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.
Sent you an email with the info!
Hello- please email me the nutritional panels for your Blood a orange EVOO and Cranberry-Pear Balsamic.
I was gifted these items and I need to closely monitor my intake as per Dr orders. Thanks!
Hi Colleen,
We do still offer bottle refills. Just wash out your bottle in the dishwasher, let it dry completely and bring it in and we can refill with any flavor you want. Discounts vary depending on the bottle size (20% off for the 375ml bottle). Hope to see you soon!
Jessica
HI there do you still have the bottle return program???? If yes what is it thanks colleen
Hi Keara,
I hope I responded to you via email already… If not, I am so sorry! Yes, we do offer mini bottles and would love to be part of your wedding.
Best,
Jessica
It is not currently being made but I hope to bring it back in stock when and if it becomes available again. Try the Baklouti green chili oil for heat, or the Harissa for a more medium spice.
Thank you!
Hi Anne,
We would love to see the Cayenne come back too, but it is not currently being made. I hope to bring it back into stock when it is available. Try the Baklouti (green chili pepper and super hot) or the Harissa as substitutes.
Thank you!
Jessica
You used to have a cayenne olive oil that was amazing with the tangerine balsamic. I don’t see it anywhere – is it possible you will be remaking some? Or do you have any in stock that I can purchase? Thanks!
Anne
Hi There,
You guys used to have a Cayenne olive oil that I adored. It was divine with the tangerine Balsamic. Any change you will be making more of it?
Thanks!
Hello, I love your blackberry and ginger vinegar paired with your California garlic oil. I’m getting married in July and would like to know if you are able to do smaller sample bottles? I am trying to put together a gift basket for our 50 guests and would like to include them.
Warm regards,
Hi Sam, I am finding out. I believe they are, but am trying to locate the kosher certificate. I don’t think the vinegars are kosher however. Will send you the information via email
Thanks,
Jessica
Am interested in gifting a friend the paired oils (2 Bottle Pairing Box – Traditional – with the bottle of Tuscan Herb Olive Oil and a bottle of 18 year Balsamic Vinegar), But first need to know if these oils are kosher?
Amazing customer service, really made me feel valued. Great oils. Great spices. Friends will be asking for the recipe. Definitely stop in! WILL LEAVE VERY VERY HAPPY 🙂
Will send via email. But easy answer is yes, they are gluten free.
My family just purchased some of your olive oils and balsamic vinegars. I am gluten free to manage an autoimmune condition. Are the pineapple balsamic and peach balsamic gluten free? Also could I have the nutritional information for both. Thank you!
Thanks Jessica!
Great, thanks! Let me know if you need anything from me. email is jessica@mountaintownoliveoil.com
Hi Whitney,
We prefer using our own bottles as we know what the volume is for the refill. But if you have some of our empty bottles, definitely bring them in for a discount on the refill!
Thanks!
Jessica
Hi! Can I bring in my own bottle/jar to purchase oil or other products?
Thanks!
I am launching a new site which features favorite products of interesting people. One of our people being profiled featured two of your products. Do you have an affiliate program? Would love to link to your site.
Sent! Hope you enjoy!
Sent! Hope you enjoy!
May I please receive the nutritional ingredients and calories for the Peach Balsamic Vinegar and Coconut Balsamic Vinegar? Is this information available anywhere online? Have been buying the Peach for years and love it! Thanks.
Hello I am trying to find The nutritional facts for the cranberry pear balsamic vinegar . I saw above that you said there were no added sugar is which is great! Just trying to see if that’s for all of your products or only some
Sending via email!
Can I please have the coconut and pineapple balsamic nutrition information? They are to die for!!
Just sent to your email! Basically, all the olive oils have the same calories, fat, etc. 120 calories a tablespoon. No added sugars. Just added flavors. So basically, yes, they are all the same. I thought we had put them all up, will have to check with my web designer to see what the status on that project is. Thanks for reaching out!
Hello,
Can you please send me the nutrition facts on the Blood Orange Olive Oil and the Butter Infused Olive Oil. I was very happy to see the Black Cherry Balsamic had a copy of its nutritional information. Are there any plans to have put up the nutritional facts on all Olive Oils or are they all relatively similar so there is no need? I only ask because I order quite a variety from Mountain Town Olive Oil. I have not been disappointed with a favor yet. Currently Persian lime and Butter are my favorite infusions.
Thank you.
