Olivado Review and Giveaway
[Disclosure: Olivado sent me samples of their oil to review. I was under no obligation to review the samples or, if I did review them, to post a positive review. I received no monetary compensation for this review.]
[All this could be yours!]
Several months ago, I received an email from Katelyn, a lovely representative for a company called Olivado, asking if I’d be interested in sampling some of their avocado oil. Well, I’m a sucker for avocado and already use it in a plethora of dishes. Like the fruit itself, avocado oils confer a host of health benefits in addition to a unique and delicious flavor. To top it all off, the company’s home base is in New Zealand (and as we all know, I’m crazy for the antipodes). How could I refuse?
When the parcel arrived in the mail, I could barely contain myself, I was so curious to give the product a try. The visual picture offered was, in itself, striking: nestled in a gorgeous chestnut faux leather box that would be perfect recycled as a gift box or storage for precious mementos, the bottles themselves were obviously designed with care. Made of sleek black glass (important to protect the delicate fatty acids and nutrients within) they sported thick, colorful labels. I received a bottle each of avocado oil, an avocado-lemon blend, macadamia oil, and Omega-Plus, a balanced oil containing avocado, olive, and flax.
The avocado oils are organic, fair trade, cold pressed and extra virgin. According to their website, Olivado is the premier producer of avocado oil, having pioneered the method to extract oil from the fruit. The oil also possesses an extremely high smoke point (500F/255C). Because it is primarily a monounsaturated fat, I wouldn’t cook with it at excessively high temperatures in any case, but it’s good to know you can sauté with it or use it in any context where olive oil would be appropriate. The Omega Plus provides a “proper balance of essential Omega 3, 6 & 9 fatty acids” in an easily digestible format, without any animal products. And the macadamia oil, also with a high smoke point (410F/210C), is high in natural antioxidants in the form of vitamin E. Since they are all vegetable oils, they’re naturally vegan, cholesterol-free and trans-fat free.
I couldn’t wait to start pouring and get cooking! One dictum I remember clearly from my days in nutrition school (when we studied fatty acids) was drummed into us by one of our instructors: “A good quality oil should smell and taste like the thing it’s made of; clear, tasteless oils have been stripped of all natural elements and nutritional value.” Let me tell you, the instant I openened that first bottle of Olivado, I was awash in the intoxicating scent of fresh avocado. Love at first sniff!
[I loved the color of this dressing. . . and the avocado-rich flavor.]
Rather than lose some of the delicate taste and gorgeous scent through cooking, I wanted my first attempt to showcase the oil at room temperature: a salad dressing! For inspiration, I went straight to Gena’s blog. With her raw food roots, love of big, fresh salads and innovative dressings (and she recently decided to go to medical school–whoo!), I knew I’d find something perfect. And I did!
I whipped up Gena’s Tomato Curry dressing–except without the curry 
. Using the lemon-avocado in place of the olive oil (and sub’ing stevia for the dates), the result was an incredibly smooth, light, fruity dressing that elevated a simple salad into something extraordinary (see photo, above).
I also used the regular avocado oil in place of olive oil in another dressing, this one a warm topping for a spinach and caramelized shallot salad (you can see the recipe on my Facebook page, here.). Again, a stellar result, and one, as the HH remarked, that was “worthy of a restaurant meal.”
The Omega Plus, with its blend of extra virgin avocado, olive and flaxseed oils, is a great ingredient to add to smoothies, mix into dressings, or drizzle over your oats in the morning for extra Omega 3 and 6 goodness.
[So creamy, and so rich!]
Finally, I wanted to create something that would allow the subtle flavor of the macadamia oil to shine on its own. My thoughts turned immediately to the whipped topping recipe in How it all Vegan. I used to call it “sweet mayonnaise” because the mixture is really just an emulsification of oil and soymilk with some sweetener. It’s actually a perfect finishing touch for something a little less rich, such as my Baked Apple Rice Pudding.
Using macadamia oil in place of the original vegetable oil and stevia with just a touch of agave instead of sugar, I created a light whipped “cream” to die for. And even though the main ingredient is oil (and I know many of us are trying to cut back), a tiny spoonful was sufficient to lend an air of opulence to the pudding.
I was really impressed by the quality and flavor of the oils and would definitely seek out the avocado and macadamia again (I was less enamored of the Omega Plus, not being a fan of flax seed oil). I love that they offer substantial health benefits along with fantastic flavor.
And I’d love for you to try some, too!
Olivado has generously offered to send a box like the one pictured above (including the faux leather gift box) with four flavored oils to one lucky DDD reader!
Here’s how you can enter:
First entry: take a peek at the Olivado site and tell me what impresses you most about the company or products.
Second or subsequent entries: For extra entries, do one or more of the following:
- mention this giveaway on twitter, using this text: “Win a box of @Olivado healthy oils from @rickiheller! Avocado, macadamia & more. Enter here: http://su.pr/19ZbHy “; then come back and leave a comment telling me that you did so.
- mention this giveaway on Facebook, with a link to this page. Then come back and leave a comment telling me that you did so.
