Extra Virgin Olive Oil. EVOO. The bread and butter (the bread and olive oil?) of our business.

But what is Extra Virgin Olive Oil? Why is it so special? What makes it so different from other oils?

Olive oil is made by crushing and pressing olives to produce oil. It is literally the juice of the olive fruit. Regular vegetable oils are often extracted using petroleum-based chemical solvents and then highly refined to remove impurities. Extra virgin olive oil is not processed or refined. It is pressed fresh from the fruit of the olive tree, which leaves the color, vitamins, and FLAVOR intact.

The taste between extra virgin olive oil and store-bought vegetable oils is dramatic. Vegetable oil adds fat without adding taste. Extra virgin olive oil adds fresh, complex flavor along with antioxidants, free fatty acids, and other nutrients.  

EVOO has many proven health benefits. High in monounsaturated fat – the “good” fat – it may prolong life by combating coronary heart disease and different types of cancer. Up to 80% of olive oil is made of monounsaturated fatty acids which resist oxidation and help keep HDL (good cholesterol) levels up and LDL (bad cholesterol) levels down.

Olive oil is also packed with phenols and other natural antioxidants. These help prevent the formation of certain free radicals that may cause cell destruction within the human body. Although scientists don’t consider olive oil to be a “miracle food”, olive oil combined with a healthy diet may help combat many ailments.

And, it’s delicious.

Like wine, each different varietal of olive oil has unique flavors, mouth feel and smell, influenced by the region it comes from. It can be fruity, grassy, buttery, bitter, nutty, and even a bit sweet! Browse our diverse selection of extra virgin olive oils on our website, and come and taste them in our stores! We always have a variety of oils sourced from different countries and olives.

High quality extra virgin olive oil is perfect for sauces, sautés, marinades, salad dressing and even baking! EVOOs with higher polyphenols can even be used for frying. It can be used in place of butter using the following conversion chart:

Butter/Margarine .........Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp.................................3/4 tsp.
1 Tbsp.............................. 2 1/4 tsp.
1/4 cup ............................3 Tbsp.
1/3 cup ............................1/4 cup
1/2 cup.............................1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp.
2/3 cup.............................1/2 cup
3/4 cup ............................1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp.
1 cup.................................3/4 cup

We recommend storing EVOO (and any sort of olive oil) in a cool, dark place. It does not need to be stored in the refrigerator, even after being opened. Most high quality EVOOs, like those at our stores, will maintain their integrity for at least one year if stored properly. After a year, the fresh taste of the olive oil will begin to dissipate and the vitamin E content will begin to naturally decrease. So, when you crack open a bottle, don’t ration it, enjoy it!

Like wine, each different varietal of olive oil has unique flavors, mouth feel and smell, influenced by the region it comes from. Browse our diverse selection of extra virgin olive oils on our website, and come and taste them in our stores! We always have a variety of oils sourced from different countries and olives.

Interested in learning more about all things EVOO? Read more here or sign up for a private tour and tasting!

Ciao!

Andi