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Why Olive Oil Should Be Part of Your New Year’s Resolution

Start 2021 with a happy heart and a healthy diet! We Olive is proud to support heart health and the American Heart Association by raising awareness of cardiovascular disease risk factors. The Mediterranean Diet, which includes a healthy dose of extra virgin olive oil, has been in existence for hundreds of years. The FDA recommends 2 tablespoons of EVOO a day for heart health. Recent studies provide compelling evidence of the associated health benefits. Topping the list of reasons to eat like a Greek:

For more information about the Mediterranean Diet, check out our food pyramid that explains the types of foods you should eat, the quantities, and how often.

Olive oil and heart health go hand and hand. Extra virgin olive oil, paired with a healthy diet, can help reduce your risk of heart disease. In part because of the special way it’s produced, extra virgin olive oil, unlike seed oils and non-extra virgin oils, contains natural antioxidants, including polyphenols — a type of antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. It’s also rich in monounsaturated fatty acids — a healthier dietary fat than saturated and trans fats. Over the last 50 years, extensive studies have concluded that all sorts of health benefits come from extra virgin olive oil.

Researchers have found that by consuming a Mediterranean diet rich in EVOO, you can:

  • Significantly lower the risk of having a heart attack, suffering from a stroke, or dying of heart disease
    • Better regulate insulin levels
    • Strengthen your immune system
    • Reduce the risk of certain cancers
    • Improve digestive and brain health

WHY GETTING THE REAL THING MATTERS
“When companies taint the oil, consumers lose that wonderful cocktail of anti-inflammatories and antioxidants,” says journalist and industry expert Tom Mueller.

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25 Days of Holiday Cheer

The 25 Days of Holiday Cheer Challenge includes a list of budget-friendly Holiday activities that you can enjoy with your loved ones. Each day of December (leading up to the 25th day) there will be an activity to do. You can do an activity at your own pace or double up on activities when you have time, like on your days off.

The idea is to spread Holiday Cheer! Slow down and focus on truly living in the moment this Holiday Season. This time of year is busy and flies by way too fast. Pause and prioritize what’s important. This challenge is flexible, and this list of activities is a great way to raise your Holiday Cheer!

 

 

1. Donate to Your Favorite Charity

December 1st is Giving Tuesday. Due to the unprecedented impact, the coronavirus is having on the world, GivingTuesday has just announced #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving and unity. Participate with us!

 

2. Bake Christmas Cookies

This is a super fun holiday tradition, and of course, we incorporate our Blood Orange Olive Oil in our cookies.

3. Watch a Holiday Movie

You can choose your favorite holiday or discover new ones streaming on sites like Netflix and Hulu. Have a lazy night, where you stay home and watch holiday movies.

4. Drink Hot Chocolate

Nothing beats cuddling up next to the fire with a cup of hot chocolate.  If you have kids, read them a few Holiday stories at night or get into a good holiday-themed book yourself.

 

5. Organize a Secret Santa

Gather with your friends, family, or coworkers to organize a Secret Santa gift exchange. People will draw names and buy a gift for the name they picked.

6. Donate Lightly Worn Clothing

It’s a great idea to go through all of your unused and unwanted items so you don’t take them into the new year and you have room for anything new that will be arriving after the Holidays.

7. Make Holiday Cards

This may seem a little outdated, but it’s a great way to spread holiday cheer and let the people in your life know you’re thinking about them!

8. Make a Snow Angel

If there is snow in your area, buddle up and make some snow angels with friends or family. We always feel like kids again playing in the snow! If you’re by the beach, you can always make sand angels!

9. Attend a Holiday Themed Event

2020 has been quite the year. The Holidays may look a little different, but chances are there are organized socially distanced or virtual events you can attend to get you in the Holiday spirit!

10. Fa La La La Lager!

December 10th is National Lager Day. Enjoy a craft lager.

11. Volunteer in Your Community

Tis’ the season of giving! If you have extra time available, try volunteering in your community. If you don’t have that much time, you can donate a small portion of your earnings to the local food bank to help those in need this holiday season.

