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using extra virgin olive oil in beer fermentation

8/1/2021

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Do you home brew your beer, or know anyone who does?

Have you/they heard about using EVOO in beer fermentation instead of oxygen?

By adding a minute mount of EVOO to the starter or wort prior to fermentation, can increase the ester production and flavour stability of your beer.

What if you could do away with the headache of deciding how much oxygen to add, when to add it, and what is the best way to add it. Wouldn’t that simplify your lives as homebrewers? Not to mention the added benefit of improved aging and flavour stability.

One method which has gotten a lot of press lately and been circulating throughout the various forums is the addition of a miniscule amount of olive oil in beer yeast instead of oxygen. The idea goes like this. Yeast needs oxygen to produce sterols and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) for their cell walls. If we supply the UFAs to the yeast, then they won’t need oxygen.

It was found that the beers fermented with olive oil had increased ester content, although the increase was not out of specs for the beers produced (in the New Belgium brewery where the tests were conducted). Other results were that fermentations were a little slower but they did finish at the same gravities as those that were oxygenated instead. Perhaps the best result for big breweries and us as homebrewers, was that normal fermentations can be achieved with improved flavour stability.

So how much olive oil in beer yeast should you be using? During the trials, New Belgium brewery would pitch 4500 litres of yeast into 168000 litres of beer. Into the 4500 litres of yeast, they would add 300 ml of oil. To scale this down for 5 gallons, we need to use about 0.0000833 ml of oil. For almost everyone, this is impossible to measure. There are 60 drops of olive oil in a teaspoon, and a teaspoon is 5 ml, so a drop is about 0.0833 ml. You would need about 0.001 or 1/1000 of a drop. As you can see, the amounts are minuscule. It was suggested on Northern Brewer’s forum that one way to get this small amount would be to dip a toothpick into the olive oil and then transfer this amount over to the wort. Sounds good to me, and I believe many homebrewers are using this method to get the right amount in their wort.
So, for the adventurous homebrewers out there, try it. I believe it has been documented and experimented enough by everyone to be safe and reliable means of increasing both the flavour stability and ester production in your beers.
​
So – grab a bottle of Isobel Olives Extra Virgin Olive oil for your next home brew production and try it out. As you need so little, use the rest in your kitchen for your baking, roasting, salads, and enjoy the taste of good health made with passion..
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reasons why you should change from shampoo bottles to Isobel olives soap / shampoo bars

14/11/2020

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Many of us are set in our ways after a lifetime of reaching for the shampoo bottle or conditioner.  The question then becomes.... Are we clinging to bottles because it's a better product, or is it simply because that's what we've always done?

Here are some compelling reasons for making the change from using bottles, to bars.

1).  Isobel Olives Soap Shampoo Bars are Package/Plastic Free.
This is by far, the most important reason for making the change.  Here are some sobering statistics of drinking bottles alone. Just think that shampoo and conditioner bottles are in addition to these...
  • A million plastic bottles are bought around the world every minute and the number is projected to jump another 20% by 2021
  • This equates to about 20,000 bottles being bought every second
  • More than 480 billion plastic drinking bottles were sold in 2016 across the world, up from about 300 billion a decade ago. If placed end to end, these bottles would extend more than halfway to the sun. 
  • By 2021 annual plastic bottles sold is projected to increase to 583.3 billion.
  • Fewer than half of the bottles bought in 2016 were collected for recycling and just 7% of those collected were turned into new bottles. That means, approximately 93% of the 480 billion plastic water bottles sold in 2016 ended up in landfill or in the ocean.
When you start to think about it from the above perspective, the numbers are staggering. To Isobel Olives, it’s a no brainer that it’s better for the environment to make an effort to reduce packaging wherever possible.

While switching to shampoo bars may seem like it can barely make a dent in these numbers, as more people convert, more and more bottles will be diverted from landfills and our water ways. 

