News

  If you visit a Tasting Bar, and come across a claim like the one below (or sometimes labelled "Starred" to imply it is aged), be very careful to ask for the ingredients list. Many White Balsamic Condimento, are thickened with guar gum, corn flour, Xanthan gum, and loaded with added sugar.  White Balsamics do not age well!! "White Balsamics (Aged to 15 years of age from hand peeled white grapes) Premium White Aged 15 years " When in doubt, go to the those who know. We asked the producers of both authentic Consortium Balsamc and Condimento producers at Acetum...

  With all the buzz in the news about bad and fake olive oil,  It came to my attention that a 'copy cat'  tasting bar had a Facebook post about  Extra Virgin Olive Oil chemistry. Specifically DAGS and PPP's.  The post pointed out that the IOC (International Olive Council) does not recognize these tests.  Of course they don't!  Why?  Because the folks they do business with, are awash in bad oil!!  If they allowed these tests to be part of the requirements for Extra Virgin Olive Oil , all that oil that is warehoused in commercial holding tanks waiting to...

 In anticipation of our Mediterranean oils,  I am doing what I love to do most, devouring cookbooks and trying recipes.  Fresh oil excites me, no matter where it comes from. I just happen to enjoy the concept of the "Mediterranean Diet". Simple, basic, good quality food. If the truth be known, that is all I have time for. Being on the road as often as we are, tending our flock, has us eating in restaurants more often than we would like. This is never a healthy lifestyle, no matter how conscientious one is, so when we can, we keep it...

  Recently, we have heard of a few new stores that have been popping up that have taken the idea of olive oil and vinegar sampling using bulk containers and selling a much lower grade of product. We wanted to let our customers know our thoughts on these type of stores. These "copycat" stores are unfortunately taking the lower grade products and using the bulk containers and sampling bar idea to sell inferior oils and vinegars. So, I am sure you are thinking, how do we know the difference? Here are a few things to look for as a consumer to...