olive oil Archives - D'Olivo Tasting Bar

September 14, 2023

The Art and Science of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Production

Olive oil, often referred to as “liquid gold,” has been a symbol of prosperity and health for centuries. Its rich history and versatile uses make it a beloved culinary treasure worldwide. But have you ever wondered how this precious oil is made? In this comprehensive guide, we will take you on a journey through the intricate process of olive oil production.

The Olive Orchard: A Prerequisite for Quality

The journey of each olive oil begins in the olive orchard, where the choice of olive variety, climate, soil, and farming practices play a pivotal role in determining the oil’s quality and flavor. Here are some key factors that contribute to an exceptional olive orchard:

Olive Varieties

There are hundreds of olive varieties worldwide, each with its unique flavor profile and characteristics. Common varieties include Arbequina, Picual, Koroneiki, and Frantoio. The choice of olive variety often depends on the region’s climate and the intended flavor of the oil.

Climate and Terroir

Olive trees thrive in regions with mild, Mediterranean climates characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters. The concept of terroir, which includes factors like soil composition and microclimate, can significantly influence the flavor and aroma of the resulting olive oil.

Soil Quality

Olive trees require well-draining soil, preferably with a pH level between 5.5 and 7.5. The mineral content of the soil can affect the nutritional value and flavor of the olives.

Harvesting: Timing Is Everything

The next crucial step in olive oil production is the harvest, which requires precise timing to ensure the olives are at their peak flavor and nutritional content. Harvesting methods include hand-picking and mechanical shaking.

Hand-Picking

Hand-picking is the traditional and labor-intensive method. It’s often preferred for premium oils as it allows for selective harvesting of ripe olives, minimizing damage to the fruit.

Mechanical Shaking

Mechanical shakers are used to dislodge olives from the trees, and nets are placed beneath to collect the falling fruit. While this method is more efficient, it’s not as precise as hand-picking and can result in a mix of both ripe and unripe olives.

Harvest Timing

Timing is critical. Olives harvested too early may produce a bitter oil, while overripe olives can result in a rancid taste. Producers often monitor the olives’ color changes to determine the optimal harvest time.

Milling: The Art of Olive Oil Extraction

Once the olives are harvested, they are taken to the mill for oil extraction. The milling process involves several steps:

Cleaning

The olives are first cleaned to remove leaves, twigs, and dirt.

Crushing

The cleaned olives are then crushed into a paste (often called olive pomice), often using large stone or metal rollers. This process breaks down the cell walls and releases the oil. In order to be considered extra virgin olive oil, the crushing must be done without the use of heat or chemicals.

Malaxation

The olive paste is mixed in a malaxer, a machine that kneads the paste to encourage the oil droplets to merge and form larger ones. This process enhances oil extraction efficiency.

Pressing vs. Centrifugation

Traditionally, olives were pressed to extract oil. However, modern methods often use centrifugation, which separates the oil and water from the paste more efficiently. Centrifugation produces a cleaner, higher-quality oil.

Separating Oil from Water

After milling, the olive paste contains a mixture of oil, water, and solid residues. To obtain the pure olive oil, these components must be separated. This is typically done in a decanter centrifuge or a press.

Decanter Centrifuge

In a decanter centrifuge, the paste is spun at high speeds, separating the components based on their density. The oil, being the least dense, rises to the top, while the water and solids settle at the bottom.

Pressing

Pressing involves applying pressure to the paste, squeezing out the oil. This method is less efficient than centrifugation and is often reserved for traditional or small-scale production.

Clarification and Filtration

Even after separation, the olive oil may contain small water and solid particles. To ensure clarity and quality, the oil is often clarified and filtered through various methods, such as gravity settling, sedimentation tanks, or diatomaceous earth filters.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The Gold Standard

Not all olive oils are created equal, and the term “extra virgin” signifies the highest quality. Extra virgin olive oil is obtained through cold pressing, which means no heat or chemicals are used in the extraction process. It also undergoes rigorous testing for acidity, flavor, and aroma.

At D’Olivo, we take the quality of our olive oils beyond even the standard extra virgin label. Our oils meet 33 quality parameters, and as a result earn the designation of Ultra Premium.

