Fresh sheet: Time for an olive oil checkup

What started just last year as a small, family-run olive oil business in Coeur d’Alene is going through a growth spurt.

The Coeur d’Alene Olive Oil Co. opened last June in downtown Coeur d’Alene, selling freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil, vinegars, stuffed olives and other specialty items.

In May, co-owners Sandra Gunn and her husband, Brad, set up another shop, this one in downtown Spokane, at 827 W. First Ave., in an airy space with an olive-oil tasting bar and plenty of room to display the products.

The shop is now selling bulk imported pastas in addition to the other goods, along with olive oil-based bath products (just don’t try to eat those).

The Gunns oversee production of all of the oil. It originates from Mission olives grown and pressed in California.

The olive oil empire is expanding. The Gunns have sold a franchise on the West side of the state.

With flavors such as blood orange, lemon, lime and roasted garlic, the infused oils would likely be good even if drizzled on an old shoe. But, if you’d prefer to serve your guests something a bit nicer, look inside today’s Food section for a couple of dishes that use oil from the Coeur d’Alene Olive Oil Co.

For more information, log on to www.cdaoliveoil.com.

Farmer’s Own at Huckleberry’s

Huckleberry’s Natural Market is beefing up its selection of Northwest-grown organic produce.

Through a partnership with the Farmer’s Own program, a wholesale brokerage owned by Seattle-based Charlie’s Produce, Huckleberry’s will have access to fruits and vegetables from some 20 organic growers in Washington and Oregon. The farms range from just a handful of acres to several hundred.