12. Make Your Own Poinsettia Bouquet

December 12th is Poinsettia Day. You can go out and buy a bouquet for someone you love, or for yourself! You can even opt to make your own Poinsettia Craft Wreaths.

13. Have a Holiday Karaoke Night

Sing and dance to your favorite holiday songs!

14. Make Family Videos/Capture the Holiday Moments

Video Chat with your loved ones if you’re not able to see them this year. Take your annual Christmas photo, and capture some memories from 2020.

15. Make a DIY Gift for Someone

If you have friends and family that celebrate Christmas, you can easily make Holiday ornaments. Baking your favorite treat and wrapping it up in some cute ribbon is also a great idea.

16. Hygee Time + Pajama Party!

Hygge is a concept Americans have borrowed from Dutch and Norwegian culture. Hygge translates to a feeling of coziness, comfort, and well-being (which comes in handy during the dark days of winter). You know the feeling you get when you’re in PJs all day. You can spend time with your family and serve milk and cookies (or White Russians and cookies).

17. Compliment a Stranger

Holidays can be a tough time for some folks who can’t be with family or have lost family. Make sure to compliment a stranger today. You never know what someone is going through!

18. Make a Gingerbread House

Grab a kit at the store, or make your own! We love to add a little olive oil to our gingerbread house where we can!

19. Share Your Favorite Holiday Recipe

Whether it be your favorite Holiday cookies or how to make your favorite Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, let your family and friends in on some of your favorite recipes for this year!

20. Enjoy Some Sangria Whilst Wearing Your Holiday Sweater and Caroling!

December 20 is National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, National Sangria Day, and National Caroling Day! So please invite your friends and family to wear their most hideous knitted creation, sip on some sangria, and sing Holiday Carols!

21. Write to Santa, aka Make a Wish List

If you have kids, have them create a wish list for Santa. If you don’t have kids but have family who keeps asking you what you want as a gift this holiday season, creating a wish list can help.

22. Go Ice Skating

You may have to get a little imaginative with this one. With many rinks being closed in most areas, you can make your own ice skates! You can grab a pair of gliding fitness sliders and make-believe you’re on the rink and enjoy skating around in the heat of your home. Or, if you live in sunny California, grab your roller skates and take a stroll around the neighborhood.

23. Drive Around Your Area To See Holiday Decorations

Many towns are still getting in the Holiday spirit by decorating with lights! Some neighborhoods dedicate this time each year to come together and decorate their homes. See if there is a neighborhood near you that go all out during the holidays.

24. DIY Crafts

Festive Holiday Jars are an easy way to decorate your home. You can also make your own peppermint garland by purchasing a few packs of peppermint candies and super glue each wrapper together. Another craft is decorating a Styrofoam Cone! You can superglue peppermint candy onto the cone to make a peppermint tree.

25. Call Your Loved Ones, Spread Holiday Cheer!

2020 has been a tough year for many. Some will not be able to spend the Holidays with their loved ones like in the past, so make sure you call or video chat with the ones you love most!

 

I hope this Holiday Season is your best yet and you enjoy being fully present while building long-lasting memories!

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We Olive is giving away a year supply of EVOO!

The FDA recommends 2 tablespoons of EVOO a day for heart health. Tell us how you get your daily two tablespoons and you could win a year supply of EVOO!

To enter:

  1. Like a contest post on Instagram or Facebook.*details below
  2. Comment and tell us how you use EVOO to get your daily #2tablespoons – use the hashtag!
  3. Tag a friend.
  4. Follow We Olive or your local We Olive location on Instagram or Facebook.*details below
  5. Enter by March 23, 2020.

Official Rules: Valid entries must include material as outlined above. Valid entries must like the contest post, comment, tag a friend and then follow the Facebook or Instagram account of the We Olive location that posted about the contest.  Valid entries must be submitted between March 9 – 23, 2020. Winner will be announced on March 26, 2020.

Prize: One winner will receive twelve 12.75 ounce bottle variety pack of extra virgin olive oil and flavored olive oil.

