Over the years, one of the most asked questions I get on my blog is about Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). People want to know what’s the best, how to spot a fake, understand the quality and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle!
I’ve partnered with the European Union to help answer those questions! They have a 3-year campaign called, EXTRA Healthy Living to help disseminate the correct knowledge of European extra virgin olive oils and their health-giving features.
Here the answers to the most common questions:
What are the benefits of buying European high quality extra-virgin olive oils?
European Extra Virgin Olive Oils are produced under a strict regulation: the production area, the variety of olives ground, the production modalities, the extraction method and quality parameters are established in a strict quality production scheme.
The wealth of different olive varieties is also one of the most important aspects for the quality of European extra virgin olive oils.
How do you recognize an extra virgin olive oil ?
A quality oil is characterized by the intense taste of olives, together with more or less intense bitter and spicy sensations, that testify the olive’s fresh flavor.
Why are high quality extra virgin olive oils different from other oils?
They are different due to:
THE EXCELLENT FATTY ACID COMPOSITION (OLEIC ACID 63-83%)
Olive quality: extra virgin olive oils are obtained from healthy, fresh olives ripened until they reach the right grade of maturation, then rapidly processed;
THE ABSOLUTELY UNIQUE FLAVOR (EVOKING VEGETABLES, GRASS, AND OTHER SMELLS)
It is due to quality in the extraction process: olives are processed using the most advanced modern technologies, which make it possible to extract an olive oil that is rich in antioxidants and positive volatile compounds;
THE HIGH CONTENT OF ANTIOXIDANTS (LIKE TOCOPHEROLS, AND POLYPHENOLS)
The magic properties of Extra Virgin Olive Oil are mostly related to the phenol compounds. The polyphenols in olive oil are natural antioxidants and contribute to bitter taste and pungency in high quality olive oils.
Careful storage is fundamental: extra virgin olive oils must be protected from their three enemies: LIGHT, HEAT and OXYGEN. Consumers also play a pivotal role in this.
To learn more about EXTRA Healthy Living and the 2018 PROGRAM, make sure to follow them:
Facebook: EXTRA Healthy Living
Instagram @EXTRAHealthyLiving
Twitter @extrahealthyliving
Love always,
Erica