Acidity Level

To be classified as extra virgin, olive oil must have an acidity level of less than 0.8%. Lower acidity levels indicate a superior oil.

Flavor and Aroma

Extra virgin olive oil should have a balanced, fruity flavor with no defects. The aroma should be fresh and characteristic of the olive variety used. Often people describe the flavor and aroma as matching that of fresh cut grass.

Storing and Bottling

Olive oil is extremely sensitive to light, heat, and oxygen, which can cause it to deteriorate and lose its quality. To preserve its freshness, olive oil should be stored and bottled with care.

Storage Conditions

Store olive oil in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Containers should be airtight to prevent exposure to oxygen. Our oils are stored in stainless steel fusti before bottling.

Bottling

Olive oil is typically bottled in dark glass bottles or tins to shield it from light. Avoid clear or plastic containers that can lead to rapid degradation.

Conclusion

The journey of olive oil from orchard to bottle is truly a magnificent blend of tradition and technology. It begins with careful cultivation in well managed orchards, extends through the precise timing of harvest, and culminates in the delicate art of milling and extraction. The result is a healthy and flavorful oil that is ready to be featured in your culinary adventures.
Whether drizzled over a fresh salad, used in cooking, or savored on its own, olive oil stands as a testament to the skill, dedication, and passion of those who labor to bring it to our tables.

Shop our selection of olive oils here – https://dolivotastingbar.com/product-category/dolivo-flavored-olive-oils/

Find recipes here – https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipe/

January 31, 2023

Fun Ways to Cook With Olive Oil in 2023

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

Hitting the Boards

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

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

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

Elevating your Snacks

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

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

Don’t Forget your Air Fryer

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

Time for Dessert

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

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

January 12, 2023

What Is the Healthiest Olive Oil

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

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

Olive Oil Grades

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

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

Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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

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

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

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

What to Look for When Shopping

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

Tips to Ensure You Get the Best Quality Olive Oil

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

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

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

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

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

June 8, 2022

Top Reasons to Buy High Quality Olive Oil

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

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

1. Increased Health Benefits

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

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

2. You Know Where Your Olive Oil Came From

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

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

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

3. Before Purchase Your Oil Will Be Properly Cared For

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

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

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

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

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

February 23, 2022

What People Want to Know About Olive Oil

Olive oil is a popular cooking fat these days, and with all popular topics it can be hard to get the basic – need to know facts. We’re breaking down the most popular questions that we hear from people and answering them in a simple way. It’s important that information about this oil is available for users and easy to digest (no pun intended).

Is Olive Oil Healthy?

There may still be some who are trying to argue against olive oil, but that’s getting more difficult to do as more studies become available that showcase it as one of the healthiest fats available on the market. A staple of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is well documented to be high in antioxidants which can aid in heart health, it’s high in monosaturated fats and can help reduce inflammation, as well as serve a great weight loss aid.

We always encourage you to do your own research, but here is a great article from Olive Oil Times that breaks down the numerous health benefits.

Is All Olive Oil the Same?

While it can be tempting to think that the $5 olive oil from the grocery store is the same as the $20 bottle of extra virgin olive oil you purchase from a specialty retailer, the honest truth is that not all olive oil is created equal.

Starting with the very basics, extra virgin olive oil is going to be the best olive oil to purchase. In order to bear the “extra virgin” designation on the label, the olive oil must be from the first, cold-pressing of the olives. Cold pressing is a method of extracting the oil without using heat or chemicals, ensuring that all the nutritional benefits are maintained in the oil.

Oil that has another label like light or refined are not going to give you the same great health benefits or as rich of a flavor profile. Don’t miss out on all that this great oil has to offer and upgrade your choice – specialty retailers are a great option. Most are locally owned and operated so in addition to getting a delicious oil, you’re also supporting local business.

What Should I Look for When Purchasing Olive Oil?

Read the Label – The first thing to check is the type of oil you’re purchasing and make sure that the label reads extra-virgin. Next, olive oil can go rancid if exposed to light or heat. Make sure the bottle the oil is in is dark in color to protect from light and that it’s not being stored on a shelf in direct sunlight.

