Frequently Asked Questions

The Holy Oil is crafted from premium olives grown in the sun-drenched Mediterranean region, cold-pressed within hours of harvest to capture the freshest flavors and maximum nutritional value. Our extra virgin olive oil is 100% pure, never blended with other oils, and meets the highest international quality standards for acidity levels, flavor profile, and polyphenol content.

Every batch is tested for quality, ensuring you receive authentic, unadulterated extra virgin olive oil that's rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Extra virgin is the highest quality grade of olive oil. To qualify as extra virgin, the oil must:

• Be extracted using only mechanical means (cold-pressing)
• Have no chemical treatments or heat processing
• Contain less than 0.8% free acidity
• Have no sensory defects and demonstrate positive fruity characteristics

Our extra virgin olive oil exceeds these standards, with acidity levels typically below 0.3%, ensuring you get the purest, most flavorful oil possible.

Proper storage is essential for maintaining your olive oil's quality and health benefits. Follow these guidelines:

• Keep it cool: Store at 57-70°F (14-21°C), away from heat sources like the stove
• Protect from light: Keep in a dark cabinet or use dark glass bottles
• Seal tightly: Always close the cap immediately after use to prevent oxidation
• Use within 18-24 months: Extra virgin olive oil is best consumed within two years of harvest

Avoid refrigeration, which can cause the oil to solidify (though this doesn't damage it).

Yes! Despite common myths, extra virgin olive oil is excellent for cooking. Here's why:

• Stable at heat: EVOO has a smoke point of 375-410°F (190-210°C), suitable for sautéing, baking, roasting, and light frying
• Antioxidant protection: The polyphenols and antioxidants help protect the oil from breaking down during cooking
• Enhanced flavor: Adds delicious, authentic Mediterranean taste to your dishes

For maximum flavor and health benefits, we also recommend using it raw as a finishing oil, in salad dressings, or for dipping bread.

Extra virgin olive oil is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet and offers numerous science-backed health benefits:

• Heart Health: Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid) that support cardiovascular health
• Antioxidant Power: Contains polyphenols, vitamin E, and other antioxidants that fight inflammation
• Brain Function: May help protect cognitive function and reduce risk of neurodegenerative diseases
• Blood Sugar Control: May help improve insulin sensitivity
• Anti-inflammatory: Oleocanthal compound has properties similar to ibuprofen

The FDA recommends consuming about 2 tablespoons (23 grams) of olive oil daily to support heart health.

Authentic extra virgin olive oil has distinct characteristics:

• Taste: Should have fruity, bitter, and peppery notes – the peppery sensation at the back of your throat indicates high polyphenol content
• Aroma: Fresh, grassy, or fruity smell (like fresh olives, green apple, or tomato leaf)
• Color: Ranges from golden to deep green (color alone doesn't indicate quality)
• Harvest date: Look for a harvest date on the label – fresher is better

Be wary of oils that taste flat, greasy, or have off-flavors like crayons, vinegar, or mustiness. The Holy Oil provides full transparency about our sourcing and quality testing.

The peppery sensation and slight bitterness in high-quality extra virgin olive oil are actually signs of quality! These characteristics come from polyphenols – powerful antioxidants that provide many of olive oil's health benefits.

The peppery finish, often felt at the back of the throat, indicates the presence of oleocanthal, a natural compound with anti-inflammatory properties. Bitterness typically comes from oleuropein, another beneficial antioxidant.

Olive oil that tastes completely smooth and bland may be refined or of lower quality with fewer health-promoting compounds.

Understanding olive oil grades helps you make informed choices:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Highest quality, cold-pressed, no chemicals, best flavor and health benefits
• Virgin Olive Oil: Also cold-pressed but with slightly higher acidity and minor sensory defects
• Pure/Light Olive Oil: Refined olive oil mixed with a small amount of virgin oil – 'light' refers to flavor, not calories. Most health benefits are removed during refining

For cooking and health benefits, always choose extra virgin olive oil like The Holy Oil.

For optimal health benefits, research suggests consuming 2-4 tablespoons (30-60ml) of extra virgin olive oil daily as part of a balanced diet. The FDA specifically recommends about 2 tablespoons (23 grams) daily, noting that replacing saturated fats with olive oil may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Start with smaller amounts and increase gradually. Use it for cooking, in salad dressings, for dipping bread, or drizzled over finished dishes.

Extra virgin olive oil is incredibly versatile. Here are the best ways to enjoy it:

• Finishing Oil: Drizzle over salads, soups, pasta, grilled vegetables, or meat just before serving
• Dipping: Serve with fresh crusty bread, seasoned with herbs and spices
• Salad Dressings: Make simple vinaigrettes that let the olive oil shine
• Sautéing: Use for cooking vegetables, eggs, fish, or meat at medium heat
• Baking: Substitute for butter in many recipes for moist, flavorful results
• Marinades: Create flavorful marinades for meat, poultry, or vegetables

Yes, olive oil can degrade over time, losing both flavor and nutritional benefits. Signs of rancid olive oil include:

• A musty, waxy, or crayonlike smell
• Stale, greasy, or unpleasant taste
• Lack of the characteristic fruity, peppery notes

To prevent spoilage, store properly in a cool, dark place and use within 18-24 months of harvest. Always check the harvest date on your bottle – fresher is always better for both taste and health benefits.

Yes! Extra virgin olive oil has been used for skincare and haircare for thousands of years. Its benefits include:

• Moisturizing: Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K plus healthy fats that nourish skin
• Antioxidant protection: Helps fight signs of aging and environmental damage
• Hair conditioning: Can be used as a deep conditioning treatment for dry, damaged hair
• Makeup removal: Effective and gentle for removing stubborn makeup

However, for topical use, consider oils specifically formulated for skincare. For maximum health benefits, we recommend consuming our premium EVOO as part of your diet.

We currently ship throughout the United States. We use reliable carriers to ensure your olive oil arrives safely and in perfect condition. International shipping may be available for select regions – please contact us for details.

Standard shipping typically takes 3-7 business days within the continental United States. Expedited shipping options are available at checkout. Orders are processed within 1-2 business days.

During extreme weather conditions (very hot summers or freezing winters), we may delay shipments to protect your olive oil from temperature damage.

Yes! We take great care in packaging your olive oil. Each bottle is carefully wrapped and cushioned to prevent breakage during transit. Our packaging is designed to protect the oil from light and temperature fluctuations.

If your order arrives damaged, please contact us immediately with photos and we'll make it right.

Yes! We offer convenient subscription options so you never run out of premium olive oil. Subscribers enjoy:

• Discounted pricing
• Free shipping on qualifying orders
• Flexible delivery schedules
• Easy cancellation at any time

Set your preferred delivery frequency and enjoy fresh olive oil delivered right to your door.