*We Olive Facebook Pages

We Olive

We Olive Avondale

We Olive Claremont

We Olive Costa Mesa

We Olive Folsom

We Olive Houston

We Olive La Jolla

We Olive Los Gatos

We Olive Reno

We Olive Shreveport

We Olive Pasadena

We Olive Paso Robles

We Olive Salt Lake City

We Olive San Juan Capistrano

We Olive San Luis Obispo

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*We Olive Instagram Pages

We Olive

We Olive Avondale

We Olive Claremont

We Olive Costa Mesa

We Olive Houston

We Olive La Jolla

We Olive Los Gatos

We Olive Reno

We Olive Shreveport

We Olive Pasadena

We Olive Paso Robles

We Olive Salt Lake City

We Olive San Juan Capistrano

We Olive San Luis Obispo

We Olive Ventura

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Thanksgiving Recipes Roundup

We’ve rounded up our favorite Thanksgiving recipes to help you round out your holiday menu. You’ll find super simple appetizers, seasonal cocktails, our favorite side dishes including four delicious ways to cook Brussels sprouts, and a showstopping recipe for Olio Nuovo Roast Turkey. Don’t worry! We didn’t forget about dessert. Consider our Olive Oil Pie Crust recipe for a healthy and delicious swap in any of your favorite Thanksgiving pie recipes.

Appetizers

These recipes are quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing ways to kick off your Thanksgiving meal. Try our Pumpkin Hummus, Cranberry Orange Crostini, and Peppadew Cheese Dip.

Cocktails

Check out our favorite Festive Fall Cocktails over on the blog for some seasonally inspired libations.

Let’s Talk Turkey

The centerpiece of your Thanksgiving menu should be our Olio Nuovo Roast Turkey. The recipe features freshly harvested and milled Olio Nuovo, a rare, once-a-year treat, making it the epitome of the autumn harvest. Plus, it’s absolutely delicious.

All About the Sides

We know that for some, Thanksgiving sides are the star of the show. This is why we are giving you four different recipes for Brussels sprouts, a killer stuffing recipe made with Olio Nuovo, fresh takes on classic Thanksgiving sides, plus a kale salad that will be a surprise hit.

4 Ways to Cook Brussels Sprouts

Olio Nuovo Stuffing with Sausage

Roasted Acorn Squash with Fried Sage & Pecorino

Roasted Green Beans & Mushrooms with Garlic Bread Crumbs

Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes

10-minute Cranberry Sauce

Fresh Kale Salad with Lemon & Parmesan

Sweets

If classic Thanksgiving pies are the star of your menu, give our Olive Oil Pie Crust a try. It can be swapped in any of your favorite recipes and the dough is easy to work with.  If you’re looking for an alternative to pie, try these Roasted Pears Glazed with Balsamic Vinegar or our Caramel Apple Bread Pudding.

For the Leftovers

Don’t sleep on the leftovers. This Turkey & White Bean Soup with Olio Nuovo is begging to drizzled with in-season Olio Nuovo.

 

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Olio Nuovo: A Guide to the Freshest EVOO

Olio Nuovo: The Season’s Freshest EVOO

Note: Olio Nuovo is the first olive oil available after harvest. It is typically available in stores and in our online shop in late fall through early winter. Join us in-store for a special event to Celebrate the Harvest. Learn more.

What is olio nuovo?

Olio Nuovo, or “new oil”, is the first extra virgin olive oil off the press each season. Ordinarily, olive oil is stored for a couple of months before bottling to let the sediment fall to the bottom and to allow the flavors to mellow. Olio Nuovo is picked, pressed and bottled right away to create a brilliant green oil with bold, fresh flavors. This new oil is the harbinger of the harvest season in Italy and is celebrated and used lavishly during this time of year.

How should I use it?

Olio Nuovo is different from other extra virgin olive oils because of the way it’s made. It typically has stronger flavors and extra pungency because it is the very freshest olive oil you can find. One of our favorite ways to savor this once-a-year treat is to do as the Italians do! Grill thick slices of bread until crisp and toasty, pour your fresh olio Nuovo all over the bread then add a few pinches of coarse sea salt. Pour a glass of wine and enjoy! It’s also delicious mixed with good quality aged balsamic vinegar over salads, it’s perfect for spicing up roasted veggies and it’s a fantastic finishing oil for soups, pasta and more.  For more recipes and tips for using Olio Nuovo, visit our Recipes section and search “Olio Nuovo”.

