Frequently Asked Questions

What is extra virgin olive oil?

The “extra” in EVOO represents the absolute highest grade for olive oil; the best you can buy. Virgin oil is classified “extra” when it has less than .8% free oleic acid.

How do you store olive oil?

Olive oil should be stored in a cool, dark place; well controlled pantry conditions are recommended. Light and heat are two of the primary enemies of olive oil. Packaging in dark glass is also important to shield olive oil from UV rays and light. It does not need to be stored in the refrigerator.

How long does olive oil stay good?

The other enemy of olive oil is “time.” Freshness provides key taste attributes, and 12 months after harvest you will begin to lose that fresh taste. Additionally, the Vitamin E content will begin to naturally decrease after that first year of use. Like many other consumable products, olive oil does have a shelf life.

What are the nutritional components of olive oil?

A tablespoon of olive oil contains 120 calories, 14 grams of fat, and no cholesterol. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of the fat in olive oil is monounsaturated and nine percent (9%) is polyunsaturated fat; fourteen percent (14%) is vegetable-derived saturated fat. Virgin olive oils also contain the antioxidants beta-carotene and Vitamin E, as well as the phenolic compounds tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol. Olive oil contains no salt and is naturally cholesterol-free. While there is no scientific consensus, studies suggest that when substituted for saturated fats, monounsaturated fat lowers blood cholesterol, especially the “harmful” low density lipoproteins (LDL) while protecting the “good” high density lipoproteins (HDL).

Should one cook with EVOO?

Certainly.  EVOO is suitable for sautés, sauces, marinades, vinaigrettes, in addition to being a fine finishing oil, or simply enjoyed with a baguette. Be careful however, to never leave any sautê pan on a stovetop alone as olive oil at high heat has the capacity to burn.  Keep the temperature below 350 degrees and you should be fine.

Why is olive oil superior to other oils?

Taste is the most obvious difference between olive oil and the store-bought vegetable oils.  Vegetable oils are basically tasteless, and merely add fats without adding taste. Extra virgin olive oil adds a specific fresh flavor all its own, making it a great replacement for butter and margarine in almost any situation. Extra virgin olive oil, plain or flavored, is becoming very popular as a dipping or topping for bread, as an addition to recipes in place of butter, and as a component of marinades and salad dressings.  Vegetable oils are usually extracted using petroleum-based chemical solvents, and then must be highly refined to remove impurities. Along with the impurities, refining removes taste, color and nutrients. Extra virgin olive oils are not processed or refined. Extra virgin olive oil is fresh pressed from the fruit of the olive tree, leaving the color, taste, vitamins & nutrients intact.  Due to its antioxidant components, olive oil keeps itself from oxidizing; so it keeps itself fresh longer than vegetable oils.

Can I to replace butter and margarine with olive oil?

Yes, please! Use it on vegetables, rice, potatoes, in baking, on toast…just about anything! It is a great way to stay healthy too.

What are the health benefits of EVOO?

Extra virgin olive oil is an important source of antioxidants. The most important are polyphenols, antioxidants, and tocopherols (vitamin E). There are as many as 5.5 mg of polyphenols antioxidant in every tablespoon of olive oil (15 ml) and 1.6 mg of Vitamin E per tablespoon of olive oil. Total proximate of antioxidants: 7 mg in every 15 ml of olive oil. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of antioxidants (vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, etc.) for a 25-year-old male for antioxidants is 120 mg/day. That means that extra virgin olive oil could be 12% of the daily source of antioxidants in your diet if you just use two tablespoon of EVOO in your salads; it could be almost 30% if you drizzled it over fish/meat or roast vegetables or used it for bread dipping.

Why it’s important to consume antioxidants?

Antioxidants are associated with several healthful effects in humans:

ATHEROSCLEROSIS: Oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL) contribute to the progression of human atherosclerosis. Antioxidants have been shown to prevent LDL modification caused by oxidation. The beneficial effects of a Mediterranean-type diet may be defined by the unique antioxidant properties of its phenolic compounds.

