SUNSHINE IN A BOTTLE

It might seem odd to return home from Hawai‘i with a taste of the Mediterranean, but connoisseurs of olive oil will find more than 50 extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars at Island Olive Oil Co., in Ward Village and Kailua Town Center. The boutiques offers a variety of certified olive oils for tasting, all labeled with their harvest date, country of origin and chemistry. The oils are stored in “fusti,” stainless-steel canisters that block out light and preserve freshness, until decanted into bottles before purchase. Oils offered change with the season, from the northern hemisphere (October/November crush dates) to the Southern Hemisphere (April/May crush) to bring buyers the freshest oils available, with flavors intensified by Spanish, Italian, Australian and Chilean sunshine.