenade-with-up-frantoio-leccino/)

Baking

Olive oil can make a great substitute in any baking recipe. Simply replace the butter or other oil to give your favorite recipe a healthy upgrade. Replacement ratios for substitution are below.

Substitute olive oil for butter in a ratio of three parts olive oil to four parts butter:

As a substitute for other oils you can substitute in a 1:1 ratio.

With fall on the horizon consider giving this olive oil pie crust a try with your favorite holiday pie. https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipes/super-tender-olive-oil-pie-crust/

Marinade

Olive oil makes a great marinade for any vegetable or meat dish you might be cooking up. Simply find your favorite olive oil and place it into a bag with your choice of herbs and spices. Add the meat and/or veggies and let them sit for a few hours or even overnight. The flavors will absorb into the food leaving you with a mouth-watering meal.

Served as a Snack

Whole green olives, plain or stuffed, make a great snack on their own. While very popular when added as a garnish for martinis, they’re also increasing in popularity as a snack served alone. The stuffed varieties especially offer a number of flavors that make them a healthy go-to when you just need to take the edge off. Try lemon, garlic, green chili, or almond stuffed varieties.

Conclusion

Olives and the extra virgin olive oil produced from them are both delicious and healthy for you. Plus, they’re extremely versatile and make great additions to any meal you might be serving up.

August 19, 2022

Tips to Keep Your Olive Oil Fresh Until It’s Gone

No one likes spoiled food whether it’s rotten milk in the fridge or that hidden cooking oil in the back of the cupboard. For one, we all agree that we hate wasting food (though it does happen) and second, there are ways to prevent this from happening.

When it comes to extra virgin olive oil especially, we’ve got some handy tips on ways to make sure you keep your oil fresh and delicious until the last drop. Check them out below.

1. Know Your Harvest Date

Olive oil is a fresh product and is made from the pressing of the olive fruit. Just as with any fresh product you want to be sure that you know when your oil was harvested and bottled. When you purchase you oil in the store, one clear indicator on quality will be this information which should be located on the label.

We also recommend that if possible you purchase your olive oil from a specialty retailer who will know the harvest date of each oil and most likely bottles their oil when you make you purchase ensuring peak freshness when you head home.

2. Keep It Away from Sunlight

Sunlight is a killer for olive oil as exposure to both light and heat is one way to speed up the spoiling of the oil. When you purchase your olive oil and take it home, the most ideal place to store it is in a cupboard where it can stay cool and out of the sunlight.

If you use it regularly and want to store it on your counter, then be sure you choose a shady spot and keep it away from the stove. The temperature in the room will rise around the stove when you cook and this could be unintentional exposure to heat for your oil.

This is why high-quality oils will be bottled in dark glass bottles to help ensure light and heat are kept away from the oil.

3. Limit Exposure to Oxygen

Exposure to oxygen is another issue for olive oil and can cause it to go rancid before its expiration date. We recognize that exposure to oxygen isn’t 100% avoidable as the oil will be exposed once it’s opened. However, you can limit the exposure by opening only the oils that you plan to use at the time, and not opening all of your oils at once. In addition, use up your oil as quickly as you can by using it in a variety of ways and in a number of dishes. We recommend using your oil within 18-24 months after bottling and within 6 months of opening.

If you’re looking for creative and fun ways to use your oils then check out our recipe section which will give you tons of great ideas https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipe/

How to Know If Your Olive Oil Is Bad

Smell the oil – open the bottle, pour some out and smell the oil. A good olive oil should smell fresh and green like ripe olives. Rancid oil will smell a bit waxy like crayons or putty.

Taste the oil – this is the ultimate test. A good oil will taste “green” like fresh grass or ripe green olives. If it is at all greasy or tastes like nuts that have gone bad get rid of it.

While eating rancid oil won’t make you sick, the off flavor you’ll get is likely to ruin a recipe. If you find that your oil has gone bad we suggest tossing it out and making a trip to the store.

July 19, 2022August 19, 2022

What Is Flavored Olive Oil?

The world of olive oil is a rapidly growing industry, and as it grows it can become difficult for the average consumer to be knowledgeable about everything. That’s where we come in – we want to help break down the vast world of olive oil into easy to understand and easy to digest pieces of information. This month we’re tackling a delicious olive oil fact – what is flavored olive oil.

