Which oil is the best to cook with? Which is the healthiest? Do they taste different?

But despite all the options, one oil reigns king among the others…

Olive oil.

This month, we take a deep dive into the “Liquid Gold” that has nourished the human body for thousands of years and the Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil that our Erewhon chefs exclusively use to prepare nearly all our prepared foods on a daily basis.

What makes Olive Oil so special?

Versatility

Of all the products you stock in your kitchen, olive oil may be the most versatile. If you want to go raw, you use it as the base of a dip, sauce, or salad dressing. In cooked form, it’s the go-to ingredient for sauteing or marinating proteins and vegetables. With all of its uses, the most consistent cooks use their olive oil on a daily basis.

Health Benefits

There’s no denying that olive oil is a source of fat. But don’t let that trick you into believing it isn’t healthy. Olive oil’s fatty acids are concentrated in monounsaturated fats, which are linked to reducing cholesterol, blood pressure, and risk of heart disease. Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants, which are biologically active and provide significant anti-inflammatory properties. A wealth of scientific studies has associated olive oil consumption with decreased risk of Diabetes, strokes, Alzheimer’s, and bacterial infections.

EVOO – is it Really the Best?

While olive oil possesses remarkable characteristics, not every product is created equal. Climate, olive type, and cultivation practice all determine the character and benefits found in a given bottle. 

We all know that Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is the good stuff. But what distinguishes it from other olive oils? And is it that much better?

Short answer – yes. The main separation of EVOO from other types of olive oils revolves around oil extraction practices. While other oils use chemicals and heat to separate oil from olive fruits, EVOOs are manually grinded and cold-pressed. The purity of this extraction gives you a superior and more consistent taste and the highest levels of vitamins antioxidants. 

If you’re sold on olive oil, then EVOO is the only way to go. And of course we always recommend to go organic to ensure the olives are grown without chemicals or pesticides. Look for both Organic and EVOO certifications and a golden-green color oil in a dark glass bottle.

What kind of Organic EVOO will I find at Erewhon?

At Erewhon, we practice what we preach. In our cafe we cook and finish nearly all our prepared foods using the highest quality organic EVOO imported from the heart of the Mediterranean, the Greek island Crete. The olives have a rich history and a unique flavor and texture, which allows us to provide you with the purest and most nutritious base for our dishes..

We wanted to share this exceptional olive oil with you, so you can now find it bottled and sold at our stores under the Erewhon brand. Let us explain what makes it so special…

One Olive

With our olive oil, there are no blended oils and no hidden ingredients. Our bottles exclusively use Koroneiki olives, which were savored by the ancient Greeks. These fruits may be small, but they pack a big punch. Koroneiki olives are known for producing oils with a thick texture, robust character, and peppery finish. 

Grown in the Heart of the Mediterannean

Our olive oil is sourced from trees in Kalamata and the island of Crete, two hotspots for cultivation. The warm afternoons, chilly evenings, and constant sunlight provide ideal conditions for our olives to reach their full potential. After picking, the olives are transported to the island of Aegina in the Saronic Gulf. They are bottled sustainably, using recyclable materials. Why the dark glass, you ask? Premium olive oils are highly susceptible to sunlight, which can tarnish the flavor and color.

A Touch of History

If you’re still unconvinced about olive oil being such a special ingredient, just look to the ancient Greeks. 

According to stone tablets, olive oil was one of the first foods to be cultivated by the human hand. It became a staple of cuisine and culture in ancient Greek society, symbolizing wisdom and peace. Not only was it used for cooking, it was used for healing. Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician, used olive oil to treat sore throats, infections, burns, and wounds. His holistic approach to health led to a phrase that we still stand by today:

“Let thy food be thy medicine and let thy medicine be thy food.” 

There’s a reason that olive oil is still the king of all oils. Whether you’re dressing a salad, sauteing vegetables, or marinating a protein, you’re participating in a rich tradition whenever you’re using olive oil. A tradition that honors cuisine, purity, and the health of the human body.

