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Selo Olive Oil

FAQs

General

What's the story behind SELO's bottle and label?

To learn more about our company, click here.

To learn more about the label, click here.


Where does SELO olive oil come from?

The Erlić family's farm in the heart of Croatia’s Zadarska Region in Central Dalmatia, is home to our olives. Each night during the harvest season, these olives are meticulously picked and promptly cold-pressed by a master miller, ensuring peak freshness and flavor. SELO olive oil also proudly incorporates olives sourced from surrounding farms in the region that adhere to our high-quality standards, all contributing to the exceptional quality of our olive oil.


How long is the shelf life of SELO olive oil?

Typically, we recommend using the oil within two years of the harvest date.

Learn more about extending the shelf life of your olive oil here.


Where can I read about the nutrition and flavor profile of SELO olive oil?

Is my olive oil safe to eat if it freezes?

Olive oil is a remarkably resilient fruit juice, and freezing temperatures have little to no effect on its nutrient content. A 2013 study by Mulinacci et al. confirmed that freezing extra-virgin olive oil for 12-18 months does not compromise its quality. In fact, the study revealed that the oil's aromatic profile improved over time, and its nutrient content remained intact. These findings were discovered by a team of expert chemists from Italy, who demonstrated that frozen olive oil retains its safety for consumption and can even improve in flavor after being frozen for an extended period.

Read more here.


Why are there brown bits floating in my olive oil and are they safe to eat?

The brown bits in your olive oil are small particles of the olive fruit, including skin, pulp, and pits, that are not removed during the pressing process. These particles are natural and safe to consume, and they can be found in unfiltered olive oil. Unfiltered olive oil has higher levels of nutrients and antioxidants compared to filtered olive oil, making it a healthier option. The brown particulate matter may settle to the bottom of the bottle over time, but some may float in the oil. The quality of the particulate matter can vary, but it is safe to consume and can even add to the nutrition profile of the oil.

Learn more about unfiltered olive oil here.


Is SELO olive oil kosher?

While SELO olive oil is not currently kosher-certified, we can attest that the master olive mill we use strictly prohibits contact with any foodstuffs other than olives.

Are you looking for information on what constitutes as kosher olive oil? Click here.


Is SELO olive oil organic?

Despite practicing organic farming methods, SELO chooses not to pursue organic certification. This decision is rooted in the understanding that organic certification, while valuable, is not an absolute indicator of quality. SELO's rigorous testing protocols, which consistently show no detectable traces of pesticides in our EVOO, demonstrate a commitment to purity and quality that matches or exceeds organic standards. Additionally, the high cost and complex process of obtaining organic certification, along with the prohibitive cost of certain non-organic inputs for many producers, make this route less feasible without compromising the quality of their extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).

Olive Oil

What does EVOO mean?

EVOO is an acronym for "Extra Virgin Olive Oil."


In what ways does extra virgin olive oil differ from standard olive oil?

Extra virgin olive oil is made from the first cold-pressing of olives, has no chemicals or solvents added, and has a fruity, intense flavor profile. Standard olive oil is a blend of cold-pressed and processed oils, has a milder flavor, and may have chemicals added.

Check out our guide to learn about the difference between standard and extra virgin olive oil here.


What makes Croatian extra virgin olive oil special compared to other olive oils?

Croatian extra virgin olive oil is unique due to the combination of climate, soil, and expertise of the local producers. The olive trees are grown on the sunny hillsides of the Adriatic coast, which provides an ideal environment for the olives to ripen and develop their flavor. Croatian producers also use traditional methods of harvesting and pressing the olives, which helps to preserve the quality and taste of the oil.

Explore the flavorful regions of Croatian olive oil in this blog post.


What are the health benefits of Croatian extra virgin olive oil?

Croatian extra virgin olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can help to lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve overall health. It also contains high levels of vitamin E and phenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may help to protect against cancer.


To what extent does fraud exist in the olive oil industry?

Fraud in the olive oil industry is a significant problem, with some estimates suggesting that up to 80% of olive oil labeled as "extra virgin" may be adulterated or mislabeled.


What are some ways to identify counterfeit extra virgin olive oil?

Some ways to identify counterfeit extra virgin olive oil include checking for a harvest date, looking for a certification seal, and doing a taste test.

Become a pro at recognizing genuine extra virgin olive oil with our helpful guide.


How can Croatian extra virgin olive oil be used in cooking?

Croatian extra virgin olive oil is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and marinades to sautés and sauces. It is best used in dishes that require a delicate and fruity flavor, such as grilled fish, roasted vegetables, and pasta dishes. It can also be used as a finishing oil to drizzle over dishes just before serving.

Discover the art of frying with Selo olive oil here.


What is the reason behind certain olive oils being labeled as "early harvest"?

"Early harvest" olive oils are made from olives that are harvested before they are fully ripe. This results in a greener, more bitter oil that is higher in antioxidants and has a longer shelf life.

Learn more about early harvest olive oil here.


Can you explain what polyphenols are and their significance in olive oil?

Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant found in olives and olive oil. They have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.

Learn more about olive oil polyphenols here.


How long can you safely use olive oil after breaking the seal?

Olive oil can be safely used for up to two years after the seal is broken, provided it is stored properly and does not exhibit any signs of spoilage or rancidity. However, the antioxidant levels in olive oil are at their highest within the first few months after the seal is broken. After about three months, the levels of antioxidants begin to decline gradually. Therefore, to reap the maximum nutritional benefits from your olive oil, it's best to use it within the first three months of opening, provided it's stored correctly and doesn't show any signs of spoilage. It's also essential to store the oil in a cool, dark place away from light and heat sources, which can accelerate oxidation and spoilage.

Learn more about extending the shelf life of your olive oil here.


What is the best method for storing olive oil to preserve its quality and flavor?

To maximize the benefits of its antioxidants, olive oil should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from light and heat. Ideally, use it within a few months of opening as fresh consumption ensures the highest antioxidant potency.

Learn more about extending the shelf life of your olive oil here.

Shipping

Where do you ship to? Do you offer free shipping outside of the US?

At present, we provide complimentary shipping solely within the United States for orders that surpass $70. Should you reside outside the US, we can still accommodate your request for shipment, provided that you cover the supplementary shipping fees, which may be considerable.


Where do you ship from?

Chicago, Illinois.


I live in Europe. Why can't you ship Selo olive oil to me directly from Croatia?

Our primary market is North America. Europe has a wide variety of regional olive oils to choose from, but Selo is not one of them. It doesn't make sense for us to sell olive oil in an already saturated market, so we bring our product to the US & Canada where it is bottled and stored for distribution. Our mission at Selo Oils is to share our special Croatian tradition with people who have simply never tried real extra virgin olive oil before.

Subscriptions

How can I modify or cancel my subscription?

You can modify or cancel your subscription by clicking here. You can also manage your subscription with SMS by clicking here.

If you do not have an account with us, please request an account invite using the same email that you used at checkout. Once you login, you will be able to see your subscription details and may either modify or cancel your subscription in just a few easy clicks.