What Makes Olive Oil Extra Virgin?

Not all olive oil is created equal, and in fact, most reputable people in the industry will tell you that extra virgin olive oils are the top of the line when it comes to oils. The reason that they’re at the top can be attributed to many different factors – not the least of which is the health benefits they offer. From anti-inflammatory properties to diabetes prevention olive oils are a great option for everyone but especially those looking for ways to improve their overall health.

However, in order to earn the designation as extra virgin, the oil must be made from the first cold pressing of the olives. The cold pressing method is an extraction method that does not use heat or chemicals to remove the oil and ensures that all of the healthy properties of the olive fruit remain intact and transfer to the oil itself.

What Is Flavored Olive Oil

A flavored olive oil is an oil that has had a flavor, say lemon or rosemary, added to it. There are two primary methods used to add these flavors which are fused and infused.

Fused olive oils are those where the flavor is extracted directly from the fruit, herb, or other plant at the same time as the olive oil is pressed. The method keeps the essential oils and flavors of the fruit or plant suspended in the oil, while the pulp, stems, seeds, water, and rinds are discarded with the olive pulp.

Infused olive oils use exactly that – an infusing method of flavor transfer. The process here involves adding the flavor to the oil after it’s already been made. This can involve the soaking of the herb or fruit in the oil itself in order to infuse it with the desired flavor.

Understanding Flavored Oils

As we mentioned above, extra virgin olive oils are the best and in order to ensure quality, the USDA requires strict standards for oils that are labeled as extra virgin. In fact, oils that have any kind of additive – like flavor – cannot technically be classified as extra virgin and must instead simply be labeled olive oil.

While this can often deter customers from purchasing flavored oils, at D’Olivo all of our fused and infused flavored olive oils begin with an ultra-premium extra virgin olive oil base, ensuring that you get all the of the desired health benefits of extra virgin olive oil while also getting to enjoy and explore all of our flavored varieties.

We encourage everyone who hasn’t had a chance to explore the great selection of our flavored oils to come in and taste through the options and pairings. You’re sure to find several that you love and they are a great way to add flavor and depth to any of your favorite dishes.

July 14, 2022

Best Grill Recipes for Summer

Grill season is here (yay!) and that unlocks a world of possibilities for your menus. Whether you’re hosting a Friday night party with friends or just looking for a fun mid-week meal, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled our list of the best grill recipes for summer below so break out the pen and paper and make your grocery list for the week.

Burgers

It’s not truly summertime, grill or BBQ season without eating a plethora of delicious burgers. While you can never go wrong with a standard cheese burger, don’t be afraid to get creative with the meats you choose and the topics you layer on.

Try a turkey burger if you’re looking to cut back on the red meat or if you like fun flavors consider trying a bison burger. We also encourage you to try sauces of all kinds. From this tasty chimichurri sauce to our favorite chili-lime aioli your taste-buds will say thank you.

Grilled Chicken

Another summertime grill staple is chicken, and we can’t recommend grilled chicken wings enough. You can pack them with a ton of flavor just by changing up the sauce. We recommend marinating the chicken ahead of time to make sure the flavors really soak in well. Try these tropical grilled wings with pineapple-mango salsa if you don’t believe us.

If you’re needing something lighter, or healthier, then you can always grill chicken and throw it on top of a loaded up salad like our tropical grilled chicken salad.

Vegetables

From kabobs to aluminum foil wrapped vegetables, grilling can be a great way to change up your vegetables for the summer months. Try preparing them several different ways until you find just the right mix for your family. Some of the best ways to prepare them can be marinating them for a few hours in any of our numerous olive oil and balsamic vinegar pairings, or try brushing them with olive oil while on the grill, or simply drizzle your mix on top after they’re all cooked.

Pizza

Is one of our favorite foods no matter what time of year it is, but being able to change it up during the summer by tossing them on the grill can be a real crowd pleaser. Bonus that you don’t heat up the inside of your house by cranking up the oven.

The beautiful part about homemade pizza is that you can top it with whatever you like. If you’re feeling adventurous head to the store and pick out what you love, but if you’re more of a recipe person then click here for a great one to try.

