The Best Tasting Olive Oil

The best tasting olive oil? You’re probably thinking that we must be crazy, all olive oil tastes the same. Let us stop you right there because in fact not all olive oil is created equal. Due to the growing popularity of extra virgin olive oil it has become one of the most heavily counterfeited and adulterated foods which we explore in depth in our blog “How to Tell If Your Olive Oil is Fake.” We hope here to open your eyes to the experience of olive oil tasting, while arming you with the right tools to select the best tasting oil for use in your every day cooking.

Tasting Olive Oil

We believe that tasting holds the key to truly understanding the complex and varying flavors of olive oils. When you visit our store we truly want you to have an experience which is why whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth we encourage all of our customers to sample, mix and match all of our balsamic oils and vinegars. A good olive oil can make all the difference in your meals which is why we recommend purchasing high quality olive oils like those we source from Veronica Foods.

One of the key components when you go to make your selection is a classic taste test. First, pour about a tablespoon of the oil into a cup and place one hand around the bottom to warm the oil. Place your other hand over the top and gently swirl the oil around to release the flavors and aromas. Second, smell the oil and make note of the aromas. Third, drink the oil and be sure to spread it around in your mouth. Finally, swallow the oil and make note of the wide variety of flavors you can taste. The most flavorful olive oils will likely have a fruity or peppery taste.

If your oil ever tastes sour it’s likely gone bad due to exposure to light or heat. This is why the highest quality oils are sold in dark bottles and we encourage storage in a cool location away from sunlight.

Why Extra Virgin

While there are many different types of olive oil (virgin, pure, light, extra light) that we explore here, it’s really Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) that is likely to give you the most flavor for your dish. Extra virgin olive oil is categorized because it is made from the first cold press of the olives. The olives are ground into a paste and then spun to extract the oils. The use of the cold press allows the olive to retain not just it’s flavor but also all of the wonderful health benefits associated with olive oil.

Because of the corruption that has plagued the extra virgin olive oil industry over time, a new designation of Ultra Premium (UP) arose to designate the highest quality olive oils in the world. All of the oils available in our store and online proudly carry the UP designation which indicates that they exceed all existing standards and grades worldwide for olive oil.

Exploring the Oils

D’Olivo Mild Ultra Premium Olive Oil – this olive oil is the most mild of our oils. These oils are fruity with very little bitterness to the taster and are what we’d consider more of an all purpose oil. Perfect dishes for using this oil would include salads or white fish like Walleye or Halibut.

D’Olivo Medium Ultra Premium Olive Oil – this medium blend of seasonal oil is a little bit more complex than the mild version. The taste can be slightly greener but that only serves to enhance whatever dish you pair it with though, we recommend grilled vegetables.

D’Olivo Robust Ultra Premium Olive Oil – The most peppery of our offerings, this oil also packs the most flavor punch. It’s perfect for red meat dishes like steak or pork.

D’Olivo Flavored Ultra Premium Olive Oils – This selection of our flavored oils ranges from mild to robust, but they also each pack a unique added flavor punch. The flavored oils pair amazingly well with our balsamic vinegars and are sure to elevate any dish you’re preparing in the kitchen. We highly recommend taking a look at our pairing chart and then coming in to taste and sample all of the great combinations that you can create.

October 14, 2019October 7, 2019

What Kind of Oil is Best for Cooking?

Cooking with oil is as easy as pouring a some into a pan, right? Well, yes and no. Even though you can technically cook with any kind of oil, there are important factors to consider when getting that meal ready.

In this article, we’re going to be taking a deep dive into the wonderful world of olive oil and it’s competitors to discuss the benefits of the various options. If you haven’t read our comprehensive information about cooking with olive oil yet, you can read it here (link to cooking with olive oil page).

The Different Kinds of Oil

Whether you’re a long-time olive oil fan or just now learning about it’s holistic (and tasty) benefits, you probably know that there’s a lot of cooking oil options available.

To help make your trip to the supermarket a little easier, we’re going to give you a quick lesson on all the different types so you can buy with confidence.

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the highest quality and best type of olive oil you can buy. Made using the strictest of standards, EVOO is produced explicitly from the first cold press of olives.

In fact, there are multiple international organizations that monitor and inspect the production methods used at companies producing EVOO. By controlling the temperature at which the olives are pressed and minimizing processing down to basics such as bottling, extra virgin olive oil is able to retain nearly all of its beneficial compounds by the time it reaches shelves.

This is the primary reason EVOO will be the darkest in color and most robust in flavor of the different types of olive oil. While extra virgin olive oil reigns as the healthiest of the olive oils you can buy. Depending on the variety that you buy it there are event different smoke points for cooking. Stop into our store and one of our associates can help you choose the best oil for you cooking needs.

Even if you don’t typically cook at high heats with olive oil, you can still enjoy some of the most popular ways to use it including drizzling over dishes, using it as a dip, making marinades, and for salad dressings thanks to the distinctive, pronounced flavors.

2. Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is easily one of the most common and affordable cooking oils found on the market today. Encompassing any kind of oil that comes from a plant-based source, the health benefits that vegetable oil offers can range widely depending on the source and how it’s used.

Most commonly, vegetable oil is produced from a blend of canola, corn, peanut, soy, safflower, and palm oil, to name a few. Sometimes a bottle will specify if the oil comes from one specific source, but, most times, vegetable oil is blended with any number of other oils to get the final product you see on shelves.

