An Introduction to the culinary uses of Olive oil and its different characteristics

organic extra virgin olive oil

Whether you are a fitness freak or a couch potato, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a must-have in your pantry. Known as one of the healthiest culinary fats when drizzled raw, EVOO is also a great cooking oil, as long as you use a good quality one. The high content of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, called polyphenols, makes it a precious gift of nature. Extra virgin olive oil is the highest grade of olive oil and the one with more health benefits. If it’s also organic, even better, as organic farming minimizes the amount of harmful chemicals involved in the production, that will end in the environment and in the final product. This is why lately organic extra virgin olive oil is the most sought after version of this healthy condiment.

It is commonly used to dress both raw and cooked dishes, dips, sauces, stews, pasta, bread, omelette, meat, fish, cheese, bread you name it. Virtually every food will benefit from a drizzle of EVOO.

Olive oil comes in different grades 

The grade of an olive oil depends on the quality of the olives and the extraction method. Extra virgin olive oil is the finest grade and highly sought after for its amazing health benefits. Only the highest quality olives are selected and cold-pressed to produce it. Since it is extracted at a low temperature, the oil retains the aroma of fresh olives. The extraction of extra virgin olive oil is purely mechanical and no chemicals whatsoever are used.

Extra virgin olive oil enhances the tastes of your dishes 

Extra virgin olive oil has to contain less than 0.8% of acidity (percentage of oleic acid in 100gr of oil) by law. Acidity is measured through specific lab tests. EVOO also undergoes an organoleptic evaluation to verify it has no defects.  This is why it is delicious when used raw on any food. Then, according to the intensity of the flavour or the variety of olive used, it can be paired with different foods in an expert way to obtain a perfect combination.

If the EVOO is a good quality one, with low acidity and a high level of antioxidants, it’s also excellent as a cooking fat with every cooking method until 200°C .

Italian olive oil is famous across the globe. Mediterranean regions such as Italy, Spain, Greece, Tunisia, Turkey, Morocco and Portugal are the top producers of olive oil and hence, the Mediterranean delicacies are mostly prepared with olive oil.

Olive oil different colors and aromas

The aroma and the color of EVOO vary according to several factors: 

The climate and the soil of the region where it is produced. 

The variety of olives.

The time of the harvest.

Last but not the least, the quality! 

However, it’s not necessarily the greener the better. Always ask your trusted seller.

Find your trusted e-shop

Olivocracy deals with organic and premium condiments and extra virgin olive oil. They promote sustainable farming and sell the highest quality products. Visit the website olivocracy.co.uk for any extra information and make your order of organic and biodynamic products.

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