cooking with olive oil Archives - Page 2 of 3

May 25, 2021

Olive Oil Recipes for Warm Weather

Spring has officially sprung and as the days get longer and the warm, sunny days become more regular, we can’t help but dream of all the beautiful summer days that lie ahead. While we believe that olive oil makes the perfect addition to any dish all year long, there’s something special about cooking with it during the warm months ahead.

To help you get inspired for the summer meals you’ve got ahead we decided to highlight some of our favorite ways to use our oils and vinegars during the warm months of the year.

French Fries

A classic side dish that everyone loves are usually best paired with hamburgers, but we think they can be a great addition to any outdoor meal. Typical deep fried in a vegetable or canola oil, you can also fry these in a high quality olive oil instead. After they’re fried we recommend using some of our truffle salt to create your own truffle fries. Trust us – they’ll be a hit!

Hummus

This classic Mediterranean dish makes a wonderful appetizer. Pair it with fresh vegetables or slightly toasted pita bread. While most hummus recipes call for regular olive oil, we’d recommend adding a little flair by using one of our flavored varieties. If you’re in search of a great hummus recipe give this one featuring our Herbes de Provence olive oil a try.

Ramen Noodle Salad

Summer and salads go hand in hand. While you can take any salad and drizzle it with olive oil and balsamic to create an explosion of flavor in your mouth, we highly recommend mixing up your go-to salads with this ramen noodle version. It’s light enough for warm afternoons and evenings. Find the recipe here.

Radish Salad

We’ll continue the salad theme and encourage you to try a salad that really highlights one of our favorite vegetables – the radish. Take 2 cups of radishes (sliced), red onion (sliced), one cucumber and combine in a bowl with ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar, ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon white sugar and enjoy.

Kebabs

There are dozens of ways you can make the perfect kebab – from vegetable only options to those that feature steak and chicken you can’t go wrong. Marinate the meat and vegetables using any pairing of our olive oil and vinegars, toss them on the grill and serve them up.

Spaghetti

Spaghetti is always a crowd pleaser and if you’re looking for an option that might not feel as heavy as a traditional sauce, we recommend topping yours with some olive oil. Add in some sliced cherry tomatoes, basil, and walnuts for crunch to make it a gourmet dish.

Granola

Yogurt paired with fresh fruit and granola is a delicious way to start out any summer day. If you want a truly healthy option try making your own granola by using some of our favorite olive oils. First up you can try this Golden Amaretto Granola or go the fruitier route with this Mandarin Fused Olive Oil Granola.

Fondue

Dessert is always a great option and choosing a chocolate fondue allows you to showcase any of your favorite summer fruits. At your next summer gathering try using this blood orange dark chocolate fondue recipe for your family and friends.

Conclusion

No matter what your plans are this spring and summer we hope you’ll be inspired to get in the kitchen and start cooking. At D’Olivo we have over 30 olive oils to choose from and each of them pairs beautifully with our selection of high-quality balsamic vinegars.

Stop in to see us at 10 E Main Street in Walla Walla to experience a complete olive oil tasting. We’re open Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 6 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 6:30 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM.

November 4, 2020

How To Use Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar at Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is fast approaching (I know we can’t believe it either) and while this year is likely to look much different for many families, there’s no reason why your menu can’t still be absolutely top notch.

While Thanksgiving brings with it lots of traditional recipes from generations past, we always recommend getting a little creative with your dishes. Here are some great ways that you can add in high quality olive oils and balsamic vinegars that will definitely impress family and friends.

Start with the Appetizers

If you’re the type of host that likes to extend the meal by offering appetizers before the meal that can be a great opportunity to utilize your favorite oil or vinegar. From crostini to caprese salads there are lots of delicious options.

Use It on the Turkey

I’m sure everyone has heard that age old saying “but turkey is so dry.” Well not to fear, you can work to eliminate this by basting, rubbing, or even injecting delicious sauces onto the turkey throughout the cooking process. While most people might think to use butter, substituting with a high quality extra virgin olive oil is a healthier (and tastier) alternative. You can use a traditional olive oil or select from a number of fused or infused oils instead. We suggest trying our butter, rosemary, or lemon olive oils for you to try out this holiday season. Shop for our oils here.

Spice Up the Cranberry Sauce

Using a balsamic vinegar in your cranberry sauce can provide a nice balance to the tartness of the berries. For this type of use we definitely suggest a white balsamic vinegar as the darker balsamic will add a different color to the beautiful, bright sauce you’re working to create.

