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Frequently Asked Questions

• Is nutritional information available for your products?

  Yes, depending on specifically what information and the detail of that information you are looking for. All sensory and organoleptic testing information for our olive oil is published on this website. Although we do not have this information listed for each infused/fused olive oil, we do know what “base” oil was used for the infusion/fusion. We would be happy to supply that information as needed. As for the balsamic vinegars, we would be happy to answer any questions you have.

• Can I refill my bottles?

  Yes! We encourage reusing our bottles. Each refilled bottle will receive a 5% discount. We ask that they be completely clean and dry when you bring them back to us.  Washing your empty bottles upside-down in a dishwasher will ensure there is no residue. Let them dry completely upside-down. If you don't have a dishwasher, they can be cleaned by shaking the bottle when it is filled with very hot, soapy water. Repeat until the water runs clear. We can provide you with a new cork if you’d like, and we will always re-label and re-cap with our foil sealers.  

• Do your products contain nuts?

  Our jarred pestos contain nuts as well as our Roasted Sesame and Sweet Almond oil.

• Are your oils and vinegars gluten free?

  Yes!

• Are your products kosher?

  All of our extra virgin varietal, fused and infused oils are kosher as well as a large selection of our infused sea salts.

• What organic products do you have?

  Though our oil offerings change based on the season, we will always have at least one organic extra virgin varietal oil available to you. Though many of our small olive grove farmers may use organic practices and methods, they often do not pursue USDA Organic certification.  

• Are your oils and vinegars non-GMO?

  Our olive oil producers work with olive cultivars that are 150+ years old, therefore never hybridized. This makes our oils historically non-GMO.

• What is the ratio of vinegar to oil for a dressing?

  We encourage you to experiment and discover what you like, but we suggest a vinegar to oil ratio of 1:2.

• How far in advance to my event should I place my order for wedding or gift favors?

  Place your order at least one month in advance so we can ensure that we are able to secure the product. Typically we have all products in stock, but it’s possible that we must order more if it is a large quantity. It’s always best to give us as much lead time as possible.

• Can I exchange a gift if I do not like it?

  We will exchange product if there is something clearly wrong with it. Taste is a subjective matter, and it would be difficult to ship or replace a product solely based on someone not caring for a specific flavor. With that said, we will take each case into consideration as necessary.

• What is balsamic vinegar?

  There are strict guidelines in Italy for production of traditional balsamic vinegar condimento. Vinegars of superior quality are made in Modena or Reggio Emilia, Italy and fall into one of these three categories: Tradizionale, Condimento, Balsamico of Modena. Our vinegar is made through a traditional process by which the grapes are picked, crushed and cooked. When grapes ripen on the vine for as long as possible, they develop their sugar. The juice, or ‘must,’ is then crushed out of the grapes and cooked. Our balsamic vinegar is created using the “solera” method which enhances acetic fermentation. As the vinegar oxidizes, it is transferred into smaller wooden barrels. This process is repeated for up to 18 years. When the vinegar is ready, it possesses the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, and picks up the complex aroma from the wooden barrels in which it was aged.

• What is the shelf life of balsamic vinegar?

  Forever!

• What is the shelf life of your olive, nut, seed and truffle oil?

  Because our oils are unrefined, it is best they are consumed as close to the crush date as possible. If kept in a cool place and in a dark bottle, our oils will hold their fresh flavor and aroma for 9 to 12 months. As time passes, all oils will begin to decrease in flavor and health benefits like polyphenols (antioxidants), so we recommend you use your oils when they are at their peak freshness.

• Can you cook over heat with olive oil?

  Yes, we prefer it! You will find that the fresher the olive oil, the higher the smoke point. Wonderful cooking methods include sautéing, grilling, baking and even frying! Always be careful not to heat the oil so hot that it smokes, and always work with controlled heat when using olive oil.

• Are your oils unfiltered?

  No, they are filtered. Some sediment is removed by decantation, but filtering improves the life of the olive oil.

• Why do your extra virgin varietal oils change twice a year?

  Because olive groves in the northern hemisphere harvest in the fall, and groves in the southern hemisphere harvest in the spring, we renew our oil offerings every 6 to 8 months. This ensures we are offering only the freshest oils. We sample all of the newly harvested oils from different countries twice a year, and choose a variety for our shop ranging from mild to robust. We are always excited about the broad scope of flavors and essences captured in our many oils. Our staff is prepared to help you find the right varietal for your specific culinary habits and tastes.

• What is the best way to store oil?

  A cool, dark place is ideal. Extra virgin olive oil may turn rancid quickly if exposed to light and heat. Our bottles are made from dark glass for this reason.

• Is your extra virgin olive oil first cold pressed?

  Though the traditional method of olive oil extraction involved a press, extra virgin olive oil from The Blue Olive is made through a mechanical process by which olives are picked, washed, milled, malaxed and put through centrifugal extraction. For the oil to maintain its health benefits, flavor and complexity, its temperature is monitored throughout the extraction process so it never reaches above 32 degrees Celsius.