In fact, vegetable oil didn’t start gaining traction in the market until the early 1900’s to answer the rising demand for cheap/affordable fats. For this very reason, vegetable oil is easily the most highly processed oil you’ll find on supermarket shelves.

The end result is a cooking oil that’s high in polyunsaturated fats which are very susceptible to oxidation during the cooking process. So, even though you can find “healthier” vegetable oils, many health professionals have begun to err on the side of caution or even recommend substituting vegetable oil altogether.

3. Coconut Oil

In recent years, coconut oil has been caught up in a heated debate that often leaves consumers to either fully embrace it or completely avoid it. Coconut oil is largely composed of saturated fats, which is one of the reasons medical professionals have suggested it’s an unhealthy fat.

While this is generally true with saturated fats, coconut oil is actually comprised of the healthier form of saturated fat that can help to raise HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Of course, many experts don’t recommend using coconut oil as your primary cooking oil since the jury is still out on the long-term effects coconut oil can have on your health

It’s also worth mentioning that, while coconut oil has been shown to help raise HDL levels, other healthy oils, such as olive oil, have been shown to both lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol levels.

Fat content aside, coconut oil has a higher smoke point than most of the other oils on this list and also packs a flavorful punch that will often transfer to the food you’re cooking.

4. Canola Oil

Often considered as the most popular type of vegetable oil, canola oil is actually made from an artificial plant that was engineered to create an edible version of rapeseed. Since its creation, canola oil has gone through dozens of variations to improve seed quality and streamline the production process.

In addition to being used as cooking oil by consumers, canola crops and oil are commonly used as animal feed and a diesel alternative. On the surface, the fat profile of canola oil – largely consisting of monounsaturated fats – appears to be perfectly healthy.

However, when you learn more about the synthetic chemicals used during the manufacturing process, a different image gets painted. The high heat used to produce canola oil can negatively impact the polyunsaturated fats and even create small amounts of artificial trans fats.

Another drawback to regularly cooking with canola oil is the high fat content of omega-6. Even though omega-6 is perfectly healthy and essential when consumed in moderation with omega-3, too much omega-6 is thought to contribute to a variety of different diseases.

5. Grapeseed Oil

Over the past few decades, grapeseed oil has been thought of as an affordable (and still healthy) alternative to extra virgin olive oil due to its high concentration of polyunsaturated fats. Made from the seeds of grapes, which are typically thrown out during the winemaking process, the oil is usually extracted with chemicals, through some use the much healthier cold press method of production.

Similar to canola oil, grapeseed oil’s high concentration of polyunsaturated fats, which are mainly omega-6 fats are thought to increase the risk of developing chronic diseases. Grapeseed oil’s relatively high smoke point is another reason it’s often advertised as a good oil to cook with.

However, health professionals advise against this selling point due to grapeseed oil’s high concentration of polyunsaturated fats, which are known to react with oxygen at high levels of heat and create harmful free radicals. In light of this information, grapeseed oil is actually one of the worst oils you can cook with, especially when frying.

6. Peanut Oil

Though at first, you may not think peanuts contain much oil, peanut oil ranks as one of the most popular cooking oils in the world. Similar to olive oil, there are several varieties of peanut oil that you can find (refined, cold pressed, gourmet, blends, etc.).

Depending on the production method, peanut oils have a range in flavor from very mild to sweet and nutty, making it a popular choice in asian cuisine. With a high smoke point when compared to other oils, peanut oil is widely used to fry foods – which also makes it prone to oxidation.

When heated to high temperatures and for a prolonged period of time, peanut oil can become prone to oxidation which leads to the formation of free radicals and other harmful compounds. In fact, the high concentration of polyunsaturated fats in peanut oil are the most at risk of becoming oxidized.

Even though peanut oil is commonly advertised with a high smoke point, there are other, healthier cooking oil options that have a much higher resistance to oxidation. Another factor to take into consideration with peanut oil is the high concentration of Omega-6 fatty acids, which, in unbalanced doses, can increase the body’s sensitivity to inflammation.

Start Cooking With Olive Oil Today

Now that you’ve got the rundown on everything related to cooking with oil, are you ready to put all this knowledge to use? Lucky for you, we have an extensive selection of ultra premium and flavored olive oils that we carry both in-store and online.

Give us a call or swing by in-person to have one of our friendly, knowledgeable staff members get your kitchen stocked with the olive oil you’ve been looking for.

October 7, 2019

Is Olive Oil Bad For You?

Despite having long been considered the healthiest oil on the planet, in recent years, olive oil has come under fire. As with almost every other healthy food, new studies are attempting to debunk olive oil’s abundance of health claims.

Understanding this can be frustratingly confusing for consumers, we’ve decided to address this lingering question once and for all. Join us as we take an in-depth look at the numerous, proven reasons olive oil continues to stand as the healthiest oil you can incorporate in your diet.

1. Olive Oil is High in Monounsaturated Fats

One of the main arguments that skeptics like to use in making a case against olive oil is that monounsaturated fats can still contribute to atherosclerosis. While it’s certainly true that monounsaturated fats can lead to arterial and heart problems when consumed in large amounts, any fat consumed in large amounts will do exactly the same.

What makes the monounsaturated fats in olive oil so healthy is the beneficial properties that other fats are lacking. Oleic acid, the primary monounsaturated fat found in olive oil has been shown in multiple studies to help reduce inflammation in the body.

