FAQ

What is Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)?

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is the highest-quality grade of olive oil, known for its superior flavor, nutritional value, and natural purity. It is made from the first cold pressing of fresh olives, extracted solely through mechanical means without the use of heat or chemicals. To qualify as extra virgin, the oil must meet strict standards—including low acidity (below 0.8%) and no sensory defects—ensuring a smooth, balanced taste with fruity, bitter, and peppery notes depending on the olive variety. EVOO is rich in monounsaturated fats and powerful antioxidants, making it both a flavorful and heart-healthy choice for cooking, dressing, and finishing dishes.

Are all of your olive oils extra virgin?

Yes, all Pietro's Favorite olive oils are classified as extra virgin. We feature monovarietal oil blends such as Caninese and Frantoio. Our olive oils are cold-pressed and meet the standards for extra virgin classification, ensuring a premium product.

What is cold press?

"First cold press" refers to a traditional method of extracting extra virgin olive oil that emphasizes both quality and purity. In short, "first cold press" signals that the oil is unrefined, minimally processed, and retains the full taste, aroma, antioxidants, and healthy fats of the olive—hallmarks of premium extra virgin olive oil.

Which olive oil is used as the base for your flavor infused oils?

Our flavor-infused olive oils are crafted using their signature extra virgin olive oil as the base. This premium oil is a blend of Caninese and Frantoio olives, cultivated in the Lazio region of Italy. The oil is cold-pressed and certified organic, ensuring a high-quality foundation for their infused varieties.

Where do your olive oils come from?

Piero's Favorite Extra Virgin and Flavor-Infused olive oils are a product of Sicilian heritage, cultivated and produced in the sun-kissed hills of Aragona, in the Agrigento province of Sicily, Italy. 

What is the “shelf life” of Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

The shelf life of Pietro's Favorite Extra Virgin Olive Oil typically ranges from 12 to 18 months from the date of bottling. This duration can vary based on factors such as the oil's quality, packaging, and storage conditions.

Once opened, it's advisable to use the oil within 1 to 2 months to enjoy its optimal flavor and nutritional benefits.

How do you store olive oil?

By following these storage guidelines, you can help preserve the freshness and quality of your olive oil throughout its shelf life.

  • Keep olive oil cool and dark: Store the bottle in a pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Seal tightly: Ensure the olive oil cap is securely closed after each use to minimize air exposure.
  • Avoid refrigeration: While it might seem beneficial, refrigerating olive oil can cause condensation inside the bottle, potentially affecting its flavor and consistency.

What are the health benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is renowned for its health benefits, including supporting heart health by reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol, thanks to its high content of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants like polyphenols. It also offers anti-inflammatory properties, supports brain function, may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes, and aids in digestion and weight management. Additionally, EVOO promotes a healthy gut, may strengthen bones, and can help regulate blood sugar levels. For maximum benefit, it's best used raw or at moderate cooking temperatures to preserve its nutritional integrity.

Should I use Extra Virgin Olive Oil for cooking?

Using Extra Virgin Olive Oil not only enhances the flavor of your dishes but also delivers valuable health benefits. Thanks to its stable monounsaturated fats and high antioxidant content, it’s ideal for low to medium-heat cooking methods such as sautéing, roasting, and baking. While its smoke point is lower than that of some refined oils, high-quality EVOO remains a safe, nutritious, and flavorful choice for everyday use.

Why is Extra Virgin Olive Oil better than other cooking oils?

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is considered superior to other oils because it is unrefined, extracted without heat or chemicals, and retains its natural nutrients and rich flavor. High in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants like polyphenols, EVOO supports cardiovascular health and helps fight inflammation. Its low acidity and strict quality standards ensure a pure, fresh oil with exceptional taste—making it a healthier and more flavorful choice for cooking and finishing dishes.

Can I replace butter and margarine with Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

Yes, whether cooking or baking, you can replace butter or margarine with Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) in most recipes . It's a heart-healthy alternative that adds flavor and beneficial fats. Use it for sautéing, roasting, baking, or even spreading on toast. For baking, use about ¾ the amount of EVOO in place of butter (e.g., ¾ cup EVOO for 1 cup butter) to maintain texture and moisture.

Below is a simple Butter/Margarine to Extra Virgin Olive Oil Conversion Chart for reference when cooking or baking. 

  • Butter/Margarine .... EVOO
  • 1 teaspoon............... 3/4 teaspoon
  • 1 Tablespoon............ 2 1/4 teaspoon
  • 1/4 Cup .................... 3 Tablespoon
  • 1/3 Cup .................... 1/4 Cup
  • 1/2 Cup..................... 1/4 Cup + 2 Tablespoons
  • 2/3 Cup..................... 1/2 Cup
  • 3/4 cCup .................. 1/2 Cup + 1 Tablespoon
  • 1 Cup........................ 3/4 Cup