Drizzle it on the Veggies

Extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar make a great addition to roasted and grilled vegetables at any time of the year, and Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to showcase any of your favorite recipes. From green beans to brussels sprouts you can definitely add a little extra something special to the holiday table. Looking for some inspiration? Try out these sautéed green beans or these caramelized brussels sprouts.

Make a Salad

This might seem like the most basic of all ways to incorporate olive oil or balsamic vinegar, but that doesn’t mean your salad will be boring. There are hundreds of delicious combinations that you can use to create a salad dressing that your guests will be raving about. Try out this wedge salad for a spin on a traditional favorite or this squash and corn salad for something a little bit different for your table. You can also create your own dressing or vinaigrette from scratch by pairing together any oil and vinegar from our vast selection.

Don’t Forget Dessert

Olive oil can be a great substitute in baking of any kind, and it’s an exact one-to-one swap for other oils like canola or vegetable. You can also swap it out for butter in a ratio of three parts olive oil to four parts butter.

Using olive oil, especially a high quality one will add a richness to the flavor and olive oil comes with a lot of great health benefits too. While pumpkin pie is likely to hit the table at some point, offer your family a different option with this tasty tiramisu.

Cocktails for the win

A surprising and often overlooked use for balsamic vinegars can be during cocktail hour. You might not think of it often, but balsamic vinegar can be a great natural sweetener for non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages alike. For a homemade take on seltzer water, simply pour the seltzer water over ice and stir in your favorite white balsamic vinegar. For a non-alcoholic recipe try this blueberry lemon-thyme shrub or for those guests who are old enough, you can serve this elderflower champagne.

Our entire staff at D’Olivo are experts at pairing together our oils and vinegars and we love to offer suggestion for recipes. If you’re looking for ideas stop in for a tasting and to browse our selection. We’d love to help you get exactly what you need for your upcoming holiday dinner. We’re open Monday-Saturday from 11 AM to 6 PM and Sundays from 11 AM to 4 PM.

January 14, 2020

Does Olive Oil Go Bad?

Alright, it’s time to get honest about our kitchens. If yours is like so many others you’ve probably got items galore sitting in one of your cabinets, shoved WAY at the back that probably expired at some point in 2017. While everyone’s guilty of this there’s nothing to be ashamed about.

Of course, for us, olive oil isn’t really that item since we have a hard time keeping a bottle around for a month before needing a refill, but for others that might not be the case. Perhaps you’ve been away on vacation or maybe you just use it sparingly for only your favorite dishes.

While we explore the joy of cooking with olive oil here, for those of you that have a bottle that’s been sitting around we wanted to tackle the topic of how long olive oil lasts, tips for storing it, and how you can tell when it’s expired.

How Long Does Olive Oil Last

This is a great question! Of course, because olive oil is a perishable item it does have an expiration date, but it’s not nearly as short as some might think. Research suggests that olive oil is good for anywhere between 20 and 24 months after it’s crush date. However, once it’s been opened you’ll want to use it up within a few months.

That means you’ve got time to use your oil (assuming you can make it last that long). While the price might be a little higher, investing in a high-quality oil might seem like a better investment if you know that you can keep it stored for up to two years.

It’s important to note though that this timeline assumes you’re properly storing your oil and taking steps to ensure it lasts as it’s expected.

Proper Way to Store Olive Oil

1. Store it in a dark bottle – exposure to light can cause your olive oil to go bad more quickly than normal so you should store your oil in a dark bottle and in a cabinet away from light.

This is why you’ll see that our oils and balsamic vinegars are stored in stainless steel containers and then transferred to dark bottles and sealed right in store. This ensures a fresh bottling and helps prevent exposure to light.

2. Don’t Expose it To Air – exposure to the air can also impact the oil and cause it to go rancid before the expiration date. When you use your oil be sure that you get a good seal on it after use. You’ll also want to ensure that you use it up within a few months after you’ve opened it.

3. Exposure to Heat – While your oil is good at room temperature you’ll want to be sure that you don’t over-expose it to additional heat. Make sure you don’t leave it out on the counter where it sits in the sunlight for a majority of the day or it may alter the olive oil shelf life.

How to Tell If Olive Oil Is Expired

If you’ve followed all the tips above for storage but you’ve got a bottle that you just aren’t sure about there are a couple of ways to double check before pouring a bunch into your cooking pan or onto your finished dishes.

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.

December 3, 2019December 3, 2019

Olive Oil Smoke Point

What Is A Smoke Point?