What’s In It:

11:11 Rainbo Tincture, Gaia Herbs Maca, Addictive Wellness Cacao, Minor Figures Oat Milk and Local Hive Honey poured over ice!

Erewhon Member Offer:

Snag an 11:11 Iced Tonic on us! Free for all Members, while supplies last at the Tonic Bar beginning today, July 15th.

Not a member? This delicious drink can be purchased for $8!

Why You’ll Love It:

• naturally energizing, without the caffeine
• sharpens the mind, balances the mood
• is full of adaptogens like maca and mushrooms
• good as morning pick-me-up, or an evening happy-hour!
• uplifts the spirits and 
• supports adrenals and boosts immunity

Try this delicious special tonic this month while you can!

Adaptogens are good for stress, right? Tell us about them and which one is the best?

Adaptogens are plants and nutrients that support the body during times of stress and help us to be more resilient. There are different types of adaptogens, some are more stimulating, and some are more calming. The best one really depends on your stress response. For example, one person might get tired and feel really fatigued under high stress. Another might feel jittery or anxious, so different adaptogens will work in different ways. Adaptogens such as Ashwagandha and Schisandra are more calming for that jittery type of stress. For people that get more exhausted and tired, the more stimulating adaptogens like Rhodiola and Ginseng would be more appropriate.

How would you explain the difference between feeling anxious and feeling stressed?

They can look the same, so it can be confusing. Stress is something that is caused by an external trigger. Stress can have overlapping symptoms of anxiety such as being jittery. Anxiety on the other hand, continues after the external trigger is gone, in fact it can last long after.

A lot of the things that will help with stress will also help with anxiety and vice versa. This is where Adaptogens come into such good play here.

Are there any adaptogens that work in synergy?

It depends. If you are someone who has a ‘wired and tired’ type of stress response, you might want to combine the stimulating and calming adaptogens.

How should I take my Adaptogen? tincture, powder or pill?

Typical rule of thumb is tinctures are more quick acting so can be a popular choice if you are in the thick of it and need more immediate relief. 

Powders have the extra benefit of offering a little more bulk or plant material which contains prebiotics. Prebiotics can help feed the gut microbiome and a happy gut = happy mind! 

Pills are convenient and easy. 

Ultimately it comes down to what you are going to take regularly. And consistency matters, it takes time to retrain your body, and over time you are balancing and building.

Can you tell us about “Nervines”?

Nervines are typically plants that have a calming effect on the nervous system. Some of my favorites are Passionflower, Skull cap and particularly Tulsi (holy basil) which has this way of relaxing without putting you to sleep. Great for that wired jitteriness during the day.

What should I take in the short term to chill me out right now? What about long term?

For instant relief I like essential oils. Anything that we smell and breathe in has a more immediate effect. The olfactory nerve brings scent information quickly to the brain, it passes by the amygdala and hippocampus, the part of the brain that processes emotional information, and in particular emotional memories. 

Long term would be drinking nervine botanical teas is a great option.

If I’m feeling a little blue, should I uplift my mood or balance my mood?

Generally, I’m more of a fan of balance. If you might take something too highly uplifting or stimulating, you can have a bit of a crash. Balancing is a gentler approach. 

What then is a good mood balancer? In this case I like to go to nutrients such as B vitamins particularly B6. We need the B vitamins for healthy brain function. Also, Omega 3s are important for brain health and development. And of course, we can’t forget probiotics. We make so much serotonin in our gut, and there are lots of studies now on the brain gut connection.

Are there any foods or other things I should be doing on a regular basis to manage my mental well-being?

As a rule, keeping your blood sugar balanced is beneficial for your adrenals which affects your stress response and mood. When our blood sugar spikes it puts a stress on our organs. Get healthy fiber, fats and proteins with every meal. These are staples to help stabilize our blood sugar.

The importance of a daily of mind body practice can’t be over emphasized. That will look different for every person. Have a daily consistent practice where you make time for your mental health, things that give you joy, make you feel calm. This is the glue that brings it all together.