Additionally, monounsaturated fats are well known to raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol, helping to mitigate the risk of heart disease and stroke. Lastly, monounsaturated fats are naturally resistant to heat, making olive oil the perfect oil to cook with, especially when compared to alternative oils.

2. Olive Oil is Packed With Antioxidants

Another way that skeptics try to take a swing at olive oil is by proclaiming that all plant-based foods are packed with polyphenols and sterols, and therefore you should avoid incorporating olive oil in your diet. While it’s certainly true that most plant-based foods have naturally high levels of polyphenols and sterols so long as they undergo minimal to no processing, that doesn’t mean they can or should replace olive oil in your diet.

Because extra virgin olive oil is the least processed of the various types of olive oil you can buy, it preserves all of its natural antioxidants and beneficial compounds. By comparison, since most other oils are heavily processed, they have little to no beneficial properties or antioxidants.

The antioxidants found in extra virgin olive oil offer a variety of health benefits that have been proven by multiple studies. In fact, the phenolic compounds in combination with vitamin E have been shown to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis.

3. Olive Oil Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Scientists have long known that chronic inflammation in the body can contribute to the development of a variety of different diseases. Because recent studies have also found that high fat diets increase inflammatory markers in the body, many olive oil skeptics have jumped to the conclusion that consuming olive oil in your diet must do the same thing.

As it turns out, olive oil has multiple anti-inflammatory properties that are well documented with research. Tying into point number two, antioxidants take center stage once again, largely contributing to olive oil’s anti-inflammatory effects.

One phenolic compound in particular, oleocanthal, has been shown to work similarly to one of the most common OTC medications, ibuprofen. Though more research still needs to be done, another study found evidence suggesting that the antioxidants in olive oil actually inhibit genes and proteins that are known to drive inflammation.

If that’s still not enough evidence, further studies have found that oleic acid, the primary monounsaturated fat in olive oil, actually reduces CRP (C-reactive protein), an important inflammatory marker in the body. Together, all of the studies and evidence are largely in support of olive oil’s anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Olive Oil Helps Prevent Heart Disease

The latest study that olive oil skeptics have been using to make a case in their defense relates to vasoconstriction that occurs after eating a meal high in fat. Despite the study showing evidence that olive oil and other fats can cause arterial constriction for a limited amount of time, they were unable to prove that vasoconstriction was causing any damage to the arteries.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are hundreds of studies continuing to find supportive evidence that olive oil actually helps prevent heart disease, not cause it. As the leading cause of death in the world, studies have time and time again found that individuals following the Mediterranean diet (of which olive oil is one of the primary ingredients) have drastically reduced rates of heart disease.

Even more convincingly and in direct opposition of Dr. Vogel’s recent findings, dozens of studies have shown that olive oil not only lowers inflammation, but that it prevents LDL cholesterol from becoming oxidized, may prevent blood clotting, and decreases blood pressure while improving endothelial function.

In further support of olive oil’s protective properties, another study found that olive oil was able to reduce the need for blood pressure medication by an impressive 48%, one of the worst risk factors for heart disease.

Our Conclusions

Having only just scratched the surface of olive oil’s numerous health benefits, the overwhelming amount of evidence and research in support of these claims leave little room for doubt. Here at D’Olivo, we’ve made it our mission and passion to introduce any and everyone we come in contact with to the deliciously holistic world of olive oil.

That is why we firmly believe that olive oil is and will continue to be the healthiest oil you can incorporate into your diet. There are lots of great options, both regular and flavored olive oils, to choose from that will make any dish delicious.

July 23, 2019July 3, 2019

9 Things You Didn’t Know About Olive Oil

It’s all too easy to take olive oil for granted. Even though most people know that olive oil is more healthy than other alternatives (such as canola or vegetable oil), it’s still rarely viewed as more than a cooking ingredient.

Here at D’Olivo, we’ve made it our life mission to open the eyes of all we come in contact with and introduce them to the holistic (and delicious) world of olive oil. Think you know a lot about olive oil? We’re about to test your knowledge with 10 fun facts (some of which we didn’t even know!)

1. 11 Pounds of Olives = 1 Quart of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

You read that correctly – 11 POUNDS of freshly picked olives are needed to produce just one quart (32 ounces) of extra virgin olive oil. To further put that into perspective, most mature olive trees will only produce 33-44 pounds of olives each growing season.

That means each tree is only capable of producing between 3-4 quarts of extra virgin olive oil every year. This is one of the reasons EVOO fetches a higher price tag than other olive variants such as “light” or “pure”.

Because extra virgin olive oil is only made using oil obtained from the first press, growers can only produce so much each year.

2. The Average Olive Tree Lives For 300-600 Years

Since we were on the topic of olive trees, we figured we’d share the impressive life span these rather normal looking trees boast. Depending on where you get your olive oil from and the brand you buy, you could potentially be consuming olive oil from a tree that’s been around for 5+ generations!

It’s also worth noting that olive trees take years before they even begin producing fruit that can be used to make olive oil. Depending on the type of tree being grown, olive farmers may have to wait for as little as 3 years or as long as 12 years before they can use the fruit.

3. Flavor Directly Relates to Antioxidant Content

Have you ever tasted olive oil that was particularly….olive-y in flavor? If so, there’s a good chance it was extra virgin olive oil. As with many foods and ingredients in the culinary world, olives retain more flavor when they’re processed less.

