Extra Virgin Olive Oil vs. Refined Olive Oil â Whatâs the Difference?
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Time to read 2 min
Not all olive oils are created equal. While extra virgin olive oil is considered the highest quality, refined olive oil is often associated with industrial processing, resulting in compromised taste and health benefits. But what exactly does that mean? How do the two differ in terms of production, quality, taste, and nutritional value?
In this article, we clarify the most important differences and show you why choosing the right olive oil is crucial â both for taste and for your health.
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đ« What is Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is the highest quality olive oil. It is extracted exclusively by mechanical means , without the use of chemicals or heat, and comes directly from freshly harvested olives.
This oil stands for pure taste, health benefits and traditional craftsmanship â a genuine natural product that preserves the full character of the olive.
đ Why is extra virgin olive oil so special?
â 100% cold-pressed /cold-extracted â The olives are processed at a maximum temperature of 27°C to preserve delicate aromas, vitamins and antioxidants .
â No chemical refining â While many other olive oils are industrially processed, Extra Virgin Olive Oil remains unadulterated : no heating, no solvents, no post-processing .
â Rich in polyphenols â These natural antioxidants not only protect the quality of the oil but also your health:
Anti-inflammatory
Promotes heart health â€ïž
Fights free radicals âĄ
â Intense taste and aroma
High-quality extra virgin olive oil tastes fresh, fruity, slightly bitter, and peppery on the finishâa sign of high polyphenol content. Typical aromas:
âą đż Grassy & herbal
âą đ Fruity notes of green apples or tomatoes
âą đ° Slightly bitter almond or artichoke nuances
âą đ„ Peppery sharpness in the throat â a sign of quality!
â Extremely low acidity â A genuine extra virgin olive oil must have a maximum acidity of 0.8%. A lower acidity means greater freshness and better quality.
â Traditional craftsmanship â High-quality extra virgin olive oil often comes from family farms that harvest olives by hand and press them immediately after harvest â this ensures the quality remains at the highest level.
â Versatile â Whether as a finish for dishes, for salads, pasta or on its own with bread â Extra Virgin Olive Oil takes every meal to a new level of taste.
đĄ Did you know?
Extra virgin olive oil can be used both raw and for frying. With a smoke point of approximately 180°C, it's also ideal for cooking in most dishes.
đ„ In short:
Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality olive oilâunadulterated, rich in flavor, and beneficial to health. It's more than just a cooking fatâit's a piece of Mediterranean culture in every bottle.