One of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to cooking is related to the smoke point, but what exactly is a smoke point? This term refers to the temperature at which a given fat or oil starts to emit a continuous and visible smoke from the pan. If you’ve ever left butter or oil in a pan to heat for a period of time before adding your other ingredients then you’ve likely witnessed this occurance in your own kitchen.

Why Does Smoke Point Matter?

While some might argue that the only issue with the smoke point, also called the burn point, is that it might impart a burnt or unsavory flavor to your dishes. However, as any fat or oil begins to heat, degradation starts to occur. If you heat past the smoke point you can start to lose the important nutrients that exist as part of the fat. One of the benefits of cooking with extra virgin olive oil is that it’s an oil that has a fairly high smoke point, and in addition it retains more of its nutrients than other oils as it reaches these higher temperatures.

How do I know the smoke point of my oil?

For those of you looking for a more concrete answer than “when it starts to smoke in your pan” there are a number of online charts that list the standard smoke points for fats often used in cooking. Corn oil for example smokes at 450 degrees, and canola oil at 400 degrees. Extra virgin olive oil smokes between a range of 325 and 410 degrees farenheit.

At D’Olivo we offer recommendations on cooking with our oils that are specific to those that we source from Veronica Foods. For example, our mild ultra premium olive oil we recommend it be used as a finishing oil only and that you not cook with it. However, both our medium and robust oils can be cooked with, but we recommend you use the robust oil for the dishes you plan to cook at the hottest temperatures.

Do I Need To Worry About Smoke Point?

The answer here is both a yes and a no. Of course, the smoke point is important as you prepare dishes. First because you want them to be enjoyed by your guests without that burnt smell or lingering burned taste.

In addition, you’ll want to maintain all of the benefits of the oil that you’ve chosen to cook with. This is especially important with olive oil as the health benefits of olive oil are well studied and documented which we explored in this blog article.
However, many might be surprised to discover that when it comes to extra virgin olive oil you don’t need to worry as much about smoke point simply because the temperature threshold is higher (325 degrees to 410 degrees). The average temperature for various cooking methods often doesn’t exceed this temperature.

For example, pan frying or sautéing on a stove top typically reaches a temperature of 248 degrees. Deep frying happens between 320 and 356 degrees farenheit, and baking in an oven happens at an average of 356 degrees.

While there are always exceptions to these temperatures they provide a good example of why smoke point, especially when using olive oil, often might not impact your food.

We explore the best types of oils to cook with here and would encourage you to read that as you start preparing your next dinner party menu.

October 14, 2019October 14, 2019

Top 5 Recipes for Cooking With Olive Oil This Fall

The weather is changing and that means it is time to shake up your at home menu! Lots of people have put away the summer essentials like patio tables and are spending less time out at the BBQ in the evenings. That’s no reason to be sad though, because with fall come some of the most wonderful, hearty dishes that herald in the holidays. As a celebration of one of our most favorite times of year we decided to compile a list of fall favorites that will delight your family or dinner party guests as you all gather around the table. Check out these fun dishes and then be sure to stock up on all the ingredients by stopping by our store or shopping online.

Bread

Every year when fall gets started it’s a cue to start baking. Whether it’s cookies, pies, or bread it just feels better when the oven is turned on. When it comes to bread, olive oil isn’t just there for creating a dipping sauce. You can actually use it in the recipe to create delicious olive oil bread that pairs well with pasta dishes of all kinds.

Pizza Sauce

If you’re like us then you’ve likely got the last of your garden fresh vegetables off the vine in the last couple of weeks. Don’t let those tomatoes go to waste and instead use them to create a delicious homemade pizza sauce.

Soups

Soups are another favorite for this time of year. They’re great if you’re suffering from an early fall cold or if you’re just looking for a great way to use up the rest of those turkey leftovers.

Sous Vide Tuscan Herb & Neopolitan Tri-Tip

Most people don’t mind a good steak in the summer, but it’s easy to forget about some of these heartier meats when summer often leads us to dishes heavy with fish, chicken, and fresh vegetables. This recipe is a classic and is one that we’re sure you’ll enjoy too.

Cakes

Cakes can be the perfect end to a delicious meal and they’re also great for taking along to your host/hostess if you’re invited to a dinner party. This recipe is sure to be a winner for all your guests.

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.

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!

April 5, 2019April 5, 2019

Welcome to Club D’Olivo

Whether it’s your first time stepping through our welcoming doors or you’ve become an avid fan of the delicious products we carry, Club D’Olivo is one of the many ways we strive to give you the best experience possible. From special discounts, quarterly shipments of your favorite oils and vinegars, and unique recipes that are sure to spread smiles at any occasion, Club D’Olivo provides you with countless ways to enjoy our products year round.