Product Recommendations:

• Erewhon Ashwagandha
• Erewhon Holy Basil
• Gaia Herbs Mood Uplift
• Erewhon Hi Potency B Stress
• Erewhon Anxiet-Ease
• Rainbo 11:11 Super Mushroom Synergy
• Moon Juice Magnesi-OM

*Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Please make an appointment to consult with a licensed doctor, or other healthcare provider, before starting or trying any new herbs, products or supplements.  

ABOUT Dr. Anjali Kasunich

Dr. Anjali Kasunich is a California-licensed Naturopathic Doctor, founder of Mantra Natural Medicine, and in-house health practitioner at Erewhon. She is passionate about helping people understand and heal what’s causing their symptoms, and getting them what they need to truly heal. When she’s not treating patients in her private practice, or supporting the wonderful team and customers at Erewhon, Dr. Anjali enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, dancing, and being in her garden. You can learn more about Dr. Anjali and her favorite healthy tips by visiting her website (DrAnjaliND.com), or Instagram (@DrAnjali_ND). 

We sat down with our in-house Naturopath, Dr. Anjali, to get the low down on everything green.

We know Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants, but what is straight up Chlorophyll extract? 

Dr. Anjali: Technically it is a chlorophyllin, which is a water-soluble form of chlorophyll that contains copper and sodium. Because of the additional minerals it may be better absorbed. I usually recommend getting your greens in whole form as there are many other healthful compounds, but the extract is great for targeted and therapeutic use.

What are the benefits of water sourced greens compared to land grown? 

Dr. Anjali: They have a slightly different mineral content. Water sourced algae tend to be fairly rich in iodine, they also potentially have more selenium. Greens grown on land will have minerals you will find from the soil such as iron and magnesium. I may recommend water soured greens for healthy glandular function and energy support and land greens for cellular energy and detoxification.

Can you walk us through some of the different types of greens and what they are good for?

Dr. Anjali: Chlorella is a Green Algae and a complete protein full of omega 3s, extra fiber and antioxidants. I lean towards this one for blood sugar balance, studies have found it can also be helpful for heart health, most likely because of the omegas.

Spirulina is a Blue Green Algae and also a complete protein. It is considered the most nutrient dense food on the planet which is pretty cool. I gravitate to spirulina for immune and liver support.

Grasses like Barley Grass, for example, are delicious and also is a filling grain, high in fiber, supports blood sugar balance, and also contains beta glucans which can support healthy cholesterol levels. 

Alfalfa is another grass that is good for blood sugar and healthy cholesterol, and in herbal medicine is used as a natural diuretic.

Dark Leafy Greens such as kale, spinach and chard are rich in iron and vitamin C. I turn to these greens for energy and healthy red blood cell support. They also of course are high in fiber and a good source of vitamin A.

What are some greens that are overlooked that we should incorporate more into our diet?

Dr. Anjali: A few Come to mind. Dandelion for one is a green people often think of as a weed, but it is incredibly mineral rich and can benefit liver and kidney detoxification.

Fresh Nettles is one you don’t hear much about either, probably because harvesting can be a bit tricky, and you have to handle them properly so as not to get stung. Nettles are so rich in minerals, they are loaded with calcium and also good for allergy support. If you can find it fresh, I recommend making it into a pesto, but also drinking nettle tea or tincture is beneficial.

And lastly, we know broccoli is really healthy, but some people don’t tolerate it that well and can experience bloating, which is why I absolutely love Broccoli Sprouts. They are really good for liver detox support, balancing healthy estrogen levels and much better absorbed and easy on the digestion.

What do you get asked about most when it comes to greens and what do you recommend?

