A Great ‘Medicine’ For Coronavirus Is Olive Oil

 

Right now people are trying to do what they can to protect themselves from the Corona virus. We are all taking steps like frequent hand washing, social distancing, staying at home, taking Vitamin D as well as loading up on Vitamin C, exercise and healthy eating. Don’t over look olive oil, it has many healthful benefits:

We are constantly evolving, as are viruses. Unfortunately, coronavirus is one such example and
can cause different severe illnesses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and
more. Covid-19 has never been detected in humans and therefore, given the lack of prior
immune response, it is now one of the most dangerous viruses spreading all over the world.
Coronavirus is zoonotic (can be transmitted between people and other animals). Given this, it
remains important to maintain ‘social distancing’ from other people (especially, but not limited to
those with symptoms such as sneezing and coughing). In this manner, we hope to slow down the
pace of the virus spreading to the more vulnerable among us.

In addition, we want to remind you of another ‘preventative’ measure – Olive Oil!
Olive Oil Is Another Tool for Fighting the Coronavirus
You might be surprised to know that Olive Oil may help protect you against this nasty virus.
Here’s some reasons why:
Rich In Monounsaturated Fats: Olive oil is naturally extracted from the fruit of the
olive tree and consists of saturated fats (14%), polyunsaturated fats (11% – such as
omega-3 and omega 6 fatty acids) and monounsaturated fats (73% – such as oleic acid).
Research has shown that oleic acid can boost our immunity and improve our antiinflammatory
capacities, hopefully helping us to reduce many symptoms of coronavirus
(such as cough, fever, aching).
Consist Of High Amount Of Antioxidants: Olive Oil is a rich source of antioxidants, as
well as vitamins E and K.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Co-morbid diseases (such as obesity, diabetes,
hypertension) pre-dispose to a more serious infection by the coronavirus. Oleocanthal (a
phenol found in olive oil) has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties
(similar effects as with ibuprofen).
• Finally, remember we will get through this. Although we recommend olive oil for the
short term effect, don’t forget consumption of olive oil is also associated with a reduction
in inflammatory biomarkers and molecules implicated in atherosclerosis (‘hardening of
the arteries, as in coronary artery heart disease) and possibly diabetes, Alzheimer’s and
other inflammatory diseases. …and, it’s TASTY!!

Weekly Wine Tastings at The Spicy Olive are cancelled due to COVID-19 precautions

Due to the social distancing orders from Gov. Mike DeWine, we have decided that it is best for our customers and our employees that we do not hold weekly wine tastings for the time being. We will miss seeing all of you! Our wine shop is open and we will be there to help you with wine selections. Thank you for your patience and understanding during these trying times.

The Spicy Olive’s Greek Quinoa Salad

Here is a delicious take on a Greek Salad! The  Spicy Olive has several combinations that work great for a Greek salad dressing. Two of my favorites are Oregano white balsamic vinegar with Lemon olive oil or Neapolitan Herb balsamic with Milanese Gremolata olive oil.

The Spicy Olive's Greek Quinoa Salad

A Greek salad that can be a main dish!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 & 1/2 cups Water
  • 3/4 cup quinoa rinsed and drained
  • 1/3 cup Feta Cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup The Spicy Olive's Milanese Gremolata olive oil The Spicy Olive's Lemon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup The Spicy Olive's Neapolitan Herb Balsamic Vinegar or The Spicy Olive's Oregano white balsamic
  • 1 tsp. Salt
  • 1 tsp. Dried Oregano
  • 2 cups Romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 can chickpeas rinsed and drained
  • 1 & 1/4 cup red or yellow peppers sliced
  • 1 & 1/4 cup cucumbers chopped
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion chopped
  • 1 & 1/2 cups pta chips coarsely chopped

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan bring the water and quinoa to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer covered, 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Spread quinoa on a large baking sheet to cool.
  2. For dressing, in a small bowl whisk together the Neapolitan Herb balsamic with the Lemon olive oil or the Oregano white balsamic with the Milanese Gremolata olive oil. Add dried oregano, salt and crumbled feta cheese and whisk to combine. Set aside.
  3. In a large salad bowl, combine romaine, chickpeas, peppers, cucumber, olives, red onion and pour half of the dressing over salad and toss to coat.
  4. Add quinoa to the salad bowl then add the rest of the dressing to the quinoa. Toss to combine all the salad ingredients. Top with the chopped red onion and crushed pita chips and Enjoy!

