There are so many choices and various brands to choose from when searching for olive oil. Choosing the right olive oil can be overwhelming with even fraudulent products lurking on store shelves. From mislabeled blends to sub-par quality oils, being able to discern its quality is a must. Here are some tips to help you pick real olive oil the next time you purchase it.
Choose Dark or Opaque Packaging
Olive oil is highly sensitive to light and heat, which can diminish its quality over time. Purchase oils bottled in dark glass bottles or opaque metal containers. This prevents the oil from being exposed to sunlight which in turn helps the oil retain its flavor and nutritional properties. Avoid oils contained in clear plastic bottles or oils stored near heat sources in stores. Also avoid olive oil packaged in plastic as plastic bottles are too porous to protect it from sunlight, heat and moisture.
Stick to Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is the gold standard when it comes to olive oils. Unlike regular olive oil, which is a blend of processed and cold-pressed oils, EVOO is minimally processed and retains its natural flavors, nutrients, and antioxidants. This makes it ideal for drizzling on salads, dipping bread, or adding a finishing touch to dishes where the flavor of the oil shines. Make sure to avoid labels that use any terms like “light” or “pure” which is most likely an indicator of lower quality olive oil. Only stick to getting olive oil with labels that say “extra virgin” on them.
Trust Your Taste Preferences
Ultimately, the best method of testing for authentic olive oil is tasting. Olive oil is rich with depth and nuanced in flavors, similar to that of wine. If olive oil is tasteless, wax-like, or tastes like candle wax, it is most likely rancid. Personal taste plays a role in selecting the perfect olive oil. While some people prefer robust, peppery oils with a strong bite, others may enjoy milder or fruitier varieties. The best way to discover what you prefer is through experimentation.
Why Quality Matters
High-quality EVOO offers more than just robust flavors and authenticity, it also contains nutrients and fats which have great health benefits. Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants like polyphenols, EVOO can reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and even lower cancer risk. Cheaper or adulterated oils lack these benefits and may even contain harmful additives or carcinogenic substances. By investing in authentic EVOO, you’re enhancing your meals and supporting your overall health.
Beware of Fraudulent Oils
Olive oil fraud is more common than many realize. Studies suggest that up to 70% of olive oils on supermarket shelves may be mislabeled or adulterated with cheaper oils like soybean or sunflower oil. To avoid falling victim to counterfeit products, avoid bottles labelled “pure,” “light,” or simply “virgin” olive oil; these terms often indicate lower-quality blends. Avoid unusually cheap options as authentic extra virgin olive oil can come at a costly price.
Research brands before purchasing to ensure they adhere to high standards of production and practices. This ensures that the quality and legitimacy of the olive oil you buy is certified. Certification is another method to test the legitimacy of a brand’s oil.
Look at Batch Dates and Key Markers
To ensure you’re getting a high-quality product, make sure you look at harvest date, the harvester estate or mill, and its certifications. Firstly, freshness is important with olive oil. It is recommended that olive oil is used within 18 months of its harvest date. Imported oils may have shorter lifespans due to shipping times, so consider domestic or local options, closer to your region, to ensure the olive oil you purchase has a longer shelf-life. If imported options are limited in your area, consider alternatives from countries like Chile and Australia, which are known for their strict purity standards and high-quality production methods.
Authentic olive oils often list the estate or mill where they were produced. Identifying known harvest estates or mills ensures that the oil comes from a reputable source rather than being a blend of unknown origins. Finally, look for seals from organizations like the International Olive Council (IOC), the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA) or other regional certifying bodies. These certifications give more peace of mind that the oil meets stringent quality standards. The North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA) has a list of 78 olive oils certified by them as legitimate olive oil to purchase in North America. These are a few of them:
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1. Primal Kitchen
Primal Kitchen Extra Virgin Oil is Whole30 approved. The Whole30 program is designed to aid consumers in understanding and purchasing foods that are beneficial to digestion, chronic pain and inflammation amongst a myriad of positive effects. Whole30’s mission is to keep consumers aware of foods that could be harmful. Primal Kitchen Extra Virgin Oil is also Keto certified, certified organic and is non-GMO project verified.
2. Iliada
Iliada Extra Virgin Olive Oil is manufactured by the company AGRO.VI.M S.A which is based in Kalamata, Messinia. The company produces a range of high quality Olive Oils and other agricultural products. During it’s initial years of operation, their olive oil mainly originated from the Kalamata region. AGRO.VI.M S.A has embraced modernity while still keeping with two generations of traditions and know-how in the sector of Olive Oil.
3. Colavita
Colavita is a family-owned and run company with it’s headquarters based in Pomezia, Italy. Goya Foods has expanded its presence to over 80 countries worldwide, with operations extending to the U.S. Consequently, they have been producing, importing, and distributing quality specialty foods since 1938. Colavita is the leading brand of extra virgin olive oil, wine and balsamic vinegar and pasta within the U.S.
4. Botticelli
Botticelli sources premium olives from Greece, Spain, and Italy. They carefully select each crop to ensure consistent quality and flavor. Botticelli’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil is ideal for grilling, frying, sautéing, marinades, and salad dressings.
5. Origin 846
Origin 846 is made with hand-picked olives grown without pesticides in Tunisian orchards. Origin 846’s millers cold-press the olives within hours of the harvest. CHO’s unique decanting process eliminates sediment, ensuring a pure, farm-fresh olive oil free of chemicals and blends. Origin 846 is ideal for cooking, baking, grilling, or dipping.
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6. Napa Valley Naturals
Napa Valley Naturals began as a roadside produce stand in California’s wine country and now produces oils, vinegars, and dressings using high-quality ingredients from global sources. Packaged in wine bottles, these products are recognized for their premium quality and taste.
7. Star
STAR Fine Foods began in 1898 when the Giurlani family in San Francisco imported and distributed olive oil under the STAR brand. Over time, the company expanded its product range to include balsamic and wine vinegars, olives, peppers, and capers. In 1995, Borges Group acquired STAR Fine Foods, strengthening its presence in Mediterranean specialty foods. Today, STAR is the leading brand of olive oil, wine vinegar, and Spanish green olives in grocery stores across the Western United States and continues to grow its distribution nationwide.
8. Goya
Spanish immigrants Prudencio and Carolina Unanue founded Goya Foods, Inc. in 1936. The company grew into the largest Hispanic-owned food business in the U.S., specializing in Latin cuisine. Goya currently provides over 2 500 high-quality and affordable foods sourced from Mexico, the Caribbean, Spain, Central and South America.
9. Sclafani
Sclafani has been importing high quality oils, vinegars, tomatoes, sauces and more from Italy for about 103 years. The farms, located in Europe, are inspected every year by the company to ensure the quality of their products are of a high standard.
10. Zoe
A proprietary label of JCS Tradecom, ZOE has enjoyed decades-long success of their high quality, conventional and organic olive oils. ZOE boasts sustainable production methods, authenticity of their source origin, ethical practices and competitive pricing. Sourced from high quality olives in Europe, it bears robust and complex flavor. New York Times awarded ZOE “Best Choice” for their olive oil.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect olive oil doesn’t have to be daunting if you know what to look for. Stick with Extra Virgin Olive Oil for its authentic taste, rich flavors and health benefits. Always prioritize freshness and authenticity over flashy labels or low prices. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to navigate the olive oil aisle with confidence and bring home an ingredient that elevates every dish it touches.
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