Varietals used: Frantoio, Luccino, Pendolino, Maurino, and Taggiasca olives. These olives lend themselves to a smooth but flavorful oil.
Orchard-blended means that the different tree varietals are planted randomly, so that during harvest, the blending is done as we pick. Most oil is blended from monocultivars (single varietals), and then blended by humans in a lab. A little randomness is good, sometimes! It keeps life exciting…
Flavored oil can be categorized as fused or infused. Fused means the olives were crushed with the lemons, garlic, or other ingredients. This can be achieved by machine crushing. You can also infuse oil by placing the plant directly into the oil and aging it for several weeks. We add produce or organic, distilled extracts to flavor the oil, never powders or artificial flavorings.
PRO-TIPS: Flavored oils can be used for cooking or finishing dishes. Research shows olive oil will take heat well up to 437 degrees with low productions of carcinogens (AARP April 2020).
The Lemon-Infused is great on fish and seafood, drizzled over vegetables (asparagus!), and mixed with mayo makes a wonderful aioli for dipping artichoke leaves.
Rosemary-Infused oil is wonderful on chicken and makes the BEST mashed potatoes. Ever.
The Thai Chili is traditionally used on noodle dishes, but it is also a great twist on a grilled-cheese sandwich or fried eggs. It is an easy way to sass up veggies and soups, too.
The Garlic-Infused is fantastic, well, on everything! It’s our best seller.
SHIPPING: While we charge UPS flat rates, we usually refund any excess shipping costs to the consumer if it is more than a few dollars’ difference. The flat rate is simply a best-guess. If shipping estimate is under-quoted by more than $5, we may reach out to request more to cover shipping. It is never our intention to profit from inflated shipping fees, but neither can we afford to offer free shipping. Shipping only to contiguous 48 states.
Also, we used recycled materials (both pre-and post- shipping), and we try to re-use those ubiquitous Amazon boxes, air pillows, and starch-based packing peanuts as much as possible. Bella Vista offsets carbon emissions from every delivery
We are the opposite of a large, commercial grow and feel that our attention to detail produces a rich, layered taste that is unique.