Another added benefit of minimal processing is a higher concentration of beneficial properties – namely, antioxidants. In addition to being extremely healthy, antioxidants lend a distinctive bitterness to olive oil, which can be used to help distinguish between higher quality oils.

4. Olive Oil Lowers LDL & Raises HDL Cholesterol

When most people hear the word cholesterol, they automatically think it’s bad. This is only true when referring to LDL cholesterol (low density lipoprotein). When you have too much LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream, you enter a higher risk of developing a harmful buildup of plaque in the arteries.

On the other hand, HDL cholesterol (high density lipoprotein) is good for you since it helps eliminate LDL cholesterol. Incorporating olive oil in your diet on a regular basis can help ensure your cholesterol profile remains healthy.

5. Greeks Consume 5.5 Gallons of Olive Oil Each Year

Coming out to just under a quarter cup of olive oil each day, Greeks easily top the chart when it comes to olive oil consumption. By comparison, the average US citizen consumes only ⅓ of a gallon of olive oil each year.

Even though that may seem like a lot of oil to consume in a single year, research has time and time again found Greeks to be some of the healthiest people on the planet. This is why the Mediterranean diet has become such a popular staple.

6. Olive Oil Has Anti-Cancer Properties

Because olive oil has been shown to be so beneficial in many areas of health, some may not be surprised to learn that it also has anti-cancer properties. In fact, olive oil has been found to have numerous anti-cancer agents, most of which come in the form of antioxidants.

Researchers became interested in olive oil relating to cancer when they discovered that populations largely sticking to the Mediterranean diet have some of the lowest instances of cancer on the planet.

7. Olive Oil Can Extend the Shelf Life of Baked Goods

Have you ever baked a large batch of cookies, muffins, or even bread only to find that the majority has gone bad before you eat it? As it turns out, by simply replacing butter or margarine in your baking recipes, you can dramatically increase the shelf life of your baked goods.

The vitamin E rich nature of olive oil helps to preserve freshness so you can enjoy your tasty muffins long after they’ve come out of the oven. However, because olive oil carries a stronger taste than butter, we recommend using only half the suggested amount.

8. Olive Oil May Help Lower Your Blood Pressure

Once again, those who regularly follow the Mediterranean diet also display some of the lowest instances of high blood pressure. Though research has yet to find any definitive reason for the link between olive oil consumption and low blood pressure, tens of thousands around the world have enjoyed this healing benefit.

In fact, some patients that have high blood pressure are able to reduce the number of medications they take by simply adding olive oil to their diets.

9. Green and Black Olives Are Actually The Same
The only difference between green and black olives is the level of ripeness when they’re harvested. Green olives are harvested early on so that they keep their signature green coat, while black olives are left on the tree for a longer period of time.

As an olive ripens, it begins to lose its green color and takes on a spectrum ranging from dark purple to black depending on when the farmer chooses to harvest. All of that being said, there is a difference in taste between green and black olives.

Green olives tend to be a little more on the bitter side while black olives contain more oil and less salt.

June 25, 2019June 25, 2019

10 Great Olive Oil Recipes for the 4th of July

While the 4th of July is all about celebrating our independence, it’s also about enjoying delicious food with friends and family. So, to help you prepare for this year, we’ve compiled some of our favorite olive oil recipes that will fit perfectly into any 4th of July party.

1. Drizzle it Over Seafood

Even though burgers and hotdogs are typical 4th of July foods, why not switch things up with some fresh seafood? Whether served hot or cold, fresh seafood is one of olive oil’s favorite partners. Once you’ve prepared your seafood dish to your liking, simply drizzle some olive oil on top and enjoy!

While it’s almost impossible to go wrong with a traditional bottle, using flavored olive oils is a great way to take your 4th of July seafood dish to the next level. We suggest trying out lime or rosemary, but the combinations are endless!

2. Use it as a Marinade

That’s right, did you know olive oil can even be used as a marinade? Adding a few teaspoons to your favorite marinade can really help introduce new, exciting flavors as well as bring out more of the meat’s natural flavor. For the best results, before submerging your selected meat into the marinade, rub it down with a generous layer of olive oil.

Of course, you don’t have to just stick to chicken, beef, and steak. Using flavored olive oils to marinate some shrimp before throwing them on the BBQ is a dangerously delicious way to instantly bring out a gourmet taste.

3. Make a Summer Coleslaw

When the sun is beating down and you’re looking for a cool, refreshing dish to indulge in on the 4th of July, look no further than a summer coleslaw. Moving away from the traditional combination of cabbage and mayonnaise, summer coleslaw is best when made with a blend of your favorite shredded vegetables.

Once combined in a bowl, drizzle a few tablespoons of regular or flavored olive oil (hint, go for citrus!) along with a dash of balsamic glaze, lime juice, salt, pepper, and a touch of agave for sweetness and give it a taste!

4. 4th of July Dipping Sauces

Making some guacamole or a creamy tzatziki sauce for dipping as guests mingle at your wildly successful 4th of July party? Well, olive oil can help amp up the flavor profiles here as well! The best part is, you can experiment with any number of flavored olive oils to see which combinations make for the best dipping sauce.

Citrus flavored oils will work really well in dips like guacamole, while herb infused olive oils will lend their flavors particularly well to dips like hummus or tzatziki sauce.