- Write about this giveaway on your blog, with a link to this page. Then come back and leave a comment telling me that you did so.
- Follow Olivado on Facebook. Then come back and leave a comment telling me that you did so.
- Subscribe to this blog (see icons at upper right of the page). Leave a comment telling me you did so.
- Follow DDD on Facebook. Then come back and leave a comment telling me that you did so.
- Follow me on twitter. Then come back and leave a comment telling me that you did so.
The giveaway will run until midnight this Sunday, January 16th, after which I’ll choose a winner using random.org.
Good luck, everyone! 
Macadamia Whipped “Cream” (based on the recipe in How it All Vegan)–ACD Stage 3 and beyond*
Diet, Dessert and Dogs (http://dietdessertndogs.com)
This is a quick and easy topping that can be used over almost any sweet dish. The macadamia flavor is very subtle, yet noticeable enough to render this cream something extraordinary. And while it is very rich, you’ll only need a little dollop to dress up your desserts, pancakes, or waffles.
1/4 cup (60 ml) unsweetened soy milk
1 Tbsp (30 ml) light agave nectar
10 drops plain or vanilla stevia liquid
1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) pure vanilla extract
1 tsp (5 ml) organic cornstarch (arrowroot or tapioca won’t work in this)
1/2 cup (120 ml) Olivado macadamia oil (yes, that much!)
Place the milk, agave, stevia, vanilla and cornstarch in a blender and whir to blend. Then, with the motor running, slowly drizzle in the oil. Blend until it is smooth, creamy, and firming up. Transfer to a bowl or container and chill for at least 30 minutes. Dollop over your favorite dessert. Makes 3/4 cup (180 ml). Store, covered, in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
* Note: To make the recipe suitable for Stage 1 and beyond, omit the agave and use more stevia instead.
I love their philosophy to add health and value!
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I tweeted about the giveaway
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I like Olivado Avocado Oil on Facebook.
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I like DDD on Facebook.
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I follow you on Twitter.
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And I think their recipes look awesome!
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And I linked up on Facebook for good measure.
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the whipped cream sounds great but I have my eyes on those vegetable dressings from gena – sounds just my sort of thing – I had a look at where to buy these oils in Melbourne and it doesn’t give any outlets – I guess this is because there are too many so will keep my eye out
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After looking at the website I am thrilled and actually surprised that I can find these at my local Meijer. I can’t wait to try them! Thanks for sharing!
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mmm, avocados. I was actually most impressed by the fact that they had a spaghetti squash recipe!
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You have been shared on facebook.
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I subscribe to your blog on my dashboard.
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finally, I follow you religiously on facebook!
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I love how they have started a production plant in Kenya. Up until a few minutes ago, I had no idea that this company or these products even existed. Thanks for sharing!
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I love how they are involving small-scale farms in Kenya!
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I already follow you on Facebook
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I already subscribe to your posts
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I am following DDD on facebook. Yea me!
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I mentioned this give away on facebook with a link to this blog on DDD.
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I’m impressed by how many awards they won early on in their business!
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I tweeted (@AlmostVeganBlog)
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I added Olivado on FB
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I’m an RSS subscriber
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I like DDD on FB
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I follow you on Twitter!
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What a beautiful box full of awesome! I want! I want! And I also want some Macadamia Whipped Cream, please!
Pick me, Mr. Randomator! Pick me!
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They have won many awards showing the take pride and care in their work.
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I tweeted ChristisCrawl
“Win a box of Olivado healthy oils from @rickiheller! Avocado, macadamia & more. Enter here: http://su.pr/19ZbHy “
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I facebooked it
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001517615246#!/christihrab
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I asked Olivado on Facebook to be my friend
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I’m already on with your FB
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Following you on facebook!
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I think the ‘about us’ page with all the info about production in Kenya is neat. I love companies that make products that both taste good and make you feel good about eating them.
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I like the fact that they also have fair trade/ethical farms in Kenya
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I’ve subscribed to recieve DDD’s posts in my inbox
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I’m already a fan on FB page
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I would love to try the nutty flavour of Olivado Macadamia Nut Oil.
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I’m impressed by how innovative the oil is! I’ve never heard of avocado oil, but now I WANT IT!
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I’m an RSS subscriber!
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I’m following you via email – and I like that they’ve opened a production plant in Kenya and are producing ORGANIC and FAIR TRADE avocado oil from avocados grown by small NOT large farm holders in Kenya! We need more companies like Olivado.
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Wow, how coincidental! I finally got a vegetarian/vegan food blog up and running today from my New Zealand location, my first post mentions the inspiration I get from DDD and then I come over here for my regular look in and here you are posting about this amazing avocado oil from Nz too! I haven’t tried this oil myself, but would definitely like to!!
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I liked the recipe section of the Olivado webpage and I was impressed by the prices in their store. Before I looked at them I assumed they’d be much more expensive.
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I would be so curious to try their avocado/olive/flax oil blend. I currently use a blend of olive and flax oils in salad dressings, and would love to try that one instead!
And their recipes . . . roasted potatoes with avocado oil? Gimme!
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I just blogged about your giveaway, too. I hope I win!
