How to choose the best extra virgin olive oil?
Extra virgin olive oil, how can you choose the best one? We are certain that every single person gets a bit confused while looking at the EVOO shelves in the store. The EVOO market is truly full of options, but how do we recognize the best one considering both the taste and the nutritional point of view? First of all we should look at the classification on the label, because that indicates the process used to reach that final product and consequently its quality. All the wordings different from Extra Virgin Olive oil, for example olive oil, pure olive oil, light olive oil, define a refined olive oil that has been slightly blended with extra virgin in order to have a better scent and taste, but it’s a completely different product from the liquid gold that we all worship for the taste and most of all health.
What does extra virgin olive oil means?
In fact, extra virgin olive oil is the first pressed juice of the olive fruit with the water removed through processes that don’t lead to any degradation of the oil. All the other categories instead, undergo several chemical and physical steps by which odor, taste, color and other unpleasant characteristic are removed. These processes also remove almost all the non-fatty acid and antioxidants components which are the source of many of the healthy properties of EVOO. In order to differentiate internationally the highest category of EVOO the IOC -International Olive Council- has set some objective standards that must be attained during chemical tests and organoleptic tastings.
Exterior indicators for good quality
Other useful indicators for your purchase are for sure the packaging and the price. Olive oil bottles comes in a variety of shape, size and color too. The extra virgin olive oil packed in tins, dark glass or ceramic will be better because protected from light, which cause oxydation over time. Tins are a common choice when buying big quantities of EVOO because usually they are cheaper, but we suggest you to move the olive oil to individual bottles after the opening, otherwise if you leave your EVOO in an half empty tin it will simply oxydate before you have consumed it. Don’t rely on the color of the EVOO to understand its quality or flavour and we don’t recommend to buy it in clear and, especially, plastic bottles.
Labels and values
Price range in the EVOO market is very discussed, you can find bottles that can go from 7 to 50 euro per litre. When buying we must consider that the price is directly proportional to the quality. Low-cost oils tends to be blend of mass-produced products and are less likely to be beneficial for your body. Premium quality extra virgin olive oil ethically produced is expensive, but we must recognize is value in order to gain everything in health. We are aware that often labels don’t specify precise and useful information, without doubts you should look for an extra virgin olive oil cold-extracted: this means that the olives have been processed under 27 °C (80 F) and look for the origin and date of harvest of the olives used, if they are organic, the reputaton of the producer or any other certification and mainly how it has been stored.
Trust your senses
The best way to recognize a good quality EVOO is for sure tasting it. When you get to actually taste your extra virgin you should take it alone, because the perception with food is different, and look for these indicators of quality: the scent, must remind you of fresh olives and freshly cutted grass, the taste should be bitter in your mouth, with some spicyness down your upper throat. The viscosity must me pleasant, even if it’s oil it shouldn’t leave you with a greasy sensation in your mouth, but should actually leave it clean. In conclusion, choosing the best extra virgin olive oil requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure both exceptional taste and maximum healthy benefits. Recognizing high-quality EVOO involves looking for key indicators that avoid oxidation and degradation, this can significantly impact the oil’s longevity, storability and quality.
Our high-quality, cold-extracted, hand-harvested favola EVOO embodies all these qualities. By adhering to the highest standards in production and offering a product that delights the palate and promotes health, favola stands out in the crowded EVOO market also thanks to our integration of supply chain, sustainability and respect. Choose favola for an exceptional culinary experience that ensures you are getting the best in both flavor and nutritional value.
Sourches: The Olive Oil Diet, Extravirginity, International Olive Council