So, if you’re ready to taste and learn more about the wonderful world of olive oil and true balsamic vinegars, continue reading to uncover the many benefits of becoming a club member.

What is Club D’Olivo?

Started as a way to help our customers experience olive oil and balsamic vinegar the way they’re meant to be enjoyed, Club D’Olivo has since grown into one of the core pillars that makes our brand tick. Whether you live right down the road from our quaint Walla Walla location, or you happened to pop in by chance on your visit to the beautiful valley, Club D’Olivo provides a convenient way for you to continue the tasting experience long after it’s passed.

As many of our customers have told us, once your eyes have been opened to the flavorful world of authentic extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) and true balsamic vinegars, it’s hard to go back to the popular nationwide supermarket brands. Not only do they pale in comparison when it comes to taste, but you’ll also learn that our genuine products come packed with numerous health benefits so you can live a more holistic lifestyle.

Proudly carrying more than 30 unique olive oils and 35 aged balsamic vinegars at all times, the combinations and culinary possibilities are practically endless. Even though you’ll get the chance to taste as many as you like on one of our guided tasting tours, Club D’Olivo gives you the ability to enjoy our delectable selection from the comfort of your own home all year long.

Because we regularly rotate our selection of oils and vinegars throughout the year, the club is also a great way to ensure you don’t miss out on rare flavors and combinations that you may otherwise never get the chance to try. In addition to getting access to your favorite olive oils and balsamic vinegars, you’ll also enjoy multiple benefits which we go into detail about below.

Club D’Olivo Benefits

Are you ready to spice up some of your favorite dishes, wow guests with sensational flavor combinations, and live a more holistic lifestyle? Below, we go over all of the benefits club members get to enjoy.

1. Quarterly Shipments of Your Favorite Oils & Vinegars

As we touched on briefly above, the primary benefit you’ll get to enjoy as a Club D’Olivo member is the four quarterly shipments of olive oil or balsamic vinegar that you have the option of choosing yourself or letting one of our experienced team members offer advice on excellent combinations (which is always an exciting option for the more adventurous).

The best part? You’re free to choose the package size that best suits your budget and culinary preferences. Ranging from two 375mL bottles all the way up to four 375mL bottles, you can ensure you have as little, or as much, of your favorite oils and vinegars coming right to your door throughout the year.

2. Member-Only Discounts

Another benefit of becoming a Club D’Olivo member is getting to enjoy the member-only discounts whether shopping in-store or online. We understand that you might find yourself running a little low between shipments if you use your oils and vinegars regularly (it’s hard not to), which is why we include a generous 10% discount on all purchases made outside of the quarterly orders.

This is also great for when you want to pick up some additional flavors that pair particularly well with the ones you already have at home. In addition to the discount on purchases, when you become an annual member, you also get to enjoy 15% off your quarterly shipments. So whether you’re just the quarterly shopper or you like to pick up new products throughout the year, as a Club D’Olivo member, you’ll always be saving.

3. Club Gift

Even though half the fun when it comes to authentic EVOOs and true balsamic vinegars is experimenting with different culinary combinations, as a Club D’Olivo member, you’ll be offered a FREE gift every shipment, giving you the chance to sample one of our favorite oils, hand-picked by Roni.

The Gift That Keeps Giving

What better present can you give to someone who loves gourmet olive oils and balsamic vinegars than the gift that lets them indulge all year long? Many of our Club D’Olivo members end up loving it so much that they gift a year of membership to their friends and family.

Whether you want to surprise them by selecting the first shipment and having it arrive unexpectedly at their door, or you plan on letting them pick and choose their favorites, a Club D’Olivo membership is the perfect gift for anyone who loves combining delicious food with a holistic lifestyle.

Join Today

Are you ready to explore the vibrant, flavorful world of ultra premium olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars? Experience these age-old culinary wonders the way they’re meant to be enjoyed and discover the endless possibilities each unique bottle brings to your kitchen.

Join the D’Olivo family and help spread our love of authentic olive oils and true balsamic vinegars by showing others what they’ve been missing out on. Simply visit our club page, fill out the contact form, and select the membership level you’re comfortable with to embark on a culinary adventure that will forever change the way you view these amazing ingredients

Click to Join Club D’Olivo

March 20, 2018November 13, 2019

The Truth About Cooking With Olive Oil

Cooking oil has been around for thousands of years, tracing all the way back to when man first discovered fire. Whether used as a simple salad dressing or for adding some crunchy goodness to your favorite cuisines, cooking oil has become a kitchen staple. Now, as great as oils are for adding some culinary diversity to your diet, if you’re not using the right kind, you can actually end up doing your body more harm than good.