Dr. Anjali: Most people want to know what’s the best green? And of course, it depends. I ask a lot of questions, if they have any allergies and sensitivities, if they are seeking more energy, immune support, or simply overall health. Usually, people just want to incorporate more greens in their diet. If that’s the case, I love finding a good greens powder blend that is good on the go, one you can throw in a smoothie, get lots of fiber for the gut, all the antioxidants, and a variety of different greens. Health Force Vitamineral greens is fantastic! It has barley, wheat grass, nettles, spirulina, and so much more, both land and water-based greens plus enzymes.

We often hear greens are good blood builders, what does it actually mean to “build your blood”? 

Dr. Anjali: The way I have understood it is something that is rich in iron and supports healthy red blood cell function and maturity. Anything rich in iron and vitamin C, such as greens, contains these blood building nutrients.

Juice, Smoothie, Salad, Pill, liquid? What is the best way to get my greens?

Dr. Anjali: My answer to most things is “it depends”, they do different things. There is no wrong way, whichever is the most enjoyable and most convenient is what you should do, for some people it’s a pill and for others it is a juice. 

Smoothie will be fiber rich and regulate blood sugar, helping you to feel full

• Juice contains lots of antioxidants and is richer in chlorophyll due the sheer volume of greens used.
• Salad is great as a meal and is more filling than juice, but you need to dedicate time to really chew it to extract the most nutrients
• Extracts will be more targeted and potent, but you won’t get other parts of plant that have benefits
• Powders, like the smoothie have lots of fiber and can be surprisingly concentrated

Is it possible to consume too many greens? Any downsides?

Dr. Anjali: It’s possible to eat too much of anything! But specifically, for greens, someone with hypothyroidism, eating too much kale, and I mean eating a large amount of raw kale, might affect their thyroid function. And Broccoli can do this too, it falls into the Brassica family which means if you eat too much it can dampen your thyroid.

Spinach is rich in Oxalates and in high amounts could potentially prevent calcium from being well absorbed.

Stomach discomfort and symptoms of gas occur in some people after eating greens. In Ayurvedic medicine, usually if you have a digestive issue, it is recommended you eat cooked rather than raw greens

Product Suggestions to get your Greens

• Erewhon Chlorophyll
• Erewhon Spirulina
• Health Force Vitamineral Greens
• Vibrant Health Green Vibrance
• Organifi Green Juice Go Pack
• Green Goddess Smoothie
• Mighty Greens
• Raw Kale Salad
• Dandelion & Quinoa Salad

Make your own green goddess at home! 

Barley, spirulina, chlorella, hemp seeds, tocos, maca, mesquite, lucuma, pumpkin seed oil, cinnamon, vanilla stevia, xylitol, raw almond milk

*Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Please make an appointment to consult with a licensed doctor, or other healthcare provider, before starting or trying any new herbs, products or supplements.  

ABOUT Dr. Anjali Kasunich

Dr. Anjali Kasunich is a California-licensed Naturopathic Doctor, founder of Mantra Natural Medicine, and in-house health practitioner at Erewhon. She is passionate about helping people understand and heal what’s causing their symptoms, and getting them what they need to truly heal. When she’s not treating patients in her private practice, or supporting the wonderful team and customers at Erewhon, Dr. Anjali enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, dancing, and being in her garden. You can learn more about Dr. Anjali and her favorite healthy tips by visiting her website (DrAnjaliND.com), or Instagram (@DrAnjali_ND). 

For Erewhon Members:
Starting June 15th, receive a free HealthForce Vitamineral Greens Tonic for being an Erewhon Member. Come on in to get your free nourishing green tonic at the tonic bar in any one of our locations!

The simple yet powerful Vitamineral Greens Tonic is alkalizing, energy-boosting and full of micro-nutrients! Vitamineral greens include green ingredients from the land, lakes and oceans! Nettle, chlorophyll, spirulina, kelp and more make this tonic vitamin-rich and hydrating.

Did You Know? You think you know greens (after all, you eat salad all the time!), but did you know there are other less-commonly consumed greens that are POWERHOUSES of nutrients? These greens are found in oceans, lakes and even grow wild on the land and contain an incredibly high amount of micronutrients (like vitamins and minerals), and other health-boosting qualities that you simply need to know about!

