News

    A U.S. class action lawsuit against popular brands of olive oil alleges the products are neither "made in Italy" nor "extra virgin" as the labels say. A California federal judge has approved two class actions lawsuits against the makers of Filippo Berio brand olive oil, sold through Safeway, and against the importers of Bertolli and Carapelli olive oils. Why extra virgin olive oil is not so innocent: journalist Tom Mueller on Q The lawsuits allege companies Salov North America Corp., maker of Filippo Berio olive oil, and Deoleo USA, which makes Bertolli and Carapelli, are mislabelling and misleading consumers. All three brands are...

The following, is a link to Wikipedia, describing the history of the "Shrub".  We will be posting our own versions of shrubs, using our balsamic and specialty vinegars, under a new recipe sub title "Shrubs".  These drinks are refreshing and healthy, when made without a lot of sugary syrups.  We like the option of alchoholic or not, so you decide if you want to add a splash of your favorite 'zipideedooda'. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrub_%28drink%29

UPDATEThis week Italian forestry officials began cutting down infected olive trees in the Salento region of Apulia (Puglia). The infection of over 74,000 acres of olive groves in this region of South Italy has been blamed on the Xylella fastidiosa bacterium, spread by insects.The destruction of the trees follows a controversial proposal by the European Commission recommending the cutting down of 11 million olive trees in the region to contain the spread of the deadly bacterium.On Monday the first seven trees were chopped down and burned in Oria, near Brindisi, amid protests by opponents who attempted to stop the destruction...