How to Recognize High-Quality Olive Oil

Last month, I visited Basilippo in southern Spain (Seville). They produce very high-quality olive oil there, and we were given an explanation of the different types of olive oil they sell and how to recognize good olive oil and use it in cooking. Here’s a quick overview of the most important things I learned there.

How is good olive oil made?

Good olive oil should have flavors such as tomatoes, apple peel, and freshly cut grass. This oil must be made from olives that are not yet ripe, because as they ripen, they lose these aromas. These olives are harder to press because they are much harder. As a result, less oil can be produced (2 liters per tree), but the quality is truly the best available. No additives may be used. 

Here's what the labels mean

Olive oils that are labeled “extra virgin” have been approved by a special inspection team and must not contain any flavor defects (see photo). If a defect is found (e.g., due to oxidation if the harvested olives are not processed immediately), the oil is labeled “virgin.” So it’s still made the right way but doesn’t have the very best flavor. “Lampante Virgin Olive Oil” is oil that has been completely rejected based on its taste. This oil is bought for next to nothing by companies that use various chemical treatments to remove the flavor and aromas (including the bad taste). It is then sold under the generic name “olive oil.” 

Here's what to look for when buying olive oil

High-quality olive oil must always be stored in dark packaging, otherwise its flavor will be compromised. It also loses some of its flavor once it’s in the bottle. That’s why the bottle has a “best by” date of 2 years. After that, too many aromas will have been lost. So when shopping, you should always buy extra virgin olive oil with a best-by date within two years, in dark packaging, and preferably one that also states that the olives were picked while still green. That way, you can be sure the product still retains its optimal qualities. 

I also made a few new friends there in Spain 🙂

Did you learn something new from this blog? Then share it with everyone you love. That way, together we can help the world enjoy healthy eating!

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