5. Use it as a Grilling Oil

Nothing can ruin your 4th of July faster than when your burgers get stuck to the grill and fall apart on the flip. To avoid this, instead of using butter or PAM spray, give your grilled meats the gift of flavor by greasing the grill with olive oil. As your meats are grilling, the olive oil will begin imparting its flavor and make for a tasty surprise.

Don’t just stick to meat though, you can use olive oil on just about anything you’re grilling! Corn on the cob, seafood, mushrooms, you name it.

6. Summer Kale Chips

If you’re looking to take your 4th of July snack foods on the healthier route, summer kale chips will be right up your alley. Start by washing the kale and removing the ribs as best you can. Then, preheat your oven to 275, gently place the kale on a baking sheet, add a sprinkle of salt, and generously drizzle olive oil over them.

When they’re done, you’ll have yourself some deliciously crunchy, low calorie chips that are sure to make a splash at your 4th of July party.

7. Make a Cucumber Salad

When you think of summertime, few things are as refreshing as a cool, crisp cucumber salad while you float around the pool. The best part about this recipe? It’s insanely simple to make. Simply cut some cucumber into medallions or in halves and toss them together with cherry tomatoes and onions, add salt and pepper, and top it all off with a few tablespoons of olive oil.

Experiment with some flavored olive oils and different ingredients to come up with your own 4th of July cucumber salad. We’re confident your guests will go crazy for it!

8. Squash is for Summer

Keeping with the vegetable theme here, squash is next up on the list for your 4th of July recipe book. Olive oil braised squash is not only incredibly easy to make, but it packs some serious flavor. To start, cut up your squash into bite-sized pieces and heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

Next, add in salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, garlic, and just about anything else you want for flavor. Then, add the squash and let it braise on each side for a few minutes!

9. Italian Style 4th of July

As great as hamburgers and hotdogs are, why not switch things up and surprise your guests with none other than Italy’s finest – garlic bread! This tasty, deliciously crunchy crowd favorite is sure to make a splash at your 4th of July party. For this recipe, all you need to do is get your favorite roll of fresh baked bread, slice it, spread some butter, garlic, and salt.

Once they’ve been baked to crispy perfection, set out a small bowl of your favorite olive oil for dipping and let the feast begin!

10. Corn & Avocado Salad

Because temperatures tend to skyrocket as we get into July, you’ll want to have plenty of cool, refreshing dishes at your party. As such, this tasty recipe hits the mark by combining the zesty flavor of onion with the smooth, semi-sweet flavors of corn and avocado.

From here, throw in some tomatoes, salt and pepper, vinegar, and, yep, you guessed it – olive oil! Mix it all together and you have the perfect corn & avocado salad for 4th of July!

June 6, 2019May 9, 2019

Olive Oil Nutrition

If you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance you’re wanting to know how olive oil can be so healthy but so calorie-dense at the same time. After all, clocking in at roughly 120 calories per tablespoon is no joke, especially considering that some people use olive oil much in the same way they use America’s favorite condiment – ketchup.

So, in this article, we’re going to be taking an in-depth look at the nutrition behind what’s largely considered to be the healthiest oil on Earth.

What is Olive Oil?

Dating back more than 4,000 years, olive oil has managed to make its way into practically every country and culture around the world. Originating from the Mediterranean region, the craft of turning olives into olive oil has been passed down for generations. In fact, it’s because of this that these regions continue to produce some of the highest quality olive oil you’ll find anywhere.

As with any fruit or vegetable, in order to get the highest quality olive oil, you have to understand the importance of how the olives are grown. Now, you may be wondering, why should I care about the way olives are grown? I came here to learn about the nutrition facts.

As it turns out, not all olives have the same nutrient profile. Even though the calories may appear identical, the beneficial nutrients that aren’t listed on the nutrition label are largely determined by the quality of the olives themselves.

Everything from the way the trees are groomed and the olives are picked to how they’re transported and processed plays a key role in establishing the quality of the finished product. For example, buying olive oil from the Mediterranean region that states it was made from “hand-picked” or “tree” olives it a strong indicator that the farmer places special care into every step of the production process.

While this may take a little extra legwork if you’re buying olive oil from a large supermarket chain, the nutritional benefits can be night and day.

Olive Oil Nutrition

Because fat has been labeled public enemy number one for more than a decade, a lot of people get turned off by olive oil when they see that it’s composed almost entirely of fat. We’re here to show you that the fat, in addition to other unlisted nutrients, found in olive oil is actually healthy.

1. Let’s Talk Healthy Fats

Though the numbers can vary slightly from bottle to bottle, in most cases, a tablespoon of olive oil will net you 125 calories and 14 grams of fat (about 22% of your daily value). To arrive at this number, simply multiply each gram of fat by 9 – the number of calories one gram of fat equates to in the body.

While that may seem like a bit much for a single tablespoon, it’s important to understand the type of fat that’s in olive oil. On average, the 14 grams is largely comprised of both monounsaturated fats (between 6-7 grams) and polyunsaturated fats (about 4-5 grams). These “good fats” are responsible for all kinds of beneficial happenings in the body, when consumed in moderation, of course.

Some of the benefits include lowering bad cholesterol levels in the blood which can reduce your risk of heart disease or stroke, aiding with the creation and maintenance of cells, as well as provide the body with vitamin E, one of the most powerful antioxidants in the body.