2. Isobel Olives Soap / Shampoo Bars are more Concentrated. 
The bars are more concentrated than traditional shampoos  so you can use less per application and they will last longer. This is especially true with proper care (don’t be letting your bars soak in water)!
Why do they last longer? Take a look at a bottle of shampoo in your shower or on the shelves in stores and the first ingredient you will see is water. This explains why you typically need a healthy dollop of product to get the performance you want. With our bars, it’s a lot more difficult to use too much, as all you need to do is place some lather in your hands then apply it to your hair. You will find it suds up right away, and leaves your hair lovely soft and clean.


3. Isobel Olives Soap / Shampoo Bars are great for travel.
Shampoo bars  are great to travel with as you don't have to worry about spillage or liquid restrictions. The bars are perfect for carry on baggage as they small and light-weight.  They are TSA approved, which means you don’t have to plan your packing around your hair care products. Best of all, they help prevent using the individual-sized shampoos and conditioners at your hotel, which goes back to point #1 about reducing packaging waste.


4. Isobel Olives Soap / Shampoo Bars are Space Savers.
Shampoo bars  are great for saving space. Being much smaller and more light-weight than their bottled counterparts relative to the number of washings you can get from the same amount of product, they help you save space. This comes in handy in a variety of situations, from keeping your bathroom cabinets decluttered, to packing for an upcoming trip. 


5.  Isobel Olives Shampoo Bars showcase minimalism at its finest.
The bars help create a minimalist aesthetic in your shower/bathroom by reducing the cluttered look of bottles. This significantly reduces the amount of clutter in the shower, and with less stuff, not only does it look better, it’s easier to clean; a win-win!


6. Isobel Olives Shampoo bars offer a low carbon footprint.
The overall carbon footprint is less with shampoo bars as these solid bars are more light-weight and compact than their bottled counterparts, so they require less space during transport relative to the same amount of washes with liquid shampoo. Roughly ten to fifteen transport trucks of liquid shampoo would be needed for one transport truck of solid shampoo bars to get the same number of washes.  We don't recommend you buying a truckload at once though - one or two for you, and some more for this years Christmas gifts. There - your Christmas shopping is complete already!

7. Isobel Olives Shampoo Bars are Multi-Purpose,
Shampoo bars can also be used for other purposes like washing your body, your pets in a pinch or your clothes while or camping or travelling. This means there's no need for bodywash either, so there's another plastic bottle saved from the landfill or ocean!

8. Isobel Olives Shampoo Bars leave hair feeling clean.
Our bars are a natural option, using 100% natural ingredients. They do not contain artificial fragrances that may cause skin irritation or allergies. They are also free of harmful chemicals  such as formaldehyde and propylene glycol.  These all natural ingredients are gentle of hair while still being effective. They naturally remove oil and grime to unveil shiny healthy hair .

Extra Virgin Olive Oil keeps it mild and gentle, Coconut Oil produces a creamy lather, and the Sweet Almond Oil conditions your hair. If you still need a conditioner, try 1/3 Apple Cider Vinegar with 2/3 water and spray your hair after your shower.


9. Isobel Olives Soap Shampoo Bars are Cost Effective.
Our bars are cost effective in  that they typically last  longer than shampoo in bottles. Standard sized shampoo bars can be used for approximately 80 washes which is more than standard shampoo bottle.  Since our bars contain nourishing ingredients you may also be able to skip the conditioner saving yourself even more money!
​

They are natural, plastic free, sustainable,
offer great value for money
and are extremely effective as a hair product.


You can pick up yours here:  https://bit.ly/3n3jlQK

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stop buying spreadable butter and make it yourself!

18/9/2020

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Making your own spreadable butter will save you money and is also much healthier for you. Spreadable butter is generally made with Canola Oil, but making it with EVOO – extra virgin olive oil will give you much better health benefits from the included polyphenols.  Keep in mind that many spreadable butters say they use olive oil, however many of those claims are false. What they're actually using is adulterated olive oil that has very little of the taste or health benefits of the real thing. Use certified EVOO from Olives NZ – look for the red sticker on the bottle.
 
