Authentic Croatian Olive Oil from Central Dalmatia
Most "extra virgin" olive oils are blended with cheaper, refined oils such as soybean, peanut, or canola.
Not ours.
At Selo, we take great pride in what we grow.
We use our olive oil every day, from frying and baking to seasoning our steak and soup. Yes, we even put it in our coffee, and drizzle it over ice cream.
But our olive oil is more than just for cooking - it's nourishment for the soul, and it brings our family together. We hope it does the same for yours.
Our region's unique Oblica varietal, preserved from the time of Roman Dalmatia, is hand-picked and cold pressed in November at the annual village harvest, in our little selo near Zadar.
And we'd be honored if you tried some. Živili!
- The Erlić Family
What Makes Selo Different?
Grown in Croatia
Experience the superior quality of olive oil sourced from Croatia's Zadar region, where ideal soil, climate, and traditional cultivar knowledge come together to produce an exceptional product.
Single Origin & Never Blended
Our EVOO is made using only hand-picked and first cold-pressed Oblica olives, a native varietal since the time of Roman Dalmatia. This ensures an authentic and fresh flavor since we never blend our olives.
Perfect for Every Diet & Lifestyle
Expertly crafted by nature to satisfy diverse dietary needs, our olive oil accommodates vegan, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and kosher lifestyles.
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?
Selo olive oil originates from the grandparent's farm located in Dalmatia, near Zadar, Croatia, as well as from surrounding farms in the region that adhere to our high quality standards.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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This Grilled Summer Squash and Corn Salad with Bacon is a must-try for your next summer gathering. The combination of grilled vegetables, crispy bacon, and a tangy dressing creates a burst of flavors that will impress your guests. Get ready for a delicious and refreshing salad!