For All Erewhon Customers:
Starting June 15th, receive a free Chlorophyll Water dose in any purchased beverage behind a tonic bar in any one of our locations!

Offer valid beginning June 15th, while supplies last. Free Tonic for members, one time use only. The Vitamineral Greens Tonic can be requested at any Erewhon Tonic Bar.

Look out for all of our rotating Monthly Wellness Promos! Thank you for being a part of the Erewhon Community.

Enjoy the sweet taste of summer, without the sugar crash. Swoon’s zero-sugar lemonades are our new go-to for a fast refresher. 

Sarai’s Spreads

The silkiest, smoothest nut butters we’ve ever tried. Drizzle over fruit, toast, or simply eat by the spoonful!

Brooklyn Born Keto Chocolate

Organic & keto chocolate. We’re obsessing over their peanut butter and jelly flavor! 

Jonesbar

Five-ingredient organic snack bars the whole family will love! 

Organic Valley Cheeses

The original organic, family farm dairy. Organic Valley’s new Baby Swiss is high in protein and has a soft texture with a nutty flavor.

Artizn

Craft vinegar tonics packed with prebiotics for digestive health, mental clarity and immunity. 

David’s Toothpaste

Natural toothpaste, elevated. USA crafted, sustainable packaging, and family owned and operated.

GT’s Peach Cocoyo

Experience the tangy delight of summer stone fruits with a probiotic punch! This GT’s flavor has become a fast favorite.

Here at Erewhon we truly care about the planet. And guess who are some of the most important creatures keeping our beautiful planet alive and well?

The honeybee!
That’s why we’re partnering with LA-based non-profit organization HoneyLove.org.

This team educates the community on why honeybees are imperative to our food, ecosystem and overall survival! Without the honeybee, there wouldn’t be enough food to feed us all. Imagine that? These guys are here to spread the word that bees are our friends!

Wellness Wednesday with HoneyLove!

Wednesday May 26th will be our first Wellness Wednesday in over a year, and we’re so excited to host HoneyLove.org at our Venice Erewhon. Stop by for a secret local-honey tea ceremony, an interaction with a real live bee hive, and an informative discussion on how YOU can help save the bees, or even become a beekeeper yourself!

Wednesday May 26th at 6:30pm
Erewhon Venice on our Patio

How We’re Helping

Round-Up at the Register:

From May 24th – May 31st customers can round up their total to the nearest dollar.

All proceeds will directly go to HoneyLove.org.

Below we have this month’s amazing super-nutrient wellness offer. This month features an exclusive wellness reward for our Erewhon Members and all of our Erewhon shoppers to keep you inspired to eat better, feel better and live longer! 

For Erewhon Members:

From May 15 – May 28, receive a free B.LXR (B.Smart) vial for being an Erewhon Member. Come on in to get your free brain nourishing vial at the tonic bar in any one of our locations!

For All Erewhon Customers

From May 15 – May 28, receive a free B.LXR (B.Smart) vial with purchase of a Brainstorm Smoothie or a Brain Tonic at the tonic bar in any one of our locations!

Power through brain fog and find your flow with a vial of B.LXR (B.Smart). This tiny vial is packed with the brain supporting bee superfood Royal Jelly and plant-based nootropics such as ginkgo and bacopa. Stimulate your brain without the buzz – it’s caffeine-free and tastes incredible!

Did You Know?  

The human brain is one of the largest and most complex organs in the body and contains about a hundred billion neurons! It controls your emotions, thoughts, speech, memory, creativity, breath and movement, and stores information from the outside world. 

The B.LXR (B.Smart) formula contains royal jelly from bees along with two plant extracts – bacopa monnieri and ginkgo biloba. This combo of adaptogens and superfoods helps invigorate and nourish your brain. 