Taste the Oil – if it’s an option we suggest trying the olive oil. This is the only real way to make sure it hasn’t gone rancid and while it won’t hurt you to eat a rancid oil, it will definitely give an off flavor to any of the dishes that you’re making. Olive oil should have a fresh, green taste like cut grass and have a peppery after taste.

Yet another reason to purchase from a specialty retailer is that they’re well-versed in proper storage of olive oil and also sell through their product more quickly ensuring that you’re getting a good oil. In addition, they’re likely to have open bottles and let you sample from them to make sure you’re getting the right product for your cooking or baking needs.

How Can I Use My Olive Oil?

Olive Oil is an extremely versatile oil and can be used in everything from deep frying to drizzled on top of a salad. Given the high smoke point of high-quality olive oils, you really can use it everywhere.

Our favorite ways to use it include marinating meat or vegetables in a mixture of oils and paired balsamic vinegars to really get the flavor deep into what you’re cooking. It can also be brushed or drizzled onto anything you’re grilling outside. Pairing an olive oil with a delicious balsamic vinegar and using them in combination as a salad dressing is another great option. If you aren’t much for cooking, and prefer to bake then swap out olive oil for butter or another oil to give your dish a rich flavor profile and also make it a little healthier. For specific recipes check out our website here – https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipe/

December 10, 2021

Gearing Up for The Holidays with D’Olivo

Every year we get excited to write this blog – the one that highlights everything that makes the holiday season so magical. This year, we’re here to help make sure you’ve got everything that you need to full enjoy time with family and friends.

From baking holiday cookies to toasting the start of a new year, we’ve got our list of the top things to have on hand to make this season easy and relaxing. Check out our list of must have items below.

1. Olive Oil

This is a given at all times of the year, but most especially during the holidays. As one of the healthiest fats you can use to cook and bake this is a great time to start on those New Years’ resolutions – and make things delicious while you’re at it.

Olive oil can easily be substituted for butter and other oils in all of your baking recipes. In addition, you can pair any of our olive oils with our balsamic vinegars to make an out of this world dressing for any salad that’s going to grace your table during meal time.

Not sure exactly how to utilize these tasty oils – check out our full recipe page to get inspired.

2. Raclette Party Grills

These Matterhorn products are a perfect way to enjoy a meal with friends and family. If you’re feeling the pressure of the holidays then make a fun and simple meal for everyone to enjoy. While the joy of raclette cooking has been popular in Switzerland, the phenomenon is just starting to spread around the world. Food on the top of the grill is cooked with an element, which also heats the cheeses and other items in the dishes below. This will be a great addition to your kitchen – trust us!

3. Olive Wood Items

While popular for producing olives for both olive oil and stuffed gordal olives, olive wood is also a used to produce some of the most beautiful handcrafted items in the world. Olive wood, both rich in color and durable can be used in various formats. We’re proud to carry a high-quality line of bowls, spoons, and other kitchen items. They’re perfect for serving anything on your menu so grab one to decorate your holiday table.

4. Charcuterie Boards

One of the easiest ways to feed a large group is by offering a wide selection of finger foods. We personally love a well-plated meat and cheese tray. Make sure you’ve got a charcuterie board on hand for your next party. They always come in handy no matter what time of year you’re entertaining.

5. Cookware

We’re suckers for a beautifully decorated table, and Le Creuset has some of the most beautiful, versatile, and durable cookware on the market. From a huge roasting pan to a Dutch oven for sour dough bread you’ll find exactly what you need to make that perfect dish for your company party or family gathering. While adding this to your kitchen might seem like a treat, you’ll be thankful all year long that you treated yourself.

6. Bakeware

From breads, to cookies, to pies and tarts, this is the time of year when baking really shines. Whether you’re fixing up that 100 year old family recipe or trying something new you’ll want to make sure you’re well stocked with bakeware.

We recommend choosing a high-quality brand to make sure you get the best results. Try something like USA Pans. These beautiful items are made right in the United States and they are made with the same quality as professional chefs are used to. If you’ve got allergies to watch out for try they’re line of AllergyID pans to make sure people know what’s safe to eat.