It’s easy to make your own – all you need is 100 grams of butter, 1/3 Cup of Isobel Olives Olive Oil, and a glass container (as it’s easier to clean afterwards).
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​Soften the butter to room temperature, then cut them into pieces for easier mixing. Add your 1/3 cup (80mls) of EVOO and mix well with a fork or wooden spoon until completely blended, then refrigerate.  You can double or triple the proportions to make bigger amounts.  You can also use a small food processor or whisk but a wooden spoon is fine.’
 
Don’t melt the butter to speed up the process – heat changes the structure of food. You can spice it up and add variations – salt, lemon, fresh herbs, garlic – the sky is the limit.
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Come meet us at the Marlborough Farmers Market!Every Sunday in Blenheim, Isobel Olives has a stall at the Marlborough Farmers Market. You can come taste, and fall in love with our locally produced extra virgin olive oil made with genuine Marlborough olives!

I have Three types of olive oil to choose from, including a rare speciality Koroneiki oil, as well as a Healing Balm.  Bring a bottle and fill your own from our bulk oil.
​
Wondering about how to buy extra virgin olive oil? We can tell you all about making olive oil, how it was produced locally at the Marlborough olive press and even recipes for cooking!

Just ask for Chris!

See you this Sunday.

Chris Piper
Isobel Olives
Fresh Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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extra virgin olive oil in your kitchen

6/9/2020

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Is your Extra Virgin Olive Oil in your kitchen in a dark bottle, or a clear glass bottle?

Do you keep it on hand on the bench or tucked away in a dark cupboard?

Is your Extra Virgin Olive Oil Fresh or has it gone off?

According to David Lewis’s latest article from Kitchen Ambition, experts say that rancid olive oil is common in American Kitchens.  This would most likely be true in New Zealand kitchens as well, particularly because many of the cheaper supermarket olive oils are stored in clear glass jars, and have probably been shipped by sea through the tropics to get to New Zealand. We have no idea how long they were stored before being shipped, no idea how long they took to get here, and no idea  how long they have been on the supermarket shelves before arriving in your pantry.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil needs to be stored properly in Dark Bottles, away from heat and light to maintain it’s freshness. A harvest date should be clearly shown on the bottle, and the oil should be used up within 2 years of that date. You should look for the Red Sticker from Olives New Zealand which tells you that it’s definitely Extra Virgin Olive Oil for that peace of mind that you are getting only the best quality.

David Lewis’s article explains how to tell if the extra virgin olive oil has gone bad by testing it in a few steps...

“First, pour 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil into a small container like a dish or bowl. Smell deeply from 4” to 6” above the dish. Fresh olive oil should smell like ripe olives and perhaps slightly bitter, peppery, or grassy. Rancid oil is often characterized by the smell of crayons, putty, glue, fermented fruit, or even old fish. These are derived from spoiled fats. 

Next, taste a small amount of the oil and let it roll across the surface of your tongue. If there is rancidity then you are likely to taste crayon and old peanut flavours in the sample. You may also recognize a sensation of greasy residue in your mouth. 

Any bitterness you may encounter when tasting the oil is actually considered a positive characteristic, indicating freshness. Bitter oils with sharp or fruity flavours are highly regarded by industry professionals. “

Lastly – Extra Virgin Olive Oil that has gone off,  means that all the health benefits will have been lost from the oil.

The best way to make sure you are getting good quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil, is to buy local,  and NZ produced. Check out your local farmers market, or simply pick up a bottle online from Isobel Olives.

Isobel Olives Extra Virgin Olive Oil is stored in stainless steel tanks with a layer of argon gas on top to prevent oxidation and stored at around 16-18 degrees. It is certified to ensure quality and has a best by of 2 years and bottled in dark glass bottles.


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ISOBEL oLIVES HEALING bALM

4/12/2019

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A review by guest writer Liz Wyllie.
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Aside from Sun protection, moisturiser is one of the most important elements of any skincare routines.  The skin is the biggest organ in your body and organs need water. Moisturiser just doesn’t add water back into your skin, but it traps the water you already have in there, plumps it up and protects it.
 