How should I store my Olio Nuovo?

Olio Nuovo is the freshest olive oil available and is not meant to be kept long. It’s made to be enjoyed as a seasonal treat, much like Beaujolais Nouveau wine of France. It is more perishable than other extra virgin olive oils which have been allowed to settle before bottling. Olio Nuovo typically has a shelf life of 3 – 6 months where other extra virgin olive oil can keep for about 18 months if stored properly.  Store any extra virgin olive oil in a cool, dark cabinet away from heat and light, preferably in a dark-colored bottle.

How to pair Olio Nuovo with food

Olio Nuovo‘s robust, green notes make it a beautiful addition to many different dishes. Its assertive profile works best with rich or boldly flavored dishes. Following are our favorite foods to pair with this super fresh olive oil.

Creamy Cheeses + Olio Nuovo

Creamy cheeses (think mozzarella, burrata, and ricotta) are a perfect vehicle to let the complex flavors of Olio Nuovo shine.
Why it works: The richness of the cheese provides balance to the robust boldness of the oil.
Pro tip: Put a dipping dish of Olio Nuovo on a holiday cheese board and taste the oil with your favorite cheeses. We also love it with a top-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano or a nutty Manchego and some toasted baguette.

Roasted Veggies & Fall Fruits + Olio Nuovo

Roasted vegetables like carrot, butternut squash and sweet potato along with sliced, raw fall fruits like apples, pears, and persimmons work beautifully drizzled with Olio Nuovo.
Why it works: The subtle sweetness is the perfect foil for the grassy, bitter notes in the oil.
Pro tip: Drizzle a baked apple or poached pear with Olio Nuovo, honey and sea salt for an almost caramel-like treat.

Roasted Meats + Olio Nuovo

Holiday roasts are delicious with Olio Nuovo.
Why it works: Heartier meats with rich flavors are complemented by the peppery complexities of the oil.
Pro tip: Get the best quality beef or lamb for a roast that you can find. Season simply with Olio Nuovo, salt and pepper before roasting. Serve sliced with more oil, salt, and pepper. Savor the simplicity and the flavor!

Or try one of the delicious, seasonal recipes below.

Ricotta with Fresh Herbs & Olio Nuovo

Pumpkin Hummus

Roasted Delicata Squash with Fried Sage & Burrata

Creamy White Beans with Olio Nuovo & Rosemary

Cacio e Pepe con Olio Nuovo

Olio Nuovo Roast Turkey

Turkey White Bean Soup with Olio Nuovo

 

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Celebrate the Harvest at a We Olive Near You

Celebrate the Harvest Weekend

Join us as we celebrate the harvest tradition of Olio Nuovo! We’ll offer complimentary food samples and recipes that feature this season’s new oil—the freshest olive oil you’ll ever taste.

Come to experience the difference!

What: Complimentary Olio Nuovo tasting

Date: November 23rd & 24th 

Location: A We Olive store near you

Admission: Free!

Shop Olio Nuovo Now

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Festive Fall Cocktails

Tis the season for cool temperatures and a schedule packed with parties and gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a huge holiday dinner or you’re treating yourself to a seasonal cocktail on a night in, we have drink inspiration that will leave you feeling warm and toasty!


Balsamic Hot Toddy

The Hot Toddy is a classic cold-weather drink that both warms and soothes what ails you. The original version includes lemon which we’ve swapped for balsamic vinegar. It’s important that you use sweeter, syrupy balsamic like We Olive’s or the resulting drink will be very, very tart. We love this with any of our fruity white balsamic vinegars as well as darker flavors like Citrus Spice and Triple Chocolate. You can also use brandy, scotch or rum in place of bourbon if you please.

The Bacchanalian

The Bacchanalian is the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail because it’s quick and easy and tastes very of the season. We modified star bartender Chris Hannah’s recipe to include We Olive’s Citrus Spice Balsamic Vinegar to give this drink an autumn vibe.