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY: Olive polyphenols have been demonstrated to inhibit or delay the rate of growth bacteria such as Salmonella, Cholera, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Influenza in vitro. The data from these studies suggest a potential role of olive polyphenol antioxidants in promoting intestinal and respiratory human and animal wellness and as an antimicrobial food additive in pest management programs.

HEART DISEASE: Researchers are fairly certain that oxidative modification of LDL-cholesterol (sometimes called “bad” cholesterol) promotes blockages in coronary arteries that may lead to atherosclerosis and possible heart attacks. Vitamin E may help prevent or delay coronary heart disease by limiting the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol. Research suggests that olive oil helps reduce inflammation throughout the human body.

CANCER: Recent studies have shown that the abundant phenolic antioxidant properties of olive oil have a potent effect on reactive oxygen species associated with colon and breast pathologies. Some polyphenol antioxidants, such as resveratrol, inhibit occurrence and/or growth of mammalian tumors.

SKIN DAMAGE AND PHOTOPROTECTION: The skin damage produced by overexposure to sun-rays and environmental stress is related to the destructive activity of free oxygen-related radicals produced by skin cells. Polyphenolic components of olive oil have been compared to traditional antioxidants used by the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry to prevent skin damage. Results show polyphenols as having the highest activity as radical scavengers. A variety of other beneficial health effects have been attributed to consumption of foods rich in polyphenolic antioxidants. Among these effects discussed are anti-aging consequences such as slowing the process of skin wrinkling.

What is balsamic vinegar?

There are two types of balsamic vinegar: Traditional and Commercial. A quasi-governmental body in Modena, Italy (balsamic vinegar’s birthplace) regulates the production of TRADITIONAL BALSAMIC VINEGAR. The white and sugary Trebbiano grapes, grown in the Northern Region of Italy near Modena, form the base of the world’s only true balsamic vinegars. The grapes ripen on the vine for as long as possible to develop their sugar. The juice, or “must,” is pressed out of the grapes and boiled down. Then the vinegar production and aging process begins, initially in oaken kegs. Over the years it graduates to smaller and smaller kegs made of chestnut, cherrywood, ash, mulberry, and juniper until it is ready for sale. These woods progressively add character to the vinegar.

How should balsamic vinegar be stored?

Just as we’ve described with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic’s enemies are light and heat; so cool and dark storage spaces are the best.

Will the light, or white balsamic vinegars, change color?

All light balsamic vinegar is subject to oxidation.  Over time, this natural process leads to a darkening of the vinegar from gold to a deep amber color. This process does not affect the flavor of the balsamic vinegar in any way. If appearance is critical, we recommend that these light vinegars be consumed within three months of purchase and then refrigerated to slow the deepening of color.

Comment

  1. Mountain Town Olive Oil says:

    Hi Kristin,
    We absolutely do still do the bottle refills. We ask that the bottles be clean and dry so that you can refill with new flavors and ensure the best possible quality product for you to take home. My apologies that you received the wrong information. Hope to see you soon.
    Jessica

  2. Kristin Russell says:

    I’m a repeat local customer and love the variety of products you carry. Last time I went in to refill my bottles I was told you no longer refill them. Please clarify if this was a mistake on the salesperson’s behalf. I have about 12 olive oil bottles and 6 balsamic vinegar bottles I’ve been refilling for years. No longer being able to reuse these would be a deal breaker. I have enjoyed the parties, recipes, etc. but I am not interested in new bottles and having to drive these to a recycling center. I’m tired of all the waste and hassle with glass when not needed. I Appreciate you verifying if this is true or not. Thank you, Kristin

  3. Lisa B says:

    Hi all,
    My husband received a nice looking gift of oils, vinegar and spices. I have Celiac Disease which means I can not eat anything, ever, with Gluten. There is nothing listed on your website, nor on your products, an allergen list. I called and it was not until I asked specifically if you are nut-free, dairy-free, Gluten-free was I told that no, you are not free from any of these allergens. You absolutely need to list somewhere on your site, ie: FAQ page, that you are not allergen-free to any of the Top 8 allergens. I would get very sick, short term immediate reaction, and long term damage, had I ingested any of your products.
    Thank you for your concern and hopefully you will now update your website with an allergen statement.
    Lisa B

