Are you one of those people who gets overwhelmed by the large number of brands that you find when you go shopping and don't know which olive oil to choose? Don't worry, at Origen Oliva we give you the keys to choosing the best oil.
1. What type of olive oil is it: Virgin olive oils are obtained exclusively by mechanical means and without the intervention of any chemical process. If any aroma or flavour is detected in the category of defects, it must be marketed under the label of virgin olive oil . Whereas oil that has no defects and has a perfect flavour and smell will be marketed as extra virgin olive oil . If a chemical or organoleptic defect is detected above the permitted levels, the resulting oil (lampante) not suitable for human consumption will have to be refined (chemically treated with solvents to remove defects). This process results in a neutral oil to which a percentage of virgin or extra virgin olive oil is added for marketing under the name of olive oil .
The highest quality oil you can find will be extra virgin olive oil.
2. Distribution and storage: If you buy oil in the supermarket you should be aware that it can be stored for weeks or months in warehouses where the temperature is not even close to ideal. For an oil to retain its integrity and freshness it must be kept away from excessive heat, air, humidity and above all light.
To ensure that the oil does not lose its qualities, it is best to check that it goes directly from the mill to our pantry.
3. The packaging: The type of packaging used also has an influence. Compared to glass or a can, plastic (as long as it is not PET or polyethylene) is more permeable to oxygen and this is not good because oxygen accelerates the aging of the oil.
Opaque glass and tin containers preserve the oil better.
4. The label must always state:
• The type of specific designation , i.e. whether it is extra virgin olive oil, virgin olive oil, regular virgin olive oil, refined olive oil or olive oil. • The name and address of the manufacturer , packer, distributor, importer, exporter or seller.
• The country of origin , and in the event that the product undergoes a modification in a second country, the country in which said modification is made will have to be considered the country of origin for labelling purposes.
• The indication and designation of origin . You can find the indication of origin (country, region or locality) and also the designation of origin when it has been granted.
Check the label
5. After all this, another way to know if an extra virgin olive oil is good is to try it and compare or even contrast reliable opinions from third parties.
Go ahead! Discover, try and choose
In conclusion , if you are one of those who seeks to benefit to the maximum from all the qualities of olive oil and enjoy its flavor, abandon the idea of buying olive oil in the supermarket, go to places that guarantee you the best olive oil directly from the mill to your pantry.
