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. They range from first press extra virgin which is the best quality down to light olive oil which is refined. Basically the less processing the better. Refinement removes lots of the beneficial nutrients and with them, the flavor.
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.
There is also the problem of producers who tamper with their product and water it down with other, cheaper oils. Some research has found high levels of sunflower, peanut and soy oils in what is supposed to be olive oil. This is an issue for individuals who have nut allergies. It is also a problem for other consumers who want to buy a healthy product as cheaper oils are not nearly so beneficial and are sometimes harmful.
There are several ways to check whether an oil you have purchased is pure. Firstly, you can check the smell. Pour a couple of tablespoons of oil into a glass and swirl it around with your hand over the top. Then take your hand away and inhale the aromas. They should be grassy, like olives and fruit. Any scents of vinegar or cardboard indicate adulterated oil.
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 fatty acids in olive oil are what provide the benefits to health. They protect the heart and are thought to lower blood pressure. The polyphenols are a great antioxidant and are associated with lower rates of cancer in the Mediterranean.
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. They range from first press extra virgin which is the best quality down to light olive oil which is refined. Basically the less processing the better. Refinement removes lots of the beneficial nutrients and with them, the flavor.
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.
There is also the problem of producers who tamper with their product and water it down with other, cheaper oils. Some research has found high levels of sunflower, peanut and soy oils in what is supposed to be olive oil. This is an issue for individuals who have nut allergies. It is also a problem for other consumers who want to buy a healthy product as cheaper oils are not nearly so beneficial and are sometimes harmful.
There are several ways to check whether an oil you have purchased is pure. Firstly, you can check the smell. Pour a couple of tablespoons of oil into a glass and swirl it around with your hand over the top. Then take your hand away and inhale the aromas. They should be grassy, like olives and fruit. Any scents of vinegar or cardboard indicate adulterated oil.
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 fatty acids in olive oil are what provide the benefits to health. They protect the heart and are thought to lower blood pressure. The polyphenols are a great antioxidant and are associated with lower rates of cancer in the Mediterranean.
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.
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