There’s nothing worse than dry skin.  I live for that daily moment where I can smear on moisturiser and feel that instant relief from that itchy tight feeling.  Isobel Olives Healing balm works really well for me, what was once flaky snake skin is now soft and smooth. The healing balm is so rich and I love that it comes in a jar. 
 
What makes the formula of Isobel Olives healing balm so great is just how rich it is. A little goes a long way. A pea sized dab is enough to deliver a creamy hydration to your entire face or hands, or wherever you need it. It slowly melts into the skin without feeling sticky or tacky. That’s in part to the blend of Olive Oil which delivers the ingredients into your skin. The ingredients are wonderfully New Zealand and include Manuka Honey and our natives Kawakawa and Totara..
 
This healing balm has never left my skin slick or greasy, even when I overdose on it, which is kind of a miracle.  If I’m using it on my face, my makeup goes on smoother and I don't have nasty dry patches pop-up throughout the day. I also really love the fact it is unscented. It doesn’t interfere with any other fragrance I may use and it makes the whole moisturizing experience a little more decadent without feeling perfume-y. I've been using this cream every day for more than a month, and it's quickly become my favourite moisturiser.  I even smear it all over my hands, and they are no longer like snake skin. It's just that good.

COME AND MEET US AT THE MARLBOROUGH FARMERS MARKET

Every Sunday in Blenheim, Isobel Olives has a stall at the Marlborough Farmers Market. You can come taste, and fall in love with our locally produced extra virgin olive oil made with genuine Marlborough olives!

We have 
Four types of olive oil to choose from, including a rare speciality Koroneiki oil, as well as a Healing Balm.
​

Wondering about how to buy extra virgin olive oil? We can tell you all about making olive oil, how it was produced locally at the Marlborough olive press and even recipes for cooking!


Just ask for Chris!

See you this Sunday.

Chris Piper
Isobel Olives
Fresh Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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how to make sure you are buying real extra virgin olive oil

29/11/2019

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​I recently stayed with some friends of mine. As a thank you for having me, I took them an Isobel Olives 500ml Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil. They were very thankful and pleased with the gift, and I hope I taught them something.  The conversation went like this…

Friends: We can’t cook with this as it’s olive Oil?
Me:  Yes you can – domestic cooking rarely reaches the smoke point of Olive Oil
Friends: Well the olive oil we use reaches that smoke point very quickly.
Me: Is it extra virgin Olive oil?
Friends: Yes – look.

They brought out a bottle of Olivani Extra Virgin Olive Oil bought at the local supermarket from their cupboard. I pointed out the label may be Extra Virgin Olive Oil, but it has no certification with Olives New Zealand. The Oil probably came from overseas, in which case other oils may have been added to it, or it might be passed off as an Extra Virgin Olive Oil, but in fact could be a lesser Virgin Olive oil.  This is a very common practice, particularly in Italy. Further it was stored in a clear glass jar so as light could get in, the oil would break down in quality very quickly.

My friends started reading the label. Produced in Auckland, but nothing about where the oil comes from, nothing on a harvest date, No best buy date. Nothing. That was a huge warning sign that it is really not Extra Virgin Olive Oil despite claiming that on the label.

This is really the scandal about Olive Oil buying in New Zealand. There is a huge investigation going on in Italy at the moment about Fake Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

https://www.cnbc.com/2015/11/13/italys-slippery-extra-virgin-olive-oil-scandal.html

Yes you can pick up cheap Olive Oil in the Supermarket, but it will often will not be the real deal.

Always look for the Olives New Zealand Mark of Integrity when you are buying Olive Oil. This ensures you are really buying true Extra Virgin Olive Oil made here in New Zealand. These oils go through a strict regulation process so you know you are getting top quality. Always look for a Harvest Date and a Best Buy date. Buy fresh, and use your oil up, don’t let it sit around forever. Always buy your Oil in a dark bottle where light can’t get in and degrade the oil.

