How do I know when my Spectrum Olive Oil was produced?

To determine when your Spectrum Olive Oil was produced you will subtract 2 years from the product's expiration date which is indicated on the bottle by a date code appearing in white numbers. Here's an example:

10FEB11 W01145

Our example product was produced on 10 FEB 09.

 

I refrigerated my Spectrum Olive Oil and now it is cloudy and thick. What happened?

It's normal for the product to appear cloudy or thick after refrigeration. In their natural state, olives contain waxy esters that can solidify under refrigeration. To return the oil to its liquid state, simply set it out at room temperature for 20 minutes, or set the oil in a pan of warm water until it returns to its original appearance.

 

What is the black sediment or substance at the bottom of my olive oil?

It is not unusual to see sediment or "olive fines" in our Extra Virgin Olive Oil products. Olive fines are very tiny pieces of olive - so small that they are not captured by the filter. No other processing is used to remove these fine particles. There is no health risk associated with the olive fines, and the oil can be decanted when the fines settle to the bottom.

 

What is the shelf life of Spectrum Olive Oil?

When unopened, our olive oils have a shelf life of up to 24 months from the date of production. Opening the bottle cuts the remaining shelf life in half. Refrigeration is not required for our oils, but it does keep them fresher for a longer period of time.

Frequent Use: If you use the oil frequently and will go through it quickly—-within two months for example—it's fine to leave it in in a cool, dark place.

Extended Storage: if you plan on using your oil infrequently, you may want to consider refrigerating it to extend its freshness and shelf life.

 

What is Extra Virgin Organic Mediterranean Olive Oil?

Our Organic Mediterranean Olive Oil is a fine quality extra virgin olive oil that we offer at an everyday value price. As with all Spectrum Naturals olive oils, Organic Mediterranean Olive Oil is 100% extra virgin, first cold pressed and unrefined.

 

What is extra virgin Organic Spanish Olive Oil?

Organic Spanish Olive Oil is a superior quality extra virgin olive oil imported from the renowned olive growing region of Andalusia, Spain. Olives are grown and nurtured on the estate of a third generation family of olive growers. On the estate, Arbequina olives are hand picked, stone crushed and first cold pressed, then blended with other extra virgin varieties for flavor depth and balance. The result is a classic olive oil that is fruity with a mild finish. Like all Spectrum Naturals olive oils Organic Spanish Olive Oil is 100% extra virgin, first cold pressed and unrefined.

 

What is Mediterranean Olive Oil with Lemon?

Mediterranean Olive Oil with Lemon is a high quality extra virgin olive oil that is first cold pressed with fresh lemons for a true Mediterranean flavor experience. As with all Spectrum Naturals olive oils, Mediterranean Olive Oil with Lemon is 100% extra virgin, first cold pressed and unrefined.

 

Why is Mediterranean Olive Oil with Lemon not labeled Extra Virgin on the front panel?

European standards dictate that olive oil can be labeled extra virgin if olive oil is the only ingredient. Since Mediterranean Olive Oil with Lemon is pressed with fresh whole lemons it cannot be labeled as extra virgin, even though it comes from the first cold pressing of the olives. This is consistent with Spectrum's commitment to adhere to the higher European standards established by the International Olive Oil Council in Madrid, Spain.

 

When should I use Mediterranean Olive Oil with Lemon?

Olive oil's monounsaturate content allows it to safely be brought to medium heat. However, because high or sustained heat will dissipate most of olive oil's characteristic flavor, Spectrum recommends that you use extra virgin olive oil only for applications where the oil is unheated or brought to low or medium heat. Mediterranean Olive Oil with Lemon's wonderful aroma and flavor make it a perfect ready-to-use dressing for pasta, vegetables, salads, poultry or fish or drizzling on many other dishes.

 

Why is organic extra virgin olive oil a nutritious choice?

Extra virgin olive oil has a fatty acid profile high in monounsaturated fat and low in polyunsaturates and saturates, and is considered a staple of the hearty-healthy Mediterranean diet. Its monounsaturate content (omega-9) makes it a good, shelf stable oil. To help preserve freshness, we recommend that you use within 10-12 weeks of opening, or keep it in your refrigerator.