Olive Oil demystified: Countries of origin, grades and other important considerations explained
Olive oil is one of those ingredients that everyone wants to try. There exists however some confusion about this amazing oil. The confusion stems from a couple of important factors. These include from which part of the world the product originates, grading terminology, use cases, and others. In this comprehensive guide, we’re demystifying all the important factors around understanding olive oil grades and origins.
Olive Oil Origins: Spain vs. Italy
The best Olive Oils are single-origin or are made in one place. The places in consideration are Spain and Italy. Therefore when purchasing Olive Oils look for labels that say, “Packed in Spain” or ‘Packed in Italy” as against, “Packed in the EU.” The Sol range of Spanish Olive Oils is made from the best Spanish Olives. Just as Dolce Vita’s range of Italian Olive Oils are made with the finest Italian Olives. Both these amazing olive oil ranges are imported into the country by Chenab Impex, a trusted name in gourmet food.
Flavour profile
While Spanish Olive Oil tends to have a fruitier, nuttier flavour profile. Italian Olive Oil is more on the herbaceous and grassier end of the spectrum. Spanish Olive oil has a yellower, almost golden colour, while its Italian counterpart tends to be a greener colour.
Method of extraction
The purest and most highly sought after Olive Oil is cold pressed. In this method of extraction, the fruit of the Olive tree is ground to a paste. This paste is then pressed with an oil stone or another implement, forcing the oil to separate from the solids. The oil thus collected is of the purest quality and contains the aroma, flavour and taste that extra virgin Olive Oil is prized for.
The Importance of Understanding Olive Oil Grades and Origins
Olive Oil has 3 grades. Depending on the aroma and flavour profile and free acidity level, the three grades of Olive Oil are Extra Virgin, Virgin and a blend of Refined and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Cold pressed extra virgin olive oil is the purest and most sought after grade of Olive Oil. The cold press process used in its creation preserves the flavour and aromas that make it unique. Extra virgin olive oil has free acidity, expressed as Oleic Acid of not more than 0.8 grams per 100 grams. It is a fact that Extra Virgin Olive has a lower smoke point as compared to sunflower, rapeseed and other oils. However at a smoke point of between 190 – 205 degrees Centigrade (374 – 405 degrees Fahrenheit) it is suited to most types of cooking methods.
Virgin Olive Oil
The second grade of Olive Oil is known as Virgin Olive Oil. This has a slightly higher free acidity expressed in Oleic Acid as no more than 2 grams per 100 grams. This type of olive oil has a smoke point of about 210 degrees centigrade (410 degrees fahrenheit). It is also suitable for most cooking techniques.
Refined Olive Oils blended with Extra Virgin
Refined Olive Oil is a term used to describe Olive Oil extracted from Virgin Olive Oils by heating and/or chemical processes. This gives them a neutral flavour and light colour. These oils are then blended with extra virgin olive oil in different concentrations, to impart a hint of the latter’s flavour, aroma, and colour profiles. Of these Extra Light Olive Oil has the lowest concentration of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (of about 5%).
Olive Oil is an excellent source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids, has a unique flavour profile and is a wonderful ingredient to have in the kitchen. Begin your exploration of this amazing oil with Sol 100% Spanish Olive Oil and add a little Spanish oomph to your cooking.
Dolce Vita Italian Extra Light Olive Oil
Original price was: ₹3,315.00.₹2,652.00Current price is: ₹2,652.00. Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Dolce Vita Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Original price was: ₹1,865.00.₹1,585.00Current price is: ₹1,585.00. Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Dolce Vita Italian Pure Olive Oil
₹1,474.00 – ₹2,652.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Sol 100% Spanish Extra Light Olive Oil
₹2,818.00 – ₹12,068.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Sol 100% Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil
₹499.00 – ₹12,296.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