​And use it for everything. Baste that roast chicken and roast vegetables. Add it to soups and stocks, make wonderful salad dressings, pour it on your toast, use it as a dip with fresh bread.  You’ll be doing your body a favour as it’s full of good health benefits.

COME AND MEET US AT THE MARLBOROUGH FARMERS MARKET

Every Sunday in Blenheim, Isobel Olives has a stall at the Marlborough Farmers Market. You can come taste, and fall in love with our locally produced extra virgin olive oil made with genuine Marlborough olives!

We have 
Four types of olive oil to choose from, including a rare speciality Koroneiki oil, as well as a Healing Balm

Wondering about how to buy extra virgin olive oil? We can tell you all about making olive oil, how it was produced locally at the Marlborough olive press and even recipes for cooking!

Just ask for Chris!

See you this Sunday.

Chris Piper
Isobel Olives
Fresh Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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Marlborough’s Little Secret: Rare Koroneiki Olive Oil Health Benefits

13/10/2019

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What makes single malt scotch so good?

It’s a single malt.​

What makes our Koroneiki olive oil so good?

You guessed it. It’s a single variety.

No blends, just pure. 

Isobel Olives is excited to be offering Koroneiki extra virgin olive oil as a single variety this year.

Our oils have been sent for certification with olives NZ and later this year will be competing for awards which give a true indication of their value, as they are judged by overseas judges.


The Koroneiki is the ‘Queen’ of olives and produces a high quality, low acid, full bodied olive oil. It’s highly prized for its aromatic, fruity and well-balanced oil, perfect for enjoying in it’s natural state or added at the end of cooking. It’s great for everyday usage.

The Koroneiki olive is about 3000 years old and, as far as we know, originates from Greece. It’s a tiny olive in comparison with other varieties and has an oval, raindrop-like shape.

Despite its small size it yields a surprisingly large amount of oil. The tree is low maintenance and has the ability to withstand relatively low temperatures and thrives well in Marlborough.


People are always looking for ways to stay fit and live healthy lives. With more awareness of heart disease and obesity problems, people have been gravitating towards avocado and coconut oils for being high in healthy monounsaturated fats. But there’s a rare olive oil here which is changing the game... 


Koroneiki Olive Oil Health Benefits

Many scientific studies reveal that Koroneiki olive oil offers several strong health benefits. Due to its purity, it has obtained a high-class status in the market. Experts call it extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and it is famous for its superior taste and healthier fats.

6 Incredible health benefits of Koroneiki Olive Oil:

Let’s cut to the chase, you’re here because you want to know about the health benefits of Koroneiki olive oil. So let’s get into it: ​

Anti-inflammatory:

There is one common thing to know about chronic diseases; they are usually driven by some low level or even imperceptible inflammation. This condition is commonly defined by the considerable boost in non-specific biomarker named as C-reactive protein. Studies reveal that oleic acid present in Koroneiki olive oil is capable enough to reduce chronic inflammation associated with many diseases.

Cardiovascular disease prevention:

Some observational studies show that EVOO is capable enough to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. It can deal with several symptoms associated with poor heart health. This organic oil improves blood vessel lining, balance blood pressure levels, protect oxidative damage to LDL particles, and prevent the formation of thrombosis.

 Stroke prevention:

Stroke can be defined as an interruption in normal supply of blood to the brain. Millions of people suffer due to this disease condition in their lifetime and in some cases, can lead to death. It is possible to reduce chances of stroke by consuming EVOO on routine basis.

Cancer prevention:

You will be surprised to know that Koroneiki olive oil can be also used to reverse the symptoms associated with breast cancer. At the same time, it can treat cancers related to digestive systems. Experienced medical health experts recommend this organic oil for preventing risk of cancer.

