Taste Life Blog

I recently shared 5 things I love about olive oil, but here are some important facts for you to know when you go to the store:

How do you choose olive oil?

Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO): This oil is made from the first cold press of the olive. This oil will be darker in color and very flavorful. It has a low smoking point and is best used in cold applications, like dressings or for dipping.This oil contains no more than 0.8 percent acidity, is processed without chemicals, and is judged by trained testers to have zero defects and superior taste. This is the highest quality rating for an olive oil.

Virgin olive oil (VO): This oil is made from the 2nd or 3rd cold press. This oil will be slightly lighter in color than EVOO and less flavorful. VO has a higher smoking point than EVO and is best used in low heat applications. This oil has an acidity of less than 2% , is processed without chemicals, and judged to have a good taste.. It cannot contain any refined oil (chemically extracted). It is slightly lower quality than extra-virgin olive oil.

Pure olive oil: These are the olives from earlier pressings which are found and heated then pressed again. Pure Olive Oil contains no other added oils, has a high smoke point and is the best choice for high heat applications like sautéing. Oils labeled as pure olive oil or olive oil are usually a blend of refined olive oil and extra-virgin or virgin olive oil

Look for the USDA seal

This seal indicated that the oil has been produced in accordance with the new regulations governing the use of the label, “extra virgin olive oil.”

Other terms that might appear on labels:

“100% Pure Olive Oil” is often the lowest quality available in a retail store. Better grades would have “virgin” on the label.
“Light olive oil” is actually refined olive oil. It does not have lower fat content. All olive oils have 120 calories per tablespoon.
“Bottled in Italy” or “Packed in Italy” does not necessarily mean that the olive oil originated in Italy. Labels might indicate the origin of the olive oil, which often is a mixture of oils from several countries.

Beware of bargains

If you see a EVOO for less than $10.00 it is a bargain too good to be true as it is not financially feasible.