Spiced Sangria

This Spiced Sangria is perfect for entertaining and can be adapted with any of your favorite We Olive Balsamic Vinegars. We like a darker balsamic vinegar, like our Aged Balsamic or Mission Fig. If you’d like to use a White Balsamic, like peach, try swapping the apples for peaches and nectarines.

Fig Old Fashioned

We Olive Fig Balsamic Vinegar is the perfect addition to this belly-warming cocktail made with bourbon. We’ve created a delicious twist on the classic Old Fashioned made with fresh figs and Fig Balsamic Vinegar. Cheers!

 

For more Balsamic Cocktail inspiration, check out this guide to making the perfect cocktail.

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5 Tips for Giving Business Gifts

There are many reasons to consider gift-giving as part of your business. You may be part of a large company with multiple service providers that you’d like to recognize. You might be in sales with a roster of customers that you’d like to show appreciation. Or you could be a freelancer with a handful of clients that you’d like to express your gratitude. Many situations call for a little something extra to show your appreciation and nurture important relationships. Check out our best tips for giving business gifts to clients, employees, and service providers and download our gift catalog here.

1. Think of gift-giving as an investment.

A thoughtfully chosen gift to acknowledge an employee can make employees feel more invested in their work and yield greater engagement and productivity. A gift to show gratitude to a client or service provider signals that you appreciate their business or their work and can form long-lasting relationships.

2. Do your research before shopping. Before you begin shopping, it’s important to consider any company guidelines on gifting – is it allowed and are there limits? If you’re gifting to clients internationally, make sure you research what is customary in their home country.

3. Add a personal touch. It helps to know a little about your recipient’s interests and hobbies so you can personalize the gift. It will be more warmly received if the gift is useful to them. With that said, keep it professional. If you have any questions about the appropriateness of the gift, move on to something neutral!

4. Make sure your budget is appropriate for the recipient. If you are selecting a gift for an important client that makes up a significant portion of your sales, it’s appropriate to give a more expensive gift. Likewise, you don’t want to overspend on a small client and make them feel uncomfortable with an exorbitant gift.

5. Consider the occasion. There are all kinds of occasions when giving a business gift is appropriate.

  • After the completion of a project
  • To celebrate a promotion or the acquisition of a new client
  • A wedding, birthday, or birth of a child
  • To show appreciation after someone has gone above the call of duty
  • During the holidays

Now that you have an idea of who, how and when to give a business gift. Check out our favorite business gift ideas here!

Download our gift catalog for more.

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Our Best Business Gifts for Clients & Employees

Giving a business gift to a client, service provider, or employee can strengthen relationships and demonstrate gratitude and appreciation in a meaningful way. There are many reasons and occasions to give business gifts and we’ve outlined them for you here. But what exactly should you give to show your appreciation? Check out our top picks for business gifts below and download our gift catalog here.

Custom Label Bottles

Our Custom Label Bottle program allows you to choose your favorite olive oil or vinegar in a variety of bottle sizes and add a personalized label that includes the perfect message to your recipient. Whether you include your company logo or a simple note of thanks, the options are endless.

Learn more.

Etched Bottles

Our etched bottles make beautiful business gifts when filled with your favorite olive oil or vinegar.  Each bottle is etched and hand-painted by skilled artisans and can be personalized with custom text or your company logo. There are several designs to choose from for holidays or special occasions.

This commemorative bottle can be enjoyed for many years to come and can be refilled in any of our We Olive locations (price per ounce may vary per location). Be sure to bring your bottle back clean and dry. Hand-wash only. Etched wine bottles are available at select We Olive locations.

Learn more.

Gift Boxes

Give the gift of first cold-pressed olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and other gourmet foods with a We Olive gift box! All of our gift boxes contain specially selected We Olive products that are perfect for everyone from the olive oil aficionado to someone just discovering what a difference great olive oil can make. Our gift boxes come in a variety of price ranges, flavors, and styles and make a great alternative to the same old wine or sweets that everyone is handing out!

Learn more.

Download our gift catalog for more.