  4. Mountain Town Olive Oil says:

    Hi Kate,
    Yes we will refill our bottles (ideally clean and dry) for 20% off.
    Thanks,
    Jessica

  5. Mountain Town Olive Oil says:

    Hi Kary,
    Shipping starts at $15 for one bottle + $1 for every bottle after that. We are working on getting shipping rates visible on the website from FedEx. We do offer refills on our bottles at the shop (preferably clean and dry bottles) for 20% off on our 375ml size.
    Thanks!
    Jessica

  6. kary griffith says:

    Where are you shipping prices? Also do you take back bottles or refill?

  7. Kate P says:

    Hi, do you take back or refill empty bottles from your store?

  8. jessica says:

    Hi Emily,
    Will email you details or you can call the shop and we can redeem that way too. 435.649.1400.
    Thanks!

  9. Emily Cook says:

    Hello! I have a gift card, and I am not sure how to apply this to my order. Can you please advise? Thanks!

  10. Susan Martz says:

    Hi Jessica,
    I participated in the Merrill Lynch online tasting last evening. It was wonderful as are the olive oils and balsamic vinegars. How do I determine shipping to NJ? My apologies if it is on the website and I missed it.
    Thanks again for the information,
    Susan

  11. jessica says:

    Hi Chelsea,
    Tracking was sent via ship station. Call the shop with your order number and we will find it for you.
    Jessica

  12. Chelsea says:

    Where can I find a tracking number on my online order?

  13. Candy Baron says:

    Hi Karen,
    Please call the shop and we can walk you through what we have. 435.649.1400.
    Thanks,
    Jessica

  14. Karen Silverman says:

    I saw some coasters in your shop this past June. I cannot see any coasters on your website. Do you still sell coasters, and if so, can you please send me photos so I can shop for them? Thank you!

  15. jessica says:

    Hi Camy! We have it in stock in the store — will add to the website too. If you want to call the shop at 435.649.1400 to get your order in, that might be the fastest way to go.
    Thanks,
    Jessica

  16. Camy Cox says:

    Hello! I recently purchased the Chocolate Dukkah and would like to order more but I live out of state. Tried looking for it on your website but it is not there! Help!

  17. Camy Cox says:

    I recently purchased the Chocolate Dukkah seasoning blend from your Park City store. I live out of state (Ohio) and would like to purchase more but am not seeing it on your website. Help!

  18. jessica says:

    They should be on each product page but will email them to you as well.

  19. Andy Nielsen says:

    Where can I obtain the nutritional information for your products? I’m a member of Weight Watcher’s and would like to consider y our products as an alternative to dressings, and alternate cooking methods. I recently purchased the Black Cherry Balsamic, Blackberry Ginger Balsamic and Pineapple Balsamic vinegars.

  20. Bobbi Newman says:

    how much is shipping

  21. Carey says:

    how do you determine shipping rate? I am only 4 hours away in southern Idaho and hate to pay more for shipping than the 15% off discount applied to my order

  22. jessica says:

    Hi Nancy,
    no need to mail in. Glad you were able to make it home safely.
    Hope to see you next time you are in Park City.
    Jessica

  23. jessica says:

    Hi Terry,
    I emailed you the other day. We offer free shipping in Utah on orders of $45 or more…if it is less than that, then shipping is charged.
    Thanks!
    Jessica

  24. Terry says:

    When the Provo store closed…I was later in Park City and talked to someone there about how sad I was that it had closed.
    They said we could order online and there wouldn’t be a charge for shipping in Utah.
    When I was filling out my order, it had a shipping charge.
    Are you charging for shipping in Utah now?

  25. Nancy Keener says:

    I tried to mail you the gift certificate I got from Gallery Mar and forgot to bring to the cooking demonstration, but it got returned to me in the mail saying “No such number” even though I know your address was right. Should I have mailed it to a PO Box? Do you even still need it?

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