How to identify a High-Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

Extra Virgin Olive Oil, or  EVOO is one of the most used foods for gourmet dishes around the world. Therefore, it’s essential to learn how to recognize a high-quality one or, what’s better, an authentic and certified one. The quality of genuine extra virgin olive oil depends on several factors, especially the extraction process. The production and even the bottling can change the flavor, color, texture, and scent of genuine extra virgin olive oil . 

It may seem complicated. However, recognizing a superb product only requires looking at the most essential things (product quality, extraction, and bottling). You will be surprised how interesting but simple it can be finding the best version of your favorite product, in addition to other factors that can help you trust the quality of a certified EVOO.

In this article, you will learn an uncomplicated way to know if you are paying a fair price for extra virgin olive oil. In addition, you will enrich your knowledge about this spectacular food and use the best one for your meals, snacks, and dishes whenever you want. First of all, you need to know more about it; keep reading!

What is Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

Its name says a lot about the product. ¨Extra virgin¨ gives us the idea of wholesomeness, and that’s precisely what followed during its production. During the process, artisan producers use only organic pressed olives, and heat, chemicals, or other factors that could alter the quality are completely avoided, including the flavor, texture, and aroma. Thus, it’s crucial to keep in mind that not all of the so-called “olive oils” are necessarily authentic.

Another factor to consider is, of course, the bottling. That is essential due to the abovementioned factors and to keep its authentic and superior flavor. When extra virgin olive oil is inside a plastic bottle, that is a clear sign to remove it from your options immediately. A perfect EVOO will always be in a dark-colored glass bottle. The color and the glass are so helpful for conserving the properties of extra virgin olive oil. Plastic bottles use numerous chemical processes for their production, so the pureness of the product inside could be significantly affected.

How to Identify an extra virgin olive oil of the highest quality

The first thing to consider is bottling. If you see a so-called olive oil in a glass bottle, it’s a good start. Then read the label. If it includes the phrase ¨certified extra virgin, ¨ it’s a good signal. Many brands only say ¨olive oil¨, ¨pure olive oil¨ or just ¨virgin olive oil¨, but that’s no guarantee.

The specifications in the bottle need to include the extraction mode. A¨ cold-pressed extraction¨ ensures the flavor and authenticity of true extra virginity.

Furthermore, make sure the brand you are about to buy has the necessary certifications, such as from the California Olive Oil Council. Such a certification awards only brands that follow the highest international standards.

Just as with the best wines, high-quality extra virgin olive oil doesn’t have to include necessarily ¨bottled on¨ a date, or an ¨expiration date¨ after all; it is an organic preserve. Instead of it, look for the pressing or harvest date; this is a good source of prestige and pride for the company. It indicates their confidence in the origin and quality of their artisan products.

Finally, check for the certification of the brand you choose no matter the harvest and bottling origin. If you want to verify the authenticity and quality, go to International Olive Council, and enjoy the flavor of this fantastic choice!

The process to earn the California Olive Oil Council Seal

A certified olive oil must pass several lab tests and tests to determine its quality to become a certified EVOO. That includes, at first, the primary products (olives) to measure the fruit's acidity, humidity, and peroxide levels. When the scientists get the results, they need to consider very specific values, and that’s when they decide if the olive oil deserves approval and receive the certificate.

The final product must be tested before the bottling when the primary product gets processed. First, the container is perfectly sterilized, the temperature is checked, and finally is vacuum sealed. Maybe it can sound too obvious. However, this process is vital to keep the flavor and naturality of this fabulous liquid gold .

The importance of choosing a high-quality extra virgin olive oil will determine the flavor of your dishes. For example, acid oil is not optimal for making parmesan toast with fresh tomatoes. The strongest enzymes of the oils will cancel the parmesan flavor due to the acidity or the lousy process they use to produce oil. Therefore, the oil needs to complement the bread. In this case, the natural density of cold extra virgin olive oil lets the heat make a perfect crunchy bread and adds the exact touch of bitter and sour flavor to this or any other dish or snack.

We Olive is proud to offer the Highest-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Of course, the customer always has the final say based on their experience. So, what are you waiting for?!

If you are searching for the perfect extra virgin olive oil that delights your palate and meets the highest international standards, you have come to the right place. Our certified olive oil has the best flavor and health benefits. Besides, you can enjoy various delicious products from infused olive oils, balsamic vinegars , dips, and fancy olive oil gift baskets. Shop now! You can also join our amazing olive oil club or call us toll-free at 805 238 2900 for more information and special orders.

Don’t wait anymore; start living the true #olive oil experience!