Finding The Best California Extra Virgin Olive Oils

By Minnie Whitley


Olive tree cuttings were brought to America in the late eighteen hundreds by Spanish Missionaries. The conditions they found in the western regions were perfect for growing the trees and developing orchards to produce the same excellent oil products found in Spain and Italy. Over time California extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) have become some of the highest quality products available in world markets.

Today there are over fifty varieties of trees used to produce oil for distribution throughout the country. Before it can be labeled EVOO this product must pass stringent grading standards. It must come from fruit that is freshly harvested, it must be created from the first squeeze of the fruit, and there can be no chemical treatments or refining of the oil.

Following the purity tests the oil is taste tested by a group of people who specialize in grading the flavor and aroma of this product. The aroma and flavor differ between the species of tree, blends of different fruit and whether or not the fruit is green or ripe. The variety can range from mild and sweet to spicy and slightly bitter with every degree between the two represented.

The healthy benefits of this oil are many. They are very heart healthy because they help to reduce high blood pressure and control cholesterol levels when used consistently. Studies have shown it to contain monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and polyphenols that when used in moderation are far healthier than butter or other saturated fats.

This oil has been used for centuries by women to slow the aging process of their skin. Today it is used in many brands of makeup and skin creams. It contains vitamins in very high concentrations that are known to improve skin texture. These vitamins fight off the free radicals that cause damage to exposed areas like the face and arms.

The benefits of consuming this oil are dependent upon the quality of your product. You must purchase certified EVOO to gain the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that help fight inflammation and cell damage that can lead to cancer, Alzheimer's, and diabetes. It is also helpful with the body's absorption of calcium and constipation.

The steps to ensuring that you purchase the highest quality product are relatively simple. First you need to read the label. Check for the harvest date because the shelf life is only about eighteen months from that date. Check for a COOC certification stamp on the label. This label certifies that it has passed inspection with the Calif. Olive Oil Certification organization. Make certain you purchase the oil in dark bottles because this protects it from light and after purchase store it in a cool place away from heat but not in the refrigerator.

People are becoming very aware of how what they eat and do has direct effects on their health and longevity. This may one of the reasons that this product has become one of the most popular items on the grocers shelves in the past thirty years.




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