2. Get Your Dose of Antioxidants

Even though you won’t find these listed anywhere on the nutrition facts label, olive oil is simply packed with beneficial antioxidants that help keep the body in good health. The first one we’re going to touch on is the widely important fat-soluble vitamin E.

While it’s considered a vitamin, E is also an incredibly important antioxidant that helps to balance cholesterol, fight the damaging effects of free radicals, and slow the body’s natural aging process by aiding with skin repair, to name a few.

Up next we have oleocanthal and oleuropein, two of olive oil’s main antioxidants that help with things like reducing inflammation and anti-oxidation. This is incredibly important since both chronic inflammation and oxidation are largely believed to contribute to a variety of diseases.

In fact, countless studies have found evidence that suggests olive oil has the ability to reduce inflammatory markers such as C-Reactive Proteins.

3. The Power of Polyphenols

Polyphenols, though technically classified as a phytochemical, commonly fall under the same umbrella as antioxidants due to their beneficial activity in the body. Primarily found in extra virgin olive oil, polyphenols are powerful fighters against free radicals and oxidation, both of which affect how quickly you age as well as increase your risk of developing different diseases.

Unlike the other beneficial compounds we’ve been talking about, polyphenols are only found in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) due to the minimal processing. Because EVOO is processed the least out of all the different types, it’s able to retain nearly all of the beneficial properties.

This is why extra virgin olive oil is considered the highest quality olive oil you can buy, and why they demand a higher price tag.

Are You Ready?

Now that you’ve learned all about the various nutritional components olive oil can contain, you probably don’t feel as bad about using it in some of your favorite dishes, right?

When consumed in moderation, olive oil has proven to be a powerful, natural ingredient that bolsters your health and protects against ailments. Here at D’Olivo, we’ve made it our mission to share the holistic benefits of olive oil with as many customers as we possibly can.

It’s for that very reason we carry ultra premium olive oil, sourced from only the highest quality olives and processed using the strictest of standards. Shop online or come visit us in store to experience the D’Olivo difference!

May 9, 2019August 20, 2019

3 Ways to Get More Olive Oil in Your Diet

When it comes to making dietary changes, the first thing that comes to mind for most is eliminating those tasty “cheat” meals we all love so much. Thankfully, that’s not what we’re here to talk about. Instead, this article is going to explore some creative ways you can make your meals both tastier and healthier.

Have you guessed how yet? That’s right – olive oil!

So, if you’re ready to enjoy the countless benefits and tantalizing culinary possibilities this natural miracle ingredient has to offer, let’s dive in.

Why Olive Oil is Important

Believe it or not, olive oil has been around for as long as 4,000 years, tracing all the way back to the time of the ancient Egyptians. Though commonly associated with dishes and snacks coming from the Mediterranean region, olive oil can be found growing all over the world. In fact, olive oil is considered by many to be the healthiest fat on earth, being commonly found as a dietary staple in some of the world’s healthiest populations.

The most beneficial type of olive oil that you can buy is extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Extracted using natural methods, extra virgin olive oil retains almost all of its beneficial properties when compared to lesser grades. Packed with antioxidants, omega fatty acids, vitamins, and monounsaturated fats, EVOO provides countless health benefits.

However, it’s important to note that not all EVOO is truly extra virgin. You can read more about fake olive oil and how to avoid it in this article.

Below, we’ve covered just a few of the many health benefits olive oil can provide when introduced as a dietary staple.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Between the antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids, extra virgin olive oil has been found to combat chronic inflammation – a leading cause of a variety of diseases.

Protection Against Cardiovascular Disease
Ranked as the most common cause of death in the world, EVOO has been shown to benefit the cardiovascular system by protecting HDL cholesterol (the good guys), lowering blood pressure, and preventing blood clotting.

Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention
As the world’s most common neurodegenerative disease, extra virgin olive oil has shown promising evidence in support of Alzheimer’s prevention.

3 Ways to Get More Olive Oil in Your Diet

1. Incorporate Olive Oil Into Your Cooking & Baking

Butter Substitute
One of the easiest ways to incorporate more healthy extra virgin olive oil into your diet is by using it in place of butter. As much as we all love butter, when consumed in excess, the high concentration of saturated fats can raise your cholesterol levels.

While it may seem a bit strange at first to add a dash of EVOO to your toast rather than spreading a teaspoon of butter, you’ll quickly find that it’s just as delicious. Even better, you can experiment with any number of the flavored olive oils we carry here at D’Olivo to come up with some exciting “spreads”.

Frying & Roasting
Another way you can supplement olive oil for butter in your everyday cooking is by using it to saute or pan fry various foods. Whether it be vegetables or panko crusted chicken, olive oil is a tasty alternative that can get the job done just as effectively.

Baking
Lastly, you can even use olive oil for baking. That’s right, instead of using that half cup of butter to bake a cake, you can supplement with a few tablespoons of olive oil for a much healthier alternative. In addition, baking with olive oil can dramatically increase the shelf life and freshness of your baked goods thanks to vitamin E.

2. Make Your Own Salad Dressing

If you find yourself to be the DIY kind of person, you’ll feel right at home with this tip. If not, don’t worry! You’ll be surprised to learn just how easy it is to make your own salad dressing from scratch at home.

When it comes to salad dressing, many of the store-bought options are jam-packed with additives and preservatives. Rather than settling for that overpriced bottle of balsamic vinaigrette because it’s convenient, all you need is a few fresh ingredients to make your own.

