A taste of big flavor with an infusion of health benefits.
By Shelly West
Located in North Channel Center in Eagle, co-owners Hope Manna and Kellie Allred, are delighted to be celebrating Olive and Vyne’s fourth anniversary in April! At first glance, one might think the shop is simply a charming tasting room filled with a variety of well-sourced flavor-infused olive oils and balsamic vinegar. While that is true, Olive and Vyne is so much more.
They are a resource for healthful living.
“When we opened this store, a lot of people thought two things, they thought salads and they thought dipping,” says Hope, “And it’s been kind of an education process this whole time, it’s not just about that. The Extra Virgin Olive Oil health benefits are huge, it’s the good fat, its monounsaturated fat, the kind you want in your diet.”
Currently the tasting room boasts over 40 varieties of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Infused Olive Oil, and Balsamic Vinegar.
The oil and vinegar are always gluten free and organic, but did you know that Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a healthier alternative to butter or that it aids in digestion and regularity? It also contains high amounts of vitamins A, D, K and E and the oil also contains strong antioxidants that boost immunities.
Balsamic vinegar serves as the perfect accompaniment to olive oil as it delivers not only flavor but is low-sodium and low in carbs. Since balsamic vinegar is made from grapes, not dissimilar to winemaking, it contains iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, phosphorous, and magnesium. If those health benefits don’t charm you, take in consideration that it contains no added sugar or sulfates and is low in allergens since it does not contain any nuts, animal byproducts, or soy.
Aside from the health benefits, Olive and Vyne oils and vinegars taste great and are packed full of flavor and are used in a variety of ways.
At the check stand, Kellie was quick to produce an Olive and Vyne Balsamic Uses Cheat Sheet, to quote a few: Drizzle on fruit or use in a fruit salad, use on vegetables or a marinade for meats. Kellie added that many of her loyal customers use the Huckleberry Balsamic in place of syrup on their pancakes, waffles, or drizzled on oatmeal.
Also combine it with some Meyer Lemon Olive Oil which makes a delicious vinaigrette without all the preservatives and ingredients you can’t pronounce. She also suggests you drizzle it over ice cream or Greek yogurt.
“It’s a big spot for Weight Watchers, one tablespoon is worth one point of big flavor.” Hope notes.
Stop by Olive and Vyne for a unique tasting experience. The co-owners are knowledgeable and will walk you through the process of selecting flavors and suggest combinations to suit your taste. In addition to the oils and vinegars, they also carry locally sourced products like spices from Starlight Herbs, soap from Idaho Soap Company, and a glassmaker that creates unique cruets. Can’t make it to the store? Go to their website and check out the merchandise and download helpful recipes.
600 S. Rivershore Lane – Eagle, ID 83616 208-939-6775 www.OliveandVyne.com
Facebook.com/OliveandVyne