Frequently Asked Questions
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Q? What is "Extra Virgin Olive Oil"
The "extra" in the Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) relates to the first cold pressing of the ripe green olives. EVOO is the highest premium grade for olive oil.
Q? What does "first pressing" and "cold pressing" mean?
These terms are interchangeable. They are terms used in the past when initial pressure was applied by hard presses producing only a small amount of olive oil from the olive paste.
To extract even more oil, hot water was applied to the olive paste to improve the flow of the oil. Producers today use these terms to affirm that EVOO is an unrefined, natural product that has undergone very little processing, making it a top of the line oil.
Q? How Should I store my Olive Oil?
Olive oil should be stored in a cool (70-75) dark place. Light and heat are 2 primary enemies of Olive Oil. Bottled in dark containers is also important to shield Olive Oil from harmful UV Rays and light. It should not be stored in the refrigeratior.
Q? How long will my olive oil stay fresh?
Freshness is the key to taste in Olive Oil and after 1 year you will begin to lose that fresh taste. The shelf life of Olive Oil decreases after a year, as all consumable products do. However, how your olive oil is stored can have a great impact on the shelf life of your olive oil.
Q? Can I replace "Butter" or "Margarine" with olive oil?
Yes! Next time a recipe calls for butter, replace it with olive oil. Replacing butter with high quality olive oil will not only taste better but it's a healthier way to eat.
Use this simple chart to convert the quantity of butter called for in a recipe to the required quantity of olive oil.
Butter EVOO
1 TSP ¾ TSP
2 TSP 1 ½ TSP
1 TBSP 2 1/4 TSP
2 TBSP 1 1/2 TBSP
1/4 CUP 3 TBSP
1/2 CUP 1/4 Cup + 2 TBSP
1 CUP 3/4
Q? What are the nutritional facts for Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
1-Tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil contains 120 calories, 14 grams of fat, no cholesterol, and no sodium.
77% of the fat in extra virgin olive oil is monounsaturated(more depending on the variatal of the olive), and 9% is polyunsaturated fat. 14% is vegetable derived saturated fat.
Extra Virgin olive oil also contains the antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin E, as well as phenolic compounds tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol. extra virgin olive oils contains no salt and is naturally cholesterol free.
Studies show that when substituted for saturated fats, monounsaturated fats lower blood cholesterol, especially the "harmful" low density lipoproteins (LDL) while protecting the "good" high density lipoproteins (HDL).
Q? How should I cook with Olive Oil?
EVOO can be used up to 400* degrees which is the smoking point. Some variatals are even higher. EVOO is also excellent for sauteing (300* degrees), or for sauces and frying(340* degrees).
EVOO is excellent for marinades, vinaigrettes and of course a always a great finishing oil to drizzle over your dish.
Cooking with a healthy olive oil that taste good to you, will make your dish more nutritious than cooking with butter.
Q? What are the health benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
To summarize, what makes extra virgin olive oil so healthy is the high percentage of oleic acid, monounsaturated fat that helps prevent heart attacks and lower blood pressure. Studies also show that EVOO also seems to lower cancer risks.
It is recommended to take at least a Tablespoon of olive oil a day for health benefits.
EVOO studies also show that the polyphenols in olive oil have the highest activity to help prevent skin cancer, as well as excellent anti-aging properties for slowing the process of skin wrinkling.
Interesting Fact:
Q? How many olives does it take for 1 Quart of Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
A: Ten pounds of olives. Can you believe that?
Balsamic Vinegar
Q? What is "Balsamic Vinegar"
True aged balsamic vinegar, called Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, comes from Modena, Italy. It is made from Trebbiano and Lambrusco grapes grown in the northern region of Modena, Italy. The grapes ripen on the vine for as long as possible to develop natural sugars and flavor. The juice, or “must,” is pressed out of the grapes and boiled down. Then the vinegar production and aging process begins, first in oak kegs. Over the years, moisture is removed and the vinegar sweetens and thickens as it is moved to smaller and smaller kegs made of chestnut, cherry wood, ash, mulberry and juniper. These woods add dimension, character and flavor to the vinegars.
The Vinegar must be aged for at least 12 years in order to be called a Traditional Balsamic Vinegar.
Q? What types of Balsamic Vinegar is there?
There are three types of balsamic vinegars:
1. Commercial Balsamic, most commonly bought in stores and served in restaurants, contains apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegars sweetened with sugar and colored with carmel coloring.
2. Balsamic of Modena, made from grapes only, aged for at least 6 years in steel containers.
3. Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, Italy. Most desired among the three, with the strictest regulations.
Q? How should I store my Balsamic Vinegar?
Our Balsamic Vinegar has an unlimited shelf life. Because of its acidity, vinegar is self preserving and doesn't require refrigeration. Never store it in a cabinet above or below the stove, like spices, it doesn't like heat. Right on your kitchen counter to the side of the stove but out of direct sunlight is ideal because you'll reach for it and use it a lot more!
Q? What are the health benefits for Balsamic Vinegar?
Balsamic vinegars have an anti-bacterial and anti-viral property which makes it effective for treating infection. Folk healers used balsamic to cure body pain and as an energizer.
Balsamic vinegar also contains power antioxidant called polyphenols which fight cell damage, and boost energy. Balsamic vinegars aids in digestion and sugar balance for the body.
It has also used to help control heart burn, acid reflux and diabetes. Balsamic vinegar can reduce cholesterol, reduces the frequency of headaches, and can help suppress appetite which can aid in controlling weight.
For more information: Visit one of our store locations where you can take a tour, enjoy our tasting gallery and experience what the "Taste of Good Health" is all about.