To get started, all you need is balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper – that’s it! While each recipe will recommend varying amounts of each ingredient, over time, you’ll figure out the perfect balance that best suits your personal taste.

Not only will it taste much better than any store-bought balsamic vinaigrette, but you’ll also be incorporating more EVOO into your diet without even realizing it.

3. Use Olive Oil as a Topping

Have you ever made a dish that seems to be missing something that you can’t quite pinpoint? Olive oil serves as a great finishing oil on a variety of different cuisines and snack foods. Simply grab your favorite bottle of extra virgin olive oil and drizzle a light coat over whatever you’re eating to instantly create a flavor explosion.

This works particularly well with foods like grilled or roasted vegetables, pizza, seafood, mashed potatoes, salads, and artisanal bread. Once you realize how versatile olive oil is as a topping, you’ll soon find yourself experimenting with flavored oils that bring your favorite dishes into a whole new realm of deliciousness.

The One-Stop Olive Oil Shop

So, are you feeling excited and ready to flex those culinary muscles? By now, you should be well equipped with a handful of creative ways to incorporate more healthy olive oil into your diet. The next step is stocking your kitchen with a bottle or two of high-quality extra virgin olive oil so you can start tasting your way to a healthier diet.

Here at D’Olivo, we proudly carry more than 30 traditional and flavored ultra-premium extra virgin olive oils so you can let your taste buds run wild. By carefully sourcing all of our olive oil from Veronica Foods, we ensure nothing but the highest quality products make it to our shelves and ultimately, your kitchen.

Stop by our Walla Walla location or shop online to start trying out some of many ways you can use olive oil in cooking!

May 21, 2018November 13, 2019

Fun Ways to Use Flavored Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar

How can you use olive oils and balsamic vinegars in your daily life? As healthy as olive oil and balsamic vinegars can be for you, half of the fun is in finding exciting ways to use them in the kitchen. Because they come in so many different flavor varieties, there’s endless culinary possibilities that you can experiment with.

At D’Olivo, we carry 36 varieties of olive oil and 40 types of balsamic vinegar that allow you to indulge your taste buds and ad fun twists to your favorite dishes. We’re excited to share some of the best ways you can use flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars to spice up meals and create fun snacks that everyone will enjoy. We also encourage you to check out our recipes section on the website for more specific ideas.

1. Make Soup Exciting Again

Whether making soup from a can or concocting your own from various ingredients, soup is a perfect dish to experiment with flavored olive oils. Due to its consistency, oils blend perfectly with soups, allowing the flavor profiles to disperse evenly and add a bold or subtle taste to each spoon full. Consider using our cayenne chili or cilantro & roasted onion olive oils in creamier soups to add more depth. For lighter soups, our Tuscan herb or lemon infused oils can work wonders.

2. Dynamic Pizza & Flatbreads

Looking for a way to spice up your favorite pizza dish? Balsamic vinegar is the perfect partner to nearly any flatbread. The thick consistency and dark color of balsamic vinegar contrasts nicely from lighter cheeses and ingredients often used on pizza and flatbreads, making them even more tantalizing. From a tasting standpoint, the salty nature of pizza entrees make them the ideal candidate for a touch of sweetness. Explore the different flavors we carry and indulge your taste buds with some new flatbread combinations the next time you’re enjoying a slice.

3. The New Way to Roast Vegetables

Roasting is a widely loved method of cooking that produces deliciously crisp and tender vegetables. Whether using a traditional oven or cooking on an open flame, try cooking with flavored oils rather than plain to discover entirely new vegetable dishes. As the vegetables roast in the oil, they will actually absorb some of the flavor and introduce you to exciting new tastes. Depending on the vegetables you’re using and the flavors you enjoy, browse our collection of oils to see which would pair best.

4. Balsamic Popcorn Creations

Are you the kind of foodie that loves to watch a good movie with a big bowl of hot, buttery popcorn in your lap? As great as popcorn is by itself, there are dozens of ways you can transform this tasty snack into something even better. The naturally salty flavor of popcorn makes it perfect for pairing with sweet and tangy balsamic vinegars. We have dozens of vinegars that are made from sweeter ingredients like peaches, chocolate, honey ginger, and plenty more. Pick your favorite flavor (or two) and simply drizzle it over the top of your popcorn to enjoy!

5. Ice Cream With a Funky Twist

This one is going to sound a little weird at first, but once you try it, you’ll never look at balsamic vinegar the same again. While salty sweet combinations are certainly delicious, there’s a lot to be said about sweet on sweet combinations as well! Load up a bowl of your favorite ice cream, chop up some fresh fruit if you’d like, and drizzle on a flavored balsamic vinegar of your choosing like chocolate syrup. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how well the flavors work together and may even start using it as a regular topping when you indulge in a late night treat.

6. Guilt-Free Kale Chips

Kale chips have been all the craze lately, serving as healthier alternatives to their addictive, higher calorie cousin, the potato chip. These light, crisp snacks are a match made in heaven for flavored olive oils, allowing you to experiment with hundreds of different recipes. Simply pick out your favorite flavor (or two if you want to experiment) and lightly toss the kale in oil until it’s coated and ready for the oven. Once cooked to a nice even crisp, you’ll find that the kale has absorbed a lot of the oil’s flavor, adding a welcome twist to your favorite snack food. Be sure to share this one with friends and family!