7. Knives

To go along with all the cooking you’ll be doing we can’t stress enough the importance of having a quality set of knives on hand. The frustration of working with a dull knife can really put a damper on the preparation of any meal. Avoid that this year and consider getting yourself an upgrade for your collection.

Wusthof knives are quality products and the Performer Series sets the standard in the knife world. The diamond like blade is going to glide effortlessly through hard and soft ingredients and is also extremely durable and scratch-resistant. Hexagon Power Grip: the innovative, ergonomic handle with its offset non-slip honeycomb structure ensures ultimate control and is ideal for all working conditions.

8. Gifts

Whether you’re preparing corporate gifts or attending a gathering the chances are you’ll need gifts this holiday season. There are so many useful and wonderful options out there, and we always encourage the gifting of things that can be used and won’t just sit accumulating dust. That’s why kitchenware or items for cooking are such versatile gifts.

We’ve got lots of great options from stuffed manzanilla olives to specialty sugars and salts. In fact, we encourage you to consider building a gift basket to incorporate a number of delicious items. We’ve got cheeses, meats, crackers, olive oil and vinegar sample packs, and so much more. Our team loves helping people put together the perfect gift basket so be sure to stop in and ask us about those!

9. Bubbles

From toasting with family around the dinner table to ringing in the new year, bubbles are a must for this time of year. At D’Olivo we’ve got the widest selection in the area that includes champagne from France, cava from Spain, prosecco from Italy and so much more. We even have a selection of local wines to choose from. No matter what you’re celebrating raise a glass with something special from our collection.

No matter what you’ve got in store for this season we hope it brings you joy, peace, and quality time with those you love.

August 25, 2021

5 Tips to Ensure you Enjoy Your Olive Oil

The world of olive oil can seem overwhelming given the wide selection available. At first glance you might even think that all olive oils are created equal, but unfortunately that isn’t the case.

Olive oil can be one of the most delicious and healthy oils to incorporate into your diet. Many even consider olive oil the star of the Mediterranean diet which has grown in popularity due to its overall healthy selection of foods.

To help make your journey to and experience with olive oil easy and enjoyable, we’ve got five handy tips to help.

1.Read the Label

There are lots of important details to learn about your olive oil simply be reading the label. The first thing to check is making sure that what you’re purchasing says extra virgin. Extra virgin olive oils are made from the first cold pressing of the olives. This method ensures that the health benefits of the oil remain intact.

In addition, you’ll be able to find the harvest date of the oil. Even if you’re purchasing an oil that has a label in another language you should be able to decipher this information. You want to be sure and choose the olive oil with the most recent harvest date.

2. Look at How the Oil is Stored

Two of the leading factors in olive oil spoilage are exposure to heat and exposure to light. Both of these can cause the oil to go rancid so when you’re purchasing an olive oil make sure that it’s in dark glass and that it hasn’t been sitting in direct sunlight or in an overly hot storage area.

3. Use Your Oil

Olive oil does not get better with age. When you purchase a bottle, if stored properly, it can last for 18-24 months unopened. However, make sure that once you’ve opened the bottle of olive oil you use it up quickly. Olive oil when opened should only be kept for 30-60 days.

If you’re looking for tips on how best to use your olive oil, check out our recipe section here it’s packed with great ideas for every season.

4. Taste the Oil Before Purchasing

Ideally, before you even purchase a bottle of olive oil you get an opportunity to taste. The classic way to taste the oil is by using the following steps.

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.

You want your oils to have a fruity or peppery taste. The spicier the oil tastes the higher the polyphenols.

5. Buy from a Reputable Vendor

While it’s true that you can likely find a good olive oil in the grocery store, the best way to ensure quality is by purchasing from a trusted retailer. Retailers like D’Olivo who specialize in olive oil know the proper storage techniques, and move through inventory at a rapid rate ensuring that oils never sit on the shelves for too long.

Additionally, we source our oils from Veronica Foods which has the strictest quality standards for each oil produced and sold, resulting in our Ultra-Premium designation.

