Olives are a unique food. One of only a few which contain all the macro nutrients and lots of micro nutrients. This is why we hear so much about the health benefits of olives and their oil. The oil has been highly valued for thousands of years and is now an important commodity all over the world. This inevitably leads to vast differences in quality and sometimes fraud. Buying small batch extra virgin olive oil ensures higher quality, better taste and a healthier product.
There are several types of olive oil on the market. Extra virgin is probably the most famous & the best for you as it is the least processed. Then there is virgin which is similar but not held to such rigorous standards. Olive oil and the light version are refined and have had most of the nutrients taken out. They can be useful for cooking as they have a higher smoke point.
For using on salads, in dips, purees and as a dressing on its own extra virgin is the only way to go. It has a much more complex taste due to high levels of vitamins and minerals and polyphenols which give those wonderful bitter grassy notes. It has a lower smoke point than other vegetable oils and should not be heated very much.
Small batch producers are the ones who take the most care over making this oil. They typically hand pick the fruit and select the best ones for the extra virgin oil. They are then pressed to extract the pure juices. Large producers use a mechanized process which is not nearly so gentle and harvesting with machines means rotten fruit can be mixed in producing rancid oils.
Olive oil is big business. This means that producers of ten cut corners or actually cheat. It is not uncommon for them to adulterate the pure oil with other cheaper ones. Researchers have found canola, soy and peanut oils in test batches. This is not good for people with food allergies as peanut and soy can both cause dangerous reactions. It is also unfair for consumers as the taste is not as good and the health benefits are fewer.
Identifying the real stuff is not so hard and it is worth knowing how to do it. Many of us have been eating impure versions for years so may not be sure what the real ones taste like. The best way to know is to check the smell and then taste it. You should look for aromas of grass, fruity notes and of course olives when sniffing the oil. To taste it take about a tablespoon into your mouth, roll it round and then swallow it. As it passes the back of your throat you should get a bitter taste. This is from the polyphenols which give rich flavors and are also full of antioxidants so great for health.
The benefits of the Mediterranean diet are now widely promoted, particularly in relation to heart health. Olives and their delicious oil are an intrinsic part of that lifestyle. The olive tree has a mythic status in the region and for good reason. The people know that it gives them life and helps them stay healthy through to old age. Cheap, adulterated oils will not give these advantages, in fact they are probably harmful.
Buying cheap olive oil is tempting but seeking out small batch products is more beneficial for your health and taste buds. They cost more because they are more pure and better quality. Extra virgin is not only delicious it is a health food so it is worth the extra dollars to be sure you get the right product.
There are several types of olive oil on the market. Extra virgin is probably the most famous & the best for you as it is the least processed. Then there is virgin which is similar but not held to such rigorous standards. Olive oil and the light version are refined and have had most of the nutrients taken out. They can be useful for cooking as they have a higher smoke point.
For using on salads, in dips, purees and as a dressing on its own extra virgin is the only way to go. It has a much more complex taste due to high levels of vitamins and minerals and polyphenols which give those wonderful bitter grassy notes. It has a lower smoke point than other vegetable oils and should not be heated very much.
Small batch producers are the ones who take the most care over making this oil. They typically hand pick the fruit and select the best ones for the extra virgin oil. They are then pressed to extract the pure juices. Large producers use a mechanized process which is not nearly so gentle and harvesting with machines means rotten fruit can be mixed in producing rancid oils.
Olive oil is big business. This means that producers of ten cut corners or actually cheat. It is not uncommon for them to adulterate the pure oil with other cheaper ones. Researchers have found canola, soy and peanut oils in test batches. This is not good for people with food allergies as peanut and soy can both cause dangerous reactions. It is also unfair for consumers as the taste is not as good and the health benefits are fewer.
Identifying the real stuff is not so hard and it is worth knowing how to do it. Many of us have been eating impure versions for years so may not be sure what the real ones taste like. The best way to know is to check the smell and then taste it. You should look for aromas of grass, fruity notes and of course olives when sniffing the oil. To taste it take about a tablespoon into your mouth, roll it round and then swallow it. As it passes the back of your throat you should get a bitter taste. This is from the polyphenols which give rich flavors and are also full of antioxidants so great for health.
The benefits of the Mediterranean diet are now widely promoted, particularly in relation to heart health. Olives and their delicious oil are an intrinsic part of that lifestyle. The olive tree has a mythic status in the region and for good reason. The people know that it gives them life and helps them stay healthy through to old age. Cheap, adulterated oils will not give these advantages, in fact they are probably harmful.
Buying cheap olive oil is tempting but seeking out small batch products is more beneficial for your health and taste buds. They cost more because they are more pure and better quality. Extra virgin is not only delicious it is a health food so it is worth the extra dollars to be sure you get the right product.