Hi Becky,
We offer free shipping about 3-4 times a year and I anticipate the next offer will be in July. I am considering adding a free shipping option for orders over x amount, but haven’t set that policy or functionality up at this time.
Thank you for reaching out!
Jessica
Recently I ordered and received free shipping with a certain number of bottles. Do you still offer that option and what is the number of bottles to purchase at one time to receive free shipping? I am a club member if that makes a difference.
Hi Vanessa,
I have shipped internationally but I will say that it is prohibitively expensive. Australia is especially challenging due to the restrictive nature of the customs laws. I would estimate that shipping 2-4 bottles would cost between $125-150 USD for shipping. Hope this helps! Hopefully you can come and visit us in person soon! If you want to ship, email me and we can discuss your order over email as the website won’t allow it. jessica@mountaintownoliveoil.com
Jessica
Hi there
I bought some products from your Park City Store on my recent trip there. Would love to order more but do you ship outside USA – to Australia specifically and if so how much the shipping would be? thanks
Vanessa
Hello, we were given a couple of your spice blends as a gift from family that had visited there and we are running low on one. I came here to the website to see if I could order some more and I can’t find it on here. Did you all stop selling it? It is the Chicken Rub #1256. The only chicken rub I found on here was the Jamaican but it has a different SKU #. Is there a way I could get more of the Chicken Rub #1256?
What are the ingredients in the Chocolate Balsamic vinegar?
Would you please send me the nutritional info-i.e. Fat, calories, carbs,etc-for your pineapple and jalapeño balsamic vinegars.
Recently purchased these and absolutely love them. I will definitely try others as well.
Thanks!
Hi Nancy,
We do offer gift cards, but they are only redeemable in the stores. Please give me a call at 435.649.1400 and I can get you set up!
Jessica
Do offer gift certificates or cards?
No they are not.
Are your oils and vinegars organic?
Hi Dave,
Right now we don’t do custom blends… we just sell each flavor individually. Hope this helps!
Best,
Jessica
Can I order a custom blend?
in the flavored olive oils and vinegars are there any added sugars? Is it possible to get the nutrition info for the blood orange olive oil and the vanilla balsamic vinegar?
Hi Jenn,
Did you see the piece on 60 Minutes about the mafia involvement? If so, you probably saw Tom Mueller speak about the high incidence of olive oil fraud, especially here in the US. Tom worked extensively with my supplier, Veronica Foods, to write his book, Extra Virginity. Bascially, the folks at Veronica Foods are at the forefront of ethical supply, and more importantly, testing the oils. With olive oil especially, it is easy to test for certain chemical elements, such as oleic acids and polyphenols, peroxides and free fatty acids. All of these elements speak to the overall quality of the oil. Veronica Foods has set the highest standard in the world today for olive oils, and test every oil that comes into their warehouse at an independent lab in Australia. The test results are incredibly high and bascially prove beyond doubt that the oils we sell are the highest quality in the world today and have not been adulterated in any way. They work with growers who subscribe to these quality standards. If you are local, I am happy to review the oils with you and talk more about the purity standards. Please let me know if you have any questions whatsoever and I am happy to answer them. I will also email you separately with this info.
Best,
Jessica
Hi
I absolutely love this place and I love my olive oil and balsamic that I bought. That being said, I recently learned about the mafia involvement in the olive oil industry selling tainted and watered down oils and still calling them extra virgin. Is there a way to learn about your suppliers so that you can guarantee that your olive oil actually is EVOO and is Mob free? If so I will buy my olive oil exclusively from you and will tell everyone else I know to do the same.
Thanks
Jenn G.
Hi Susan,
No added sugars! I will email you the nutritional facts panels!
Best,
Jessica
Is there any added sugar in the fruit flavored vinegars?
Hi Debbie,
I think you may be thinking of a different company. We don’t have any mugs in our inventory. But they sound adorable! Hope this helps!
Best,
Jessica
Hi – I visited in February and I believe you had coffee mugs painted with different skier images. I believe they were $29.99 each.
I am interested in purchasing – is it possible to take a photo of the different images available so I can decide how m any of each etc I’d like to purchase?
It would require shipping as I live in Connecticut.
I have recently been diagnosed with Celiac disease. I have many of your wonderful fruit balsamic vinegars. Do any of your fruit balsamic vinegars contain gluten? or malt vinegar?
Is there any way to get the nutritional information for your coconut balsamic vinegar? I can’t find the information anywhere. thank you!