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Anything with avocado impresses me. I often joke with my husband and ask him if he thinks one person can eat too many avocados.
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I am soo into the macadamia nut oil!
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liked on facebook
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Qui in Italia questi olii particolarissimi non si trovano…
sarei curiosa di provarli!!
bellissimo giveway!!
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tweet
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Avocado Focaccia Bread – that recipe sounds so good. I may have to try it using smashed avocados unless I can find the oil somewhere. Their website says it is available at a store close to Rita so we’ll schedule a trip there soon. Still searching for lacuma – thank goodness Amazon has it!
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I follow you on facebook
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the websites “about us” seems a litle out of date 2008 but it is nice to know that the product is organic and they are a fair trade company. I was also impressed about Olivado paying some farmers in advance for the fruit to help the famers out – eg: the farmer who needed medical treatment and couldn’t afford it. It is nice to see that the company has faith and trust in the farmers they use.
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waiting to be accepted as a friend to Olivado on Facebook
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I subscribe to DDD on my google reader
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I am always impressed by companies that operate under a fair trade philosophy – it seems that Olivado not only has great products, but a great business plan!
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They’ve got some pretty tasty lookin recipes using those oils!
I’ve also FBed and tweeted.
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I follow DDD on facebook
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I love product sites that have recipes, too!
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I think the fact that they set up a fair trade plant in Kenya is awesome. So is there philosophy.
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I love that they are committed to fair trade!
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I mentioned this giveaway on Twitter
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I posted about this on Facebook!
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I added Olivado New Zealand on Facebook
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I like DDD on Facebook
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I’m following you on Twitter
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I’ve subscribed to this blog!
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Wow- production in Kenya? Too cool! The avocado oil sounds delicious.
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I love the recipes… Avocado Aioli?! Yes, please!
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And btw, I’m now following you on Facebook! (I’ve been meaning to for some time now!!!)
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Oh! I’ve wanted to buy some macadamia nut oil for a while, but it is such a splurge, I feel too guilty to do it. They’re website is so simply designed, and I love the extensive recipe section. Thanks to you and them for offering the giveaway!
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Aaaannd, I am now following you on Facebook. More recipes?! I had no idea what I was missing.
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i like that are helping dispel the myth that fat is BAD for you
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As an engineer, I’m impressed and intrigued by all the mention of food science and innovation. I would love to know more about that.
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Tweeted for you!
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I mentioned this on my blog’s FB page.
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I follow you on facebook…
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… and on twitter. Thanks for the great giveaway opportunity!
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I love that they are participating in fair trade and trying to have an ethical business that helps all parties involved! It’s great to see a business doing that!
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Im following Olivado on FB!
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Im follow DDD on facebook!
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ok, so i’m not on facebook or twitter, but i am impressed by what their doing with their fields in kenya!
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Ricki, impressive is an understatement, Thank you. I am very pleased you enjoyed our oils, and could share your recipes
with others! Olivado is an incredible company that improves the lives of the farmers and the healthy lifestyle of our consumers. Thanks again for sharing.
Sincerely,
Kim Hannam
President
Olivado Canada
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Ricki Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 7:33 pm
Kim, thanks so much! I really enjoyed using the oils and loved their robust, fresh flavors. I hope you don’t mind if I don’t enter you in the giveaway, though.
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I am impressed that they are involved in Fair Trade. And Their recipes look great!
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I tweeted about your giveaway
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I am following Olivado on Facebook.
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I follow you on Facebook.
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I follow you on Twitter.
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I follow your blog via email
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You had me at “The avocado oils are organic, fair trade, cold pressed and extra virgin”
After checking out their website I’m impressed by all the awards and recognition they’ve recieved!
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I also tweeted about the give-away
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I am now friends with Olivado on facebook
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It looks gorgeous, and totally delicious Ricki! You’re such a creator, I love it. Of course you had to create something!
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I’m impressed by their thorough research and information provided about avocado oil. They seem really committed to good health!
Thank you for the giveaway and also for the great recipe!
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I think that they are cold-pressed oils and have both avocado and macadamia nut oils!!
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I already heard of avocado oil, but not sure if it was this companies or not. But I love avocado in general. But it impresses me how they can extract oil and have it be cold pressed from an avocado. And how they came about making it and all the people involved was interesting to read along with the whole page on setting up a organic and fair trade processing plant in Kenya. So they get my backing for supporting fair trade.
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I subscribe to your blog via google reader.
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I love the fact that they choose to leave the fruit on the trees longer for ripening. I am also very interested in the fact that Gary Hannam produced an awesome film “The Fastest American Indian” We borrowed the movie from a friend, but once it was over, my husband and I knew that we needed to have it in our library and purchased our own copy. If Gary is as good a avocado oil maker as he is a film producer then I am sure it is a good product.
I love the fact that you made a recipe for each oil. I am so excited to try each one of them.
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I am impressed that they have an organic and fair trade processing plant. In my studies in nutrition, I have already learned quite a bit about what organic really means and why it is so important!
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I follow you on twitter @cocomonsterblog
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I subscribe to your blog
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