Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil Information

By Francis Riggs


Olives are enjoyed by many. Perhaps more popular than the olive itself is the fat or oil that can be extracted from it and used in many applications. The extraction may be carried out in different ways but often it is done by pressing the whole olives. The oil can be used in cooking, as well as oil lamps, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and soaps. Cold pressed extra virgin olive oil is widely available and considered a top-quality choice when it comes to EVOO.

Cold pressed is used to describe the process of oil retrieval. This approach means that the oil was not heated higher than a certain temperature. The low temp means that nutrients in the oil were preserved and faced less degradation during extraction.

An oil that is labeled extra virgin is one of the highest types available. Virgin is used to indicate that olives have been pressed in order to extract oil. That is, no chemicals or heat were used during the process. The final result is an oil that is unrefined and pure. Virgin olive oil contains the most polyphenols, which are antioxidants that are said to improve overall health and wellness.

Extra virgin can only be added to a label if strict requirements are met. The products have to be screen for sediment. This could be rancid, winey, muddy, fusty or musty. It is also important that they are checked for defects, which might arise because of issues with the harvest or olives that are battered or infected.

There are numerous benefits associated with cold-pressed EVOO. This is commonly used for cooking. This oil is a healthy fat and a staple in most kitchens. The high antioxidants and fatty acids in this make it ideal for keeping the immune system working well. It can be beneficial internally and externally for the body.

Although this may be used in cold and hot dishes, people need to make sure they cook with it appropriately. That is, EVOO should never be used at a high heat because it has a low smoke point. This means that when it is cooked to high, it is broken down on a chemical level. The oil then begins to lose its benefits and releases toxic chemicals through the smoke. Essentially, it becomes more harmful than good when put on high heat.

Olive oils vary in many respects. They can be made with different olives. Each kind may allow for a different shelf life, flavor and texture. The oils can also be used in different ways. Sometimes they are best for indirect consumption, such is the case with domestic cooking or catering. Other times they are best for direct human consumption, which is the case for all that are used for culinary purposes. There are even industrial applications, such as engineering uses and as animal feed.

The oil is manufactured in many regions of the world. The top producing areas are Greece, Italy and Spain. This also happens to be where EVOO is popularly used, especially in the culinary world. Arizona, California and Texas are America regions where olive oil is commonly produced. Ultimately, this is used in many places around the globe because of its positive applications and overall versatility.




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