Don’t forget our Delizia stuffed olives go great on pizza!

Fish

While pan seared, fried, and baked fish can all be delicious, there’s really something unique about grilled fish. From salmon to halibut it all tastes delicious when pulled fresh from the grill. Get together your favorite spices, herbs, and D’Olivo olive oil and get ready to season your meal to perfection. While you can’t really go wrong in making fish just the way you like it we’ve got a couple of recipes that we love to use this time of year so check them out below.

Salmon and
Halibut

Lamb

While it’s not always the first go-to meat choice on the grill, lamb chops can make a fun and delicious meal for your next party. Grab your favorite olive oil, a pinch of fresh herbs from your garden, a little lemon juice and marinate the chops overnight to make sure they absorb the most flavor. Be sure to turn them over a few times to help the flavors really sink in to the meat well. Toss them on the grill for 3-4 minutes each side and you’ll be ready to eat in no-time flat.

While this list doesn’t cover every fantastic dish you can enjoy on the grill, it’s a pretty good start, and we hope you’ll be inspired for your cooking adventures this summer.

June 8, 2022

Top Reasons to Buy High Quality Olive Oil

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been in the grocery store, looking at the shelves jammed full of olive oil, wondering “what’s the big deal?” We get it – with the hectic pace of life today it can be really tempting to just grab the nearest bottle of olive oil from whatever store you’re in and take it home to cook dinner that night.

But wait, don’t fall into that trap. While buying olive oil from the store isn’t bad, there are a lot of benefits that come when you simply upgrade your oil. We broke down the top reasons to buy high quality olive oil so check them out below.

1. Increased Health Benefits

When you purchase a high-quality olive oil, you’re pretty much guaranteed that it will be extra virgin. Extra virgin olive oils are made from the first cold pressing of the olive fruit. This method of extraction doesn’t use any heat or chemicals to remove the oils which means that all of the nutritional health benefits of the oil remain intact and transfer to the oil itself.

Wondering exactly what kind of health benefits you get from olive oil? They contain a high number of healthy fats, they are high in antioxidants, they’ve been linked to diabetes prevention and they can help lower blood pressure.

2. You Know Where Your Olive Oil Came From

With the rise in the popularity of olive oil over the last few decades, there came an increase in the presence of fake olive oils on the market. In fact, the market became over run with oils that were only partially comprised of true olive oil and were mixed and “watered down” with other, less healthy oils like vegetable and corn oils. In truth it became difficult for the reputable providers of olive oil to maintain high standards for the industry.

Today if you’re buying a high-quality extra virgin olive oil the label should tell you all that you need to know about your oil. It should include appellation telling you where the oil was produced, it will include a bottling and expiration date as well.

If you’re lucky enough to find a specialty retailer for olive oils then that’s the best way to ensure a fresh product. At D’Olivo we source our oils from Veronica Foods, an extremely reputable wholesaler, who adheres to the strictest standards for quality ensuring all our oils bear the designation of Ultra-Premium.

3. Before Purchase Your Oil Will Be Properly Cared For

If you’re purchasing a high-quality olive oil, then the most likely place to find these is from a small specialty retailer of olive oils. These retailers are extremely knowledgeable about olive oil and take care of the oils in an extremely methodical fashion.

As a fresh product, olive oil can easily be damaged by exposure to heat and light which most often occurs if it is stored improperly. At D’Olivo all of our oils are stored in large, stainless-steal fusti to ensure the oils are not exposed to heat or light while on the shelves. Oils are then transferred to dark glass bottles to ensure they’re protected while waiting for customers to pick them up. Some oils may even be bottled fresh out the fusti to ensure the freshest product.

In addition, as a specialty retailer olive oil is our business which means products move more quickly off the shelves. You’ll never run into an issue where a bottle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar has been on the shelf for very long.

While olive oil can be stored for a period of time, it’s recommended that all olive oils be used up within 24 months if sealed, and if opened that they be used more quickly to avoid having your oil go bad.

Wondering how to choose a high-quality olive oil? Check out our blog here https://dolivotastingbar.com/how-to-choose-a-high-quality-olive-oil/