The Treasured Olive

Selling a diverse selection of specialty olive oils, balsamic vinegar and more

by James Coulter

Did you know many olive oils sold in stores are not made from 100 percent olives? It’s true. Many are diluted with seed, nut, or vegetable oils. Others contain chlorophyll or other chemicals.

In fact, The University of California found that nearly 69 percent of all store-bought extra virgin olive oils are “fake”, with at least seven major companies failing to meet extra virgin olive oil standards, including Bertolli, Carapelli, and Mezzetta.

If you’re looking for authentic virgin olive oil made from all-natural ingredients, then consider buying from The Treasured Olive. Located in Downtown Winter Haven, this store sells a diverse selection of specialty olive oils, as well as balsamic vinegar and other gourmet foods.

All of their oils are “ultra-premium certified” by Veronica Foods in Oakland, Ca. (the store’s main supplier). The olives are picked and crushed in two to three hours and pressed at a low temperature, ensuring that more nutrients are preserved. In contrast, many other oils are prepared at a higher temperature, which produces more oil but damages its health properties, explained Nathanial Briggs, owner of The Treasured Olive.

Meanwhile, their balsamic vinegar, which also comes in a diverse selection of infused flavors from sweet to spicy, are imported from Northern Italy, where they have been aged for 12 to 25 years with no added sugars or preservatives. Also sold in the store are various wines, cheeses, pasta, olives, local honey, and other gourmet foods.

While not one oil or vinegar flavor sells more than the others, some of their most popular oils include Tuscan Herb (infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs), Chipotle, Garlic, Pesto, Blood Orange, and Lemon, while their most popular vinegar include Traditional, Raspberry, Peach, and Dark Chocolate.

“When people come in, we recommend they try an unflavored oil so they can see what real olive oil tastes like,” Nathanial said. “Then they can try the flavored oil, then we can tell them to pick either fruity, herby, or spicy, and then from there, we can narrow it down.”

Loyal customers love how versatile the oils are in cooking. They can be used to prepare pasta, chicken, seafood, and many baked goods, including cookies, brownies, and fudge. Many customers even swear that they drink the oil whole to help treat many ailments like high cholesterol and blood pressure., Nathanial said.

“These are things that they found out works,” he said. “I am not a medical professional. I cannot say that it works, but from what my customers tell me, they do that all the time.”

Originally from Kansas, Nathanial’s mother owned a store similar to The Treasured Olive that sold various oils and vinegar. She had opened the business in 2012 and ran it for eight years until she and her family decided to move to Florida. She now lives in Gainesville with her mother and currently works in real estate.

By then, Nathanial had earned his business degree in marketing and management. He wanted to own a store similar to the one his mom owned back in Kansas. He moved to Winter Haven, where he was introduced to Six/Ten LLC, which offered him to open his store in the downtown district.

He opened his first location near the Union

Taproom nearly three years ago. This August, a new storefront was offered along Main Street, where they have since relocated. Their business has since gained greater visibility and traction ever since, Nathanial said.

“We have already been busier than we have been near the Union Taproom,” he said. “People are out shopping than they were under COVID, so this Christmas season will be our best yet. It already has been. The new location is already a big hit for us. It gives us more visibility. So I am excited to see what happens in the next few months.”

Nathanial owes his success to the support of the local community, which has been incredibly supportive during these uncertain times. The Treasured Olive opened only three months before COVID-19, and despite the pandemic, the store received massive support from local customers.

“It was a bit of a challenge for a while, but with an amazing community like Winter Haven, we can make it through anything,” he said. “The good quality products that we have, people would have to drive to Tampa, Orlando, or even Georgia to buy these oils, and they like having it here where they can access it.”

The Treasured Olive is located at 52 4th St. NW Winter Haven, FL 33881. Store hours are Mon. to Sat. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more info, call 863-294-6457, or visit: http://www.thetreasuredolive.com.

BENEFITS OF OLIVE OIL

1. Contains healthy monounsaturated fats that can reduce inflammation and cancer risk.

2. Contains large amounts of antioxidants, including vitamins E and K, that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, fight inflammation, reduce high blood pressure, and lower the risk of heart disease.

3. Contains anti-bacterial properties that are especially effective against Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that can cause stomach ulcers and cancer.

4. Can reduce inflammation, combat Alzheimer’s Disease, treat arthritis, and reduce risk of strokes, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. 5. Serves as a healthy ingredient in cooking that is not associated with weight gain, and in fact, a moderate intake may even aid in weight loss. *Source: Healthline