The plant extracts may be beneficial for promoting blood flow to the brain, helping to reduce mental fatigue and building better focus. The royal jelly produced by bees provides antioxidants to fight the effects of stress, leaving you feeling more refreshed and ready to take on the next challenge.

B.LXR (B.Smart) is a natural productivity shot that supports clearer thinking & deep focus—without caffeine or sugar.

Offer valid May 15 – May 28, or while supplies last. Free for members, one time use only. B.LXR (B.Smart) can be requested at any Erewhon Tonic Bar.  

Look out for all of our rotating Monthly Wellness Promos! Thank you for being a part of the Erewhon Community.

Creamy, cheesy cashew sauce for the perfect dairy free macaroni and cheese, gooey nachos, plant-based or paleo pizza! Nourishing you one cheesy bite at a time.

Eat Virgin

Cravable vegan comfort food – fully prepared & ready to heat! We’re loving their breakfast burrito and soul bowl with mac ‘n’ cheese!

DRAM Apothecary

There are no “natural flavors” in this sparkling drink – just pure, powerful fruits & herbs for a flavorful & highly functional beverage. 

REDD Bar Mint Chocolate

Low-sugar, high-fiber vegan protein bars packed with adaptogens, prebiotics and probiotics. 

IWON Organics Cereal

Protein-packed, clean-ingredient, organic cereal! It’s where childhood dreams and a mother’s needs meet!

Fabalish

We’re loving these creamy plant-based dips from Fabalish. The secret ingredient that makes these dips silky smooth? Aquafaba! That’s the power of plants.

Deux

The good-for-you cookie dough we can’t stop eating. Deux’s new ashwagandha-spiked gingerbread snickerdoodle flavor has our heart.

David’s Toothpaste

Clean teeth shouldn’t make the environment dirty. That’s why we love David’s. With recyclable metal packaging and clean, USA based ingredients, David’s does more than just keep your teeth clean!

“Minerals are our connection to earth and are essential for our health” – Elizabeth Chiappellone, Nutrition Specialist

This month’s Tonic Bar highlight is all about minerals. First off, what are minerals and why do we need them? Minerals are micronutrients which are defined as a ‘substance that the body requires in small amounts’. Some micronutrients you’ve probably heard of are vitamins, but minerals may sound a bit new. Minerals are inorganic substances found in soil and water, which are passed into the foods that we eat.

Our bodies need minerals to function and they play a role in everything from brain and cellular function to making enzymes that help us absorb nutrients from our food. Some of the more popular minerals include electrolytes, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. Some lesser known minerals are copper, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc. These are referred to as ‘trace’ minerals since they are needed in even smaller amounts.

No single type of food contains all the micronutrients we need, which is why variety is key. Unfortunately our soils aren’t as mineral rich as they once were and certain foods or activities can deplete our minerals, so supplementing may be needed! Coffee for instance, can increase calcium loss and deplete iron and magnesium. Adding minerals straight to your coffee can help replenish and since minerals maintain their chemical structure, you can have your coffee be as hot (or as cold) as you’d like!

Erewhon’s new Blk Coffee is a hydrating alternative to your regular brew. This beverage is a blend of our organic drip coffee and Blk. Drops, which provide over 77 trace minerals necessary for a healthy body and life! Blk. drops contain a unique and powerful ingredient – fulvic acid – a natural extract from earth’s soils that is loaded with micronutrients. These drops are great before or after a workout or while on-the-go to replenish any lost minerals and increase stamina, strength and clarity. Because of their bioavailability, Blk. Drops support muscles and skin at the cellular level. Stop by the tonic bar to boost your energy, replenish minerals, and hydrate! 

Did You Know?

Erewhon sources 100% organic, single-origin, and fair trade coffee from Ethiopia. Our coffee beans are dried in a unique way that helps preserve all the natural flavor and complexity in the coffee. Beans are then roasted daily in LA, so the coffee you taste is always at its freshest!

Our BLK. Coffee tonic is available free for members from April 15 – April 28, or available for purchase for non-members. Not a member? Sign up here for even more perks!