7. Yogurt for Champions

Yogurt is a wonderful snack food that can oftentimes serve as a blank canvas for experimentation. The tartness of balsamic vinegar and sweeter flavors of most yogurts marry perfectly when blended together. Simply adding a few drops of your favorite flavored balsamic vinegar and stirring it in will yield an incredibly tasty cup of yogurt. Depending on how you’re feeling, you’ll find that most flavored vinegars pair nicely with yogurt. Browse our collection now to begin exploring new ways you can spice up this healthy snack.

8. Never Buy Mayonnaise Again

If you’ve never made your own mayonnaise, it’s actually not all that hard and can be more cost effective than buying it from the store. While mayo already tastes great by itself, adding a little bit of your favorite flavored olive oil will produce an even more addictive condiment. Consider using selections like our California garlic or fernleaf dill oils to take your mayo to the next level and increase its versatility in dishes. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself putting it on everything you make!

April 27, 2018November 13, 2019

The True Story of Our Olive Oil

Here at D’Olivo, we believe in bringing our customers the best olive oils from around the world. As experts in the field with years of experience, not only do we enjoy spreading the many health benefits of olive oil, but we also like to share with customers exactly how our olive oil is made. In this article, we’re going to take you through the amazing journey our olive oils embark on before they reach our store, and, ultimately, your kitchen.

How Olive Oil is Made

Olive oil has been around for thousands of years, originating in the Mediterranean region where the exquisite flavors and beneficial properties of the olive fruit were first realized. Now having spread to nearly every country in the world, olive oils come in an impressive range of varieties that offer unique characteristics depending on where they were grown and the processes farmers to use to harvest and produce the oil.

Part of what makes olive oil so special is the tree itself, which can take anywhere from 3-10 years to begin producing harvest worthy olives (as decided by each individual grower). Due to varying growing conditions and the time at which growers decide to harvest, different flavor profiles will be present which help add to the exciting experience of tasting different oils from around the world.

In addition to the maturity of the olive tree itself, growers must carefully tend to them to ensure each tree grows to yield the maximum amount of fruit. Believe it or not, it can take as much as 10 pounds of olives to produce just one liter of olive oil! Once the olives have grown, they must be harvested at just the right time (usually within 2-3 weeks of their prime) to maintain the most flavor and nutrient density.

If olives are harvested too early or too late, many of the beneficial properties will begin to diminish, as well as the robust flavor profiles. For this reason, at D’Olivo, we source all of our olive oil from Veronica Foods. Their world-class production process and unrivaled quality control adhere to strict guidelines and regular testing to ensure customers get nothing but the finest, highest quality product. By growing their own olives and working with mills that have the same passion about olive oil, they’re able to guarantee an ultra premium consistency.

Once the olives are ripe for harvesting, growers have the option of either handpicking or using a machine to shake them down from the trees. Similar to softer fruits, care needs to be taken when it’s time to harvest because bruising the olives can cause the loss of beneficial properties by triggering oxidation and fermentation. This is why with certain brands of olive oil, the bottles will be labeled as either “tree” or “ground” depending on whether or not the olives used to make the oil were found at the base of the tree.

After harvesting, the olives are then carefully washed and prepared for crushing by removing the stem and leaves. This part of the process is what determines if olive oil is extra virgin or not. For it to be considered extra virgin, the olives must be crushed via mechanical means rather than chemicals and heat that serve to refine the extracted oil. Much like fresh fruit juice, once the olive oil has been crushed, it’s typically run through a centrifuge to separate water and sentiment from the oil before bottling.

For olive oil to be considered “extra virgin”, not only does it need to have an acidity level of 0.8 or below, but it then must go through a series of chemical requirements and tests as set forth by organizations such as the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA), International Olive Council (IOC), and even regional governing bodies to name a few. Only after passing this rigorous testing phase can olive oil be deemed extra virgin.

Once the oil is bottled, it then gets shipped following further requirements to ensure it maintains its taste and nutrients. Because extra virgin olive oil is so fresh, the different flavors from region to region really stand out and serve as one of the reasons olive oil tasting is so exciting!

What is Ultra Premium Olive Oil?

The ultra premium category was created to distinguish the highest quality olive oils in the world from the increasing amount of fake olive oil that is flooding markets in nearly every country. It’s been the lack of testing and regulation by agencies and government bodies around the world have only helped to increase the number of fake olive oils that are available. In fact, some sources believe it’s safe to assume that as much as 80% of the Italian olive oil available is fake, having been bottled and sold as authentic extra virgin olive oil to foreign markets, the United States included.

The ultra premium olive oil that we source from Veronica Foods focuses on the when, what, and how of olive oil rather than the where. Understanding that the highest quality olive oil comes from the highest quality fruit and production processes, Veronica Foods puts all of their olive oil through an intensive inspection that encompasses both the production process and the end-product to ensure it adheres to the ultra premium standards they’ve set forth.

Our D’Olivo Passion

At D’Olivo, we strive and work to overcome the negative spotlight that has been placed on the olive oil industry in recent years by faulty organizations and incorrect labeling. As such, we are proud to be the exclusive carriers of Veronica Foods olive oil in the Walla Walla area. Having been founded in 1924, Veronica Foods has since become world-renowned for producing some of the highest quality olive oil found anywhere from their olive grove and hand selected mills that meet their ultra premium standards. It’s their impeccable attention to detail and rigorous testing standards that set them apart so they can further spread the benefits of authentic extra virgin and ultra premium olive oils.