New Hours due to COVID-19 Outbreak

Due to the COVID-19 Virus Precautions in place in The State of Ohio, The Spicy Olive (West Chester, Hyde Park and Austin Landing) is changing our hours of operation.

We will be open Monday-Friday noon-6pm

Saturday 10am-6pm

Sunday noon-4pm.

We hope to see you in the stores soon. Remember you can use our online store to arrange for shipping and or quick in store pick up or you are welcome to call and we can take your order over the phone and have ready for pick up!

The Spicy Olive’s Pork Scallopini and Spaghetti Squash

A Delicious dinner idea with Spaghetti Squash instead of spaghetti. This recipe could also be made using chicken.

The Spicy Olive's Pork Scallopini and Spaghetti Squash

A delicious main dish featuring pork tenderloins and a spaghetti squash base!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 3 pound Spaghetti squash
  • 8 pork Scallopini slices or 1 pork tenderloin cut into 8 thin slices
  • 2 Tablepoons The Spicy Olive's Athinolia Extra Virgin Olive oil or one of our other mild to medium EVOOs
  • 3 Tablespoons The Spicy Olive's Butter olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 Tablespoons Capers drained
  • 1/2 cup Dry White Wine
  • juice from one lemon
  • 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup parsley chopped
  • 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees Farenheit
  2. Cut squash in half lengthwise and again clockwise and remove seeds. Place squash cut side down in a glass bowl with 1/4 cup water, cover with plastic wrap and microwave until it is tender, 10-12 minutes. Uncover and let cool, set aside.
  3. Season pork cutlets with salt and pepper. Heat nonstick skillet over medium heat and add Athinolia extra virgin olive oil. Cook pork until browned on each side and cooked through, then transfer to a baking sheet and keep warm in oven.
  4. Add Butter olive oil to the same skillet over medium heat. Add capers and cook one minute until sizzling. Add wine and lemon juice. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Add the chicken broth and boil until reduced by half. Transfer to a small bowl or glass measuring cup. Using the same skillet, add the tomatoes and parsley. Cook until tomatoes are blistered.
  5. Scrape the spaghetti squash out of the skin. Place on a plate and top with 2 pork cutlets. Top with squash and tomatoes. drizzle the caper sauce on top. Serve and enjoy!

A note to our customers concerning COVID- 19 & The Spicy Olive

In light of the recent outbreak  of COVID-19, we are continuing to closely follow our local health agencies for guidance and updates
We have upgraded our already high cleaning and sanitizing standards and procedures in the interest of our customer and employee health and safety. Counters and containers are wiped down several times daily with bleach solution and/or disinfecting wipes. Hand washing sinks are available for customers and employees on the sales floor.
Our products are safe for consumption as bacteria cannot grow in the olive oil or balsamic vinegars as they do not breed microbiological organisms.
If you need product but aren’t able to come in, we can ship to you. You can order directly from our website here: https://www.thespicyolive.com/shop/
Additionally, feel free to call any of the stores and we can have your order ready for you for fast pickup.
Thank you! Let’s get though this together!

Special Wine Tasting March 13 and 14, 2020!

The Cincinnati International Wine Festival has been cancelled due to the State of Emergency declared by Mayor John Cranley in response to the threat posed by the Coronavirus.

As a consolation, ,The Spicy Olive will be adding two  Cincinnati International Wine Festival Gold Medal Winners to our wine tasting this weekend in addition to the  four excellent Italian wines we were featuring. We are also starting our wine tasting an hour earlier, 3-7 pm on Friday March 13, 2020

Cincinnati International Wine Festival Gold Medal Winners:

Titus Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley

Titus Zinfandel, Napa Valley

Wines from Italian winemaker Guerrieri Rizzardi:

Soave Classico, DOP

Bardolini Classico, DOP

Valpolicella Classico DOP

Valpolicell, “Pojega” Classico Superiore

$1-2 per taste

 

Wine Tasting March 6 & 7 and March 13 & 14, 2020-Classic Italian Wines at The Spicy Olive

We are tasting some Classic Italian wines from renowned  Italian winemaker Guerrieri Rizzardi:

Soave Classico, DOP

Bardolini Classico, DOP

Valpolicella Classico DOP

Valpolicell, “Pojega” Classico Superiore

All are $1 per taste except the “Pojega”-$2 per taste

We look forward to reintroducing  you to these exceptional Italian wines, they have been unavailable in the US for 5 years!