Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the pinnacle of olive oil quality. This pure and flavorful product is extracted mechanically without using heat or chemicals, providing you with a product of unparalleled purity.
Its unique flavor profile and health benefits make it a go-to for cooking, baking, dipping, salad dressings, and more. Furthermore, due to its high smoke point, you can use it for sauteeing, frying, and baking without worry!
It’s Made From Olives
EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) is an exquisite cooking oil made from olives. It is produced solely mechanically, by grinding them into a paste and pressing them to extract the oil. Although this method can take time, the end result is pure oil free of heat or chemicals with a forest-green hue, grassy flavor, and fruity aroma.
Regular olive oil, on the other hand, is extracted through heat and chemicals – making it less nutritious than extra virgin olive oil and more costly to make. Furthermore, refining removes essential vitamins and nutrients from the oil, decreasing its antioxidant power.
Refining oil results in a product with a much lower smoke point, making it unsuitable for frying. Furthermore, the refining process strips away its oleic acid content – an antioxidant that helps shield the body against cancer.
The International Olive Council (IOC) assigns grades to olive oils based on their percentage of fatty acid and nutrient content. To earn an IOC grade, an EVOO must not exceed 0.8% free acidity.
It must also pass chemical and taste tests, guaranteeing it’s free from defects like abnormal acidity or bitterness. While this process can be time-consuming and expensive, finding high-quality olive oil is worth all the effort.
At the end of the day, production standards are what truly distinguish a great olive oil. These guidelines define what an excellent EVOO should look and taste like while guaranteeing that the olives used to produce it are healthy, fresh, and wholesome.
It’s Safe To Cook With
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has become a go-to cooking and salad dressing ingredient due to its beneficial fats, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds. This oil is naturally extracted without going through chemical solvents or heat processing like other commercial vegetable oils do, making it an ideal alternative.
Cooking with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a more versatile choice, boasting high smoke points that permit frying and other methods of preparation. Unlike other cooking oils, EVOO contains monounsaturated fats and naturally occurring antioxidants that shield against oxidation when heated.
The fatty acid profile of EVOO provides protection against polyunsaturated fatty acid oxidation during heating, due to phenolic trapping of reactive groups. Furthermore, its antioxidants prevent toxic oxidized lipids that are commonly associated with frying.
However, the oxidative impact of EVOO cooking varies depending on the technique employed; innovative approaches can reduce this formation while maintaining health benefits. Degradation occurs due to interactions with food matrices, migration of some components from oil into cooked food, as well as new compound formation.
EVOO absorbs some of the food it comes into contact with, which could enhance the stability and bioavailability of bioactive compounds within that food. This interaction is further bolstered by oleic acid – an essential antioxidant found in EVOO.
It’s Versatile
Extra virgin olive oil is a versatile kitchen ingredient that can be used in many ways. It makes an excellent base for salad dressings or marinades for steak. Not only that, but it’s also excellent at sauteing veggies or tender pieces of chicken.
EVOO is a calorie-free fat that makes for a nutritious addition to any diet. Not only that, but it contains several nutrients like antioxidants and polyphenols as well. Unlike other fats and oils, EVOO offers essential omega-3 fatty acids as well as oleic acid – an unsaturated monounsaturated fat that promotes heart health while satisfying hunger without increasing blood sugar levels.
Evoo is also economical, making it a wise decision for your budget. A quality bottle of evoo will last you for days, meaning you don’t need to restock as often. Plus, the versatility is endless – try it in as many different ways as desired and stock up if you like your food extra hot and fresh for days ahead!
It’s Delicious
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is not only one of the tastiest ingredients you can use in your cooking, but it’s also beneficial for your health and well-being.
EVOO is packed with essential vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. Plus it’s low in saturated fat and an excellent source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
You can use EVOO to saute, bake, marinate, and roast a variety of foods. Additionally, it makes great salad dressings and other sauces as a base.
Some of the most beloved recipes utilizing EVOO include pan-seared salmon, perfectly fried sweet potato fritters, and zesty garlic chicken. No matter if it’s a simple meal or an intricate dish, EVOO is essential in creating an incredible recipe.
When shopping for EVOO, the most essential factor to remember is high quality. Look for a label that includes the location of production and harvest date; this guarantees that it hasn’t been refined or chemically processed and is of the best possible quality.
In addition to its delicious taste, EVOO also contains a high concentration of polyphenols. These natural plant micronutrients have been linked with numerous health benefits, including protecting the heart.
You can find a wide variety of flavors in EVOO, from delicate to robust and fruity to earthy. Which type you select depends on your personal preferences and requirements.
For instance, a mild, fruity olive oil works best for delicate or light dishes while a robust one can be used to enhance strong-flavored food items. You could even substitute it for butter when baking or make natural hand and body scrubs with it.