Olive oil is one of the most loved oils in the kitchen. It is valued not only for its taste but also for its health benefits. And when we talk about olive oil, we are also talking about extra virgin olive oil, the king of olive oil.
But when exactly is olive oil extra virgin? And what makes it different from other types of olive oil? In this blog I will tell you everything you need to know about extra virgin olive oil.
To begin with, it is important to know that extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality olive oil available. It is obtained from the first cold pressing of the olives, without any chemical treatment or refining. This means that extra virgin olive oil is 100% pure olive juice, without additives or other oils.
The taste of extra virgin olive oil depends on the variety of olives and the conditions under which the olives were grown and harvested. In general, extra virgin olive oil has a fruity and full taste, sometimes with a slight bitterness and a pepper. It is the perfect oil to use raw, such as in dressings, dips or as a finishing touch on a dish.
To be called extra virgin olive oil, the oil must meet certain criteria. Firstly, the acid content must be less than 0.8%, which means that the olive juice is of high quality and has not been affected by mold or bacteria. In addition, the oil must be inspected by a panel of experts to determine whether it meets the taste requirements to be called extra virgin.
It's important to note that not all olive oil is extra virgin, even if it's labeled it. There are many producers who mix inferior olive oil with extra virgin olive oil to reduce costs. That's why it's always a good idea to choose olive oil from a reputable producer and to read the label to make sure you're really buying extra virgin olive oil.
In short, extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality olive oil available and is obtained from the first cold pressing of olives without any chemical treatment. It has a fruity and full flavor and must meet strict criteria to be called extra virgin. Always choose olive oil from a reputable producer and read the label to make sure you're getting the real deal.