Whether your new the world of olive oil or you’ve been a long-time fan these tips should help you find the best quality olive oil for your cooking needs. If you’re in the market for high-quality, delicious oils then stop in to see us at 10 E Main Street in Downtown Walla Walla or shop online.

September 22, 2020

The Difference Between Fused and Infused Olive Oil

If you’ve visited our store in person or online you’ve likely noticed that we carry a wide selection of flavored olive oils. While all of these flavors are delicious and pack a big punch for any recipe, or when paired with our extensive selection of balsamic vinegars, there’s likely a smaller difference you might not have noticed.

Each of these flavors are added to the olive oil in a specific process of either infusion or fusion. In case you haven’t had the chance to have our staff walk you through a tasting and explain the difference, this blog will give you the quick run-down on the difference.

Fused Olive Oil

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

Infused Olive Oil

In contrast to this, is the process of infusing olive oil. In this process the flavor is added to the olive oil after it’s already been made. All of our infused olive oils start with ultra premium extra virgin olive oils and are blended in small batches with 100% natural, organic essential oils of the plant or fruit.

Why Aren’t Flavored Olive Oils Labeled Extra Virgin

Because of the strict standards outlined for an oil to be classified as extra virgin, any time a flavor has been added to the oil the USDA says that it can no longer be classified as extra virgin and instead must simply be labeled as olive oil. However, at D’Olivo all of our flavored olive oils begin with a certified ultra premium extra virgin olive oil base which ensures that the same health benefits exist even in our fused and infused flavored lineup.

In addition, only those plant essences that we want to have added to the oil are added, meaning that no artificial colors or sweeteners are ever added. This ensures we maintain one of the healthiest and purest oils on the market.

How Can I Try These Olive Oils

We are always happy to welcome customers new and old into the store and offer every guest the chance to walk through a tasting with one of our staff members. Our staff are well versed in our offerings and can help steer you in the direction of both our fused/agrumato and infused oils and vinegars. They can also help you craft pairings that will wow your taste buds.

If you’re not local to the area we have our pairing chart available online here and invite you to shop our online store here. Each oil is labeled either agrumato/fused or infused to designate the different methods used in the creation process. We’re also happy to answer any questions that customers might have and invite you to call us at 509-529-7537.

January 28, 2020January 14, 2020

Baking With Olive Oil

We get asked a lot in the store to share recipes and cooking tips to those who are purchasing from our great lineup of ultra premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars. While we’ve got a great list for you to check out online here there are also lots of ways that you can incorporate olive oil into your cooking without a specific recipe.

While many might not know this, you can substitute olive oil for a variety of other baking and cooking fats. We explore those here and even include a nice conversion chart for those of you who are ready to take that leap.

Butter/Margarine

Lots of recipes today in baking call for one of these two ingredients. While these have their place as a cooking and baking fat, if you want to opt for something healthier then olive oil is a great choice.

You might be thinking – what do I do if I have to cream the butter with something else? Many recipes for cookies or light and airy cakes call for this technique. Even with olive oil you can make it work.

Below is a great chart on the substitutions you would use for typical measurements. If you don’t see your conversion here then please do this at a ratio of 3 parts olive oil for 4 parts butter.

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

Canola/Vegetable Oil

This type of swap in your recipes would be very easy as the exchange is a simple one-to-one ratio. In addition to being good for your health, the richness of a good quality olive oil is only going to enhance the delicious flavors in a chocolate brownie or cake recipe.

Why Make A Switch

We’ve talked a lot about the health benefits of olive oil and it’s becoming a popular topic that you’ll see in the news on occasion. Changing out one of the fats in a recipe for a healthier option can have an impact on your overall health.

Olive oil has been proven to have a high concentration of antioxidants and can help with inflammation. Check out our article on the 5 Proven Health Benefits of Olive Oil to read more about this topic.

Takeaway

Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and experiment by incorporating a new and healthy fat into your baking. Our recommendation (as it always is) is that you use a high quality, not overly processed olive oil, much like the ones we carry at D’Olivo. The robustness of the flavors you find in these as well as the health benefits will enhance whatever you’re cooking.

October 28, 2019January 8, 2020

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.