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.

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.

Yes! All of The Sonoma farm Shop oils are first cold pressed. Cold pressed is a chemical free process using only pressure, producing a higher quality olive oil that is lower in acidity. Also, our oils are all filtered, which leads to clearer oil with no residue at the bottom of the bottle.

The “extra” in Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is the highest premium grade for olive oils. It is the best that you can buy. EVOO means it has less than 8% oleic acid.

Olive Oil should be shored in a cool (70-75 degrees), dark place. Light and air are two primary enemies of Olive Oil. Bottling in dark containers is also important to shield Olive Oil from harmful UV Rays and light. It should not be stored in the refrigerator.

Freshness is the key to taste in Olive Oil and after two years you will begin to lose that fresh taste. The shelf life of Olive Oil decreases after two years, 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.

Taste and health benefits are the difference between Olive Oil and store bought vegetable oils. Vegetable oils are tasteless and add fat to your recipe. EVOO adds a fresh flavor, unique to itself, and is an healthy replacement for butter or margarine that will also add taste to your recipe. EVOO is fresh pressed from the fruit of the olive tree, leaving the color, taste, vitamins and nutrients intact. EVOO is popular for dipping breads, as well as for marinades and salad dressings. Because of the antioxidant components, olive oil keeps itself fresh longer than vegetable oil.

There are 5 different grades: 1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the highest quality rating with an acidity level of less than 1%. 2. Virgin Olive Oil has an acidity level of less than 2%. 3. Semi-fine Olive Oil has aroma and taste defects. The acidity level is less than 3%. 4. Olive Oil is a blend of chemically refined and unrefined (canola or vegetable) oils and is considered unconsumable

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 contain no salt and are 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).

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.

Ten pounds of olives are used in making one quart of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

A truffle is a rare, edible mushroom that is considered a delicacy in many parts of the world. Generally harvested in the wild, they are very expensive, some costing hundreds of dollars per pound. Truffles are often confused with chocolate-covered truffles, a confectionery that has no relation to mushroom truffles. Truffles grow in a limited number of places including France, Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia, as well as Washington and Oregon in the USA. They grow approximately one foot underground among the roots of oak, elm, chestnut, pine and willow trees.

Our exclusive White Truffle Oil and Black Truffle Oil are made in the USA from California extra virgin olive oil.

Bottled Truffle Oil is a delicate oil which loses it’s aroma over time, so it should be stored in the refrigerator and used before the aroma weakens. You should also keep it out of the light and keep the cap tight.