Skin health improvement:

If you’re concerned about skin health, or repetitive outbreak of acne, EVOO can be your best friend. Apply Koroneiki olive oil directly to the skin surface to create a moisture locking barrier and keep your skin looking elastic and youthful. ​

Higher nutritional value:

The Koroneiki olive oil is a strong source of vitamin E, which is also why it’s so good for skin health and vision. The rich vitamin E content present in this organic oil can also strengthen immune system function. It also provides enough vitamin A to boost the abilities to fight against many chronic health issues. Additionally, EVOO is great source of calcium, iron and copper and improves strength of bones. 


With a stunning greenish gold hue, our Koroneiki Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil shines, offering a delightful delicate oil. Perfect for those who prefer a mild but full bodied oil. We take pride in creating the purest oil from the purest olives that nature provides, giving you a true taste of Greece every time.

Come meet us at the Marlborough Farmers Market!

Every Sunday in Blenheim, Isobel Olives has a stall at the Marlborough Farmers Market. You can come taste, and fall in love with our locally produced extra virgin olive oil made with genuine Marlborough olives!

We have 
Four types of olive oil to choose from, including a rare speciality Koroneiki oil, as well as a Healing Balm.
​

Wondering about how to buy extra virgin olive oil? We can tell you all about making olive oil, how it was produced locally at the Marlborough olive press and even recipes for cooking!


Just ask for Chris!

See you this Sunday.

Chris Piper
Isobel Olives
Fresh Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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You Won’t Believe What’s In This Chocolate Mousse...

6/10/2019

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We all get those cravings..


​You know the ones. 

When you just need a little sneaky chocolate. 

Well what if you didn’t have to feel so guilty about it…?

We all know about the health benefits of fresh olive oil, so here’s a little secret recipe for something delicious and surprisingly good for you... 

An Isobel Olives original recipe:

 Chocolate Olive Oil Mousse


​Ingredients:


170 grams bittersweet chocolate, chopped
3 large eggs, separated
2/3 cup Icing sugar
3/4 cup Isobel Olives 2018 Delicate Extra Virgin Oil, or 2019 Koroneiki Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup brewed espresso
2 tablespoons liqueur, such as blackberry brandy​​
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Preparation:

Melt the chocolate over a double boiler and allow it to cool to room temperature.

Beat the egg yolks and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer on high speed until light and lemon yellow in color. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream, as you would for a mayonnaise.

Once the olive oil has been incorporated, add the melted chocolate, espresso, and liqueur. Mix on low speed until combined.

In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until they form medium peaks. Fold the whites thoroughly into the chocolate mixture.

Divide evenly between 8 ramekins and refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours. To serve, garnish with sea salt, chocolate shavings and mint, if desired.

​Enjoy...

Need something to perk you up?

Enjoy with an olive oil bullet proof coffee. ​
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​
​Worried about fake EVOO? Check out this 
blog. ​

​Come say Hi at the Marlborough Farmers Market!


Isobel Olives has a stall at the Marlborough Farmers Market every Sunday in Blenheim. You can taste, and fall in love with our locally produced extra virgin olive oil made with genuine Marlborough olives!
 
We have Four types of olive oil to choose from, including a rare speciality Koroneiki oil, as well as a Healing Balm.

We can tell you about making olive oil, how it was produced locally at the Marlborough olive press and recipes for cooking. Just ask for Chris!


See you Sunday.

Chris Piper
Isobel Olives
Marlborough Olive Grove
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Buying EVOO in NZ? 5 Signs Your Olive Oil Isn’t Fresh

11/9/2019

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Olive oil has wonderful health benefits, and there are new studies every year highlighting the properties in Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) that fight cancer and heart disease.  

However, there was a recent story about an Italian Mafia Practice of producing fake extra virgin olive oil which has Olive Oil consumers worried. 

This Olive oil often makes its way out of Europe and lands on supermarket shelves around the world. So how do you know when you’re buying the real deal, and how do you know if it’s even fresh?

Here’s 5 warning signs to avoid fake EVOO:
​

1. New Zealand Certified:

If you buy New Zealand Olive Oil that is certified by Olives New Zealand, then you can trust you are getting the freshest, true extra virgin olive oil, and that’s proudly Kiwi made. 