Without knowing why certain oils are better for you than others, a simple trip to the grocery store can quickly become a scavenger hunt for the product that provides you with the best value. In this article, we’re going to explore in-depth the many health benefits of cooking with olive oil as opposed to other popular alternatives such as canola and soybean oil.

Dangers of Cooking With the Wrong Oil

Though many cooking oils can appear to look the same, the important differentiator is their fat content. While we will go more into detail in the next section, the types of fat molecules that an oil consists of will ultimately affect its stability and heat resistance. This is why different oils start to smoke at different temperatures, also known as their smoke point.

When fats and oils are exposed to heat, their molecular structure can actually become damaged and lead to the creation of harmful compounds like aldehydes and lipid peroxides, both of which have been linked to cancer development. This is most commonly observed in vegetable oils like canola and soybean due to their high concentration of polyunsaturated fats.

Furthermore, when oils high in polyunsaturated fat become heated to their smoke point, the fats begin to breakdown and vaporize, creating harmful fumes that have been shown to contribute to the development of lung cancer.

Understanding the Different Types of Fat

Saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated are the three types of fat that can be found in cooking oils. Depending on the kind of cooking oil you buy, the concentrations of each will vary. The important differentiator between the three is the existence of double bonds which are susceptible to heat, serving as the precursors to many of the carcinogenic compounds formed during the cooking process.

Saturated fats (coconut oil) have zero double bonds, monounsaturated fats (olive oil) have just one double bond, and polyunsaturated fats (vegetable oil) have multiple double bonds. The breakdown occurs during the cooking process when heat causes double bonds to react with oxygen. However, even though monounsaturated fats possess a double bond, studies have actually found that they’re resistant to heat-induced degradation as opposed to polyunsaturated fats which have the highest rates of oxidation when cooked with.

Why Olive Oil is the Best to Cook With

Even though saturated fats offer the best resistance to oxidation due to their lack of double bonds, high intake of this kind of fat has been shown to increase your risk of heart disease or stroke. Olive oil, extra virgin in particular, is well-known for being healthier than other cooking oil alternatives due to its high concentration of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. In fact, one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil on average consists of 75% monounsaturated fat, 13% saturated fat, and just 12% polyunsaturated fat.

Extra virgin olive oil is obtained from the first press of olives, allowing it to retain many of the natural bioactive compounds and antioxidants. It’s the antioxidant rich nature of extra virgin olive oil that allows it to protect itself, as well as your body once consumed, from oxidative damage during the cooking process.

To further support this claim, a study was conducted with various cooking oils to observe the level of oxidation each undergoes when exposed to deep frying temperatures. After 24 hours, of all the oils tested, extra virgin olive oil was found to resist oxidation the most, surprisingly retaining the majority of its beneficial properties.

Different Olive Oil Cooking Methods

While extra virgin olive oil is the best of the cooking oils, its health benefits can vary depending on the cooking method you use.

Deep Frying

Surprisingly, deep frying is the method of cooking that allows olive oil to retain the highest levels of bioactive compounds and beneficial properties, even after multiple rounds of use. Generally, you want to keep fried foods to a minimum, but if you’re going to indulge, olive oil is the way to go. Thanks to the abundance of antioxidants in olive oil, it’s been found that deep fried foods actually become enriched with the oil’s phenols.

Pan Frying

Pan frying is by far one of the most popular cooking methods in which oils are used. Though the olive oil does not retain as many of its beneficial properties as it would if used for deep frying (likely due to an oxygen rich atmosphere), it still is shown to degrade the slowest of all the oils and enrich cooked foods with antioxidants.

Roasting

Roasting is another popular cooking method in which oil can be used to help give food a deliciously crisp crust. Of the oils you can cook with, once again, extra virgin olive oil has been found to resist oxidation the best due to its tocopherol concentration.

Closing Words

Hopefully, by now, you should be a cooking oil expert! Whether you’ve been using olive oil for years or you’re finally deciding to make the switch, it’s never too late to begin reaping the numerous health benefits this powerful natural product has to offer.

At D’Olivo, we understand the numerous health benefits of olive oil, which is why we’re so passionate about spreading its holistic (and delicious) properties to as many people as we can. If you haven’t already, take a look at our selection of ultra premium extra virgin olive oils and begin cooking the healthy way!