To qualify for Olives New Zealand Certification, NZ oils must meet requirements for bottling, labelling, as well as chemical and sensory criteria that Olives New Zealand has based on the International Olive Council (IOC) quality standards for extra virgin olive oil

2. Harvest Date: 

Olive oil doesn’t last forever, and a good producer wants you to enjoy their oil at its very best. A high quality EVOO will list a harvest date on the bottle. Olive oil is a fresh product that is best within the first 2 years after harvest. So check the dates. If there’s no harvest date, move on immediately. 

3. Country: 

Italy produces some of the worlds best olive oils, but they are probably not sitting on the supermarket shelf. A lot of the oil you see touting Italian heritage are often made from olives grown in Spain then shipped to Italy for bottling. 

​Imported olive oils often can sit in a warehouse for months before being sold, so there’s no way to tell if it’s fresh. Mama Mia!


4. Price: 

If you’re buying a bottle of EVOO for $15 a litre, it probably won’t be 100% olive oil and there’s a slim chance that it’s extra virgin. It may be rancid or have other faults. 

Real EVOO is not cheap to make and some large oil producers overseas blend olive oil with seed oils or use practices and extraction methods that do not comply with the standards for being designated ‘extra virgin’. Unfortunately what they say is true: you get what you pay for. 

5. Know your retailer: 
​

You are most likely to find true extra virgin olive oil from a specialty retailer. Big supermarkets may carry certified extra virgin olive oil, but be sure to read the labels twice.

Marlborough Farmers Market

Isobel Olives has a stall in Blenheim at the Marlborough Farmers Market, where you can taste, experience and enjoy our locally produced extra virgin olive oil made with genuine Marlborough olives.

We have Four types of olive oil to choose from, including a rare speciality Koroneiki oil, as well as a Healing Balm.

We can tell you about making olive oil, how it was produced and how to use it in your cooking, just ask for Chris!


See you there on Sunday.
​

Chris Piper
Isobel Olives
Marlborough, NZ

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keto diet and extra virgin olive oil

21/8/2019

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​Needing to shed a few kilo’s and wanting to be healthy, I started doing the Keto Diet which is very popular at the moment.  I joined the Keto New Zealand Facebook Group and am astounded at the kilo’s that have been lost following this simple lifestyle.  Keto stands for high fat, low carb. Basically, one flips the current food pyramid upside down, and so instead of Carbs being on the bottom that one eats the most of, it’s at the top. 
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The most important part of the Keto diet is healthy fats and oils as these keep the hunger away and helps put you into ketosis, a state where you burn your existing fat rather than the ones you eat.
One of the questions that often appears on the group is – which oils do you use for the keto Diet? My answer is always. Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Simply because of the health benefits that Extra Virgin Olive Oil can give that no other Oil has. Many other oils are high in saturated fats, but not Extra Virgin Olive Oil which is very low in saturated fats. It's the saturated fats that contributes to heart disease.
The Benefits are many and if you’re on a high fat diet, one of the things you need to watch for is your cholesterol levels, so what better oil to use than Extra Virgin Olive oil as it protects your heart from heart disease by helping reduce harmful cholesterol levels. That’s one of my major reasons for choosing a good quality Extra Virgin, especially since heart disease runs in our family, with my brother having to have a triple bypass at the age of 45.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil also helps lower Blood Pressure and minimises clotting in the blood stream. Strokes are one of the major killers in New Zealand, second to Heart Disease.
It’s a source of Vitamins E, A and K, and has anti-inflammatory properties due to the Oleocanthal which has similar effects to Ibruprofen.   I know I’d rather take a few teaspoons of olive oil than a painkiller! It also has high polyphenol levels that fight against cancer.
The Keto diet has been found to cure Type 2 diabetes, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil also benefits non insulin dependent diabetics because it’s a monounsaturated fat.  I’m all for this too, as my father got diabetes at 50, so that’s in my genes as well.

To see a more indepth review of the health benefits, take a peek at the video below!
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