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Learn & WatchSubmitWe independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products-learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.Improve Your Health With The Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Published: 15 Oct 2023Home cooks understand the value of olive oil. Sauté your vegetables and proteins in it, make a handmade salad dressing with it, or drizzle it over some crusty baked bread for a delightful side dish. Use it in any way you like.
Because we frequently reach for a bottle of extra virgin olive oil, we frequently find ourselves racing to the shop to stock up. Now despite the fact that most home cooks use it on a daily basis, it can still be difficult to know what to look for when selecting an extra virgin olive oil, not only because they are produced in a variety of nations (including France, Italy, and Spain), but also because different procedures and flavor profiles are utilized based on the type of olive used. “How can I know which olive oil is the best for cooking?” After all, this is an essential element for a tasty home-cooked meal that you’ve put in the time and effort to create.
To help you save your precious time, we have put together a list of the finest extra virgin olive oil in 2023.
Show contentsBest Extra Virgin Olive Oils Worth Considering in 2023- Bragg Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Best Overall
- Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Runner Up
- Partanna Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Honorable Mention
- Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Most Convenient
- La Tourangelle Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Also Consider
Buyer's Guide: Extra Virgin Olive OilsBuyer's Guide: Extra Virgin Olive Oils
The grocery store’s extra virgin olive-oil area is no laughing matter. Looking at the plethora of bottles stacked on the shelf can quickly overwhelm you. Some are from Italy and Greece, while others are from California. Some are small and expensive, while others are larger and more affordable. The sheer amount of possibilities can easily lead to decision fatigue, which is why we have compiled together all you need to know about extra virgin olive oil that will help you know what you want and make purchasing a quick decision.
What Should You Consider When Buying Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
Origin
The cultivation, pressing, and bottling of extra virgin olive oil must all take place in the same country. “Product of Italy” does not really mean that the olives were cultivated or pressed in Italy; it merely means that they were packaged there.
Cold-Pressed
This indicates that the extra olive oil was extracted without the use of heat to achieve its flavor and aroma. Heat allows manufacturers to collect more oil from the olives, but it also destroys the delicate flavors and smells that make a good extra virgin olive oil so desirable. It’s worth noting that “cold-pressed” refers to a temperature of no more than 80.6°F, not “cold.”
Age
It’s important to know the “pressing” date or “sell-by” date on the label of a bottle so that you can tell how old the product is. Olive oil, in contrast to wine, does not age gracefully. You can keep a decent bottle of olive oil in your kitchen for quite some time if you store it properly and keep it out of direct sunlight and heat (never put it close to the stove). A solid rule of thumb is to buy the amount of extra virgin olive oil bottles you consume in a month.
Taste
The ideal location to begin your search for olive oil is in a marketplace that lets you try it before you buy. Extra virgin olive oil’s many flavor profiles (spicy, nutty, floral, buttery, fruity, herbal, and more) can only be detected with the nose and tongue. To your palate, good olive oil should taste “clean” and “fresh,” with no waxy aftertaste. The flavors can be mild or even strong, but never to the point of becoming rancid.
Filtered or unfiltered
Filtration is an optional step in the olive oil production process that eliminates olive particles retained in the oil (keep in mind that olive oil is a juice). Some olive oil producers filter their products, while others do not. It’s only a personal choice that has no bearing on the oil’s quality. Unfiltered olive oil may contain microscopic olive particles, seem murky, and have sediments at the bottom. It has higher polyphenols, which contribute to a stronger and fresher flavor at first, especially in the first two months. However, unfiltered olive oil has a shorter shelf life than filtered oil because the olive particles speed up the oxidation process. Filtered olive oil, on the other hand, will be more transparent and milder in flavor, but it will last longer.
What Are The Different Types of Olive Oil?
Extra virgin olive oil
It’s the best olive oil you’ll ever come across. It’s made from 100% virgin olive oil (no chemical treatment), has a superior flavor, and has less than 0.8 percent free acidity. Despite the fact that it is the most prestigious mark, quality, aroma, flavor, color, and price can vary greatly between brands. Extra-virgin olive oil is the finest choice for salad dressings because it is light and flavorful.
Virgin olive oil
With roughly 1.5 percent free acidity, this olive oil is of slightly inferior grade. It has a pleasant flavor and is suitable for both frying and sautéing.
Refined olive oil
Olive oils that have been refined are commonly referred to as “pure olive oil” or just “olive oil.” It has a free acidity of no more than 0.3 grams per 100 grams (0.3 percent); it is usually a mild oil that can be mixed with stronger ones.
Extra light olive oil
The flavor and color of this olive oil are lighter, but it is not reduced in fat or calories. This olive oil is ideal for baking and any other application where a strong flavor would be too overpowering.
What Are The Benefits of Using Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
Anti-Inflammatory
Extra virgin olive oil contains phenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, it may have effects similar to pain medications and fever reducers. Oleocanthal also helps eliminate beta-amyloid plaques from the brain, which may prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and the elimination of cancer cells.
Protection against diabetes
A diet rich in extra virgin olive oil, low in saturated fats, moderate in carbohydrates, and high in soluble fiber from vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains has been demonstrated to be the most effective for diabetics. Therefore, it enhances glucose management and insulin sensitivity while decreasing “bad” low-density lipoproteins.
Good for heart health
Extra virgin olive oil is beneficial in lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides levels in the blood. LDL cholesterol is the “bad” cholesterol that raises the risk of a heart attack as well as pulmonary heart disease. It contains about 40 antioxidant components that help to reduce the oxidative effects of LDL cholesterol.
Aids in weight loss
Extra virgin olive oil, despite its high-calorie level, has been shown to help people lose weight. Olive oil contains mono-unsaturated lipids, which make gaining weight harder.
Slows aging process
Antioxidant-rich extra virgin olive oil aids in the body’s normal aging process. It works wonders on the skin, imparting a natural shine and gloss. It’s found in cosmetics and herbal medicine.
Protects against osteoporosis
When consumed in large quantities, olive oil appears to have a beneficial effect on bone mineralization and calcification. It promotes calcium absorption, assisting patients and preventing the development of osteoporosis.
Prevents gallstones
Moderate consumption of olive oil can actually lower your risk of gallstones. Olive oil has an element that seems to help decrease blood and gallbladder cholesterol levels. Olive oil, lemon juice, and Epsom salts are all frequent constituents in gallbladder flush ostensibly intended to eliminate gallstones.
What Are Some Tips for Using Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
- Extra virgin olive oil in a clear glass bottle should be avoided, no matter how appealing the label is. It does not protect it from light, which is bad for extra virgin olive oil.
- Extra-virgin oil must be obtained through the first (and typically only) pressing, which must occur without the addition of heat (at temperatures not higher than roughly 80oF).
- It is important to remember that the taste of extra-virgin olive oil does not get better with time.
- Don’t keep it anywhere near the stove. It will ruin its quality.
Best Extra Virgin Olive Oils Worth Considering in 2023
1Bragg Extra Virgin Olive Oil
– Best OverallNext up, we have this fabulous cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil from Bragg. Made from genuine Greek Koroneiki olives, this extra virgin olive oil is available in 32 fl. oz. or 128 fl. oz. bottles to suit your needs. It’s fully USDA-certified, non-GMO and kosher-friendly, and it’s the perfect choice for helping you whip up some super marinades or vinaigrettes to sprinkle across your favorite salads. You can really taste the authentic flavors of Greece in every drop of this extra virgin olive oil, and the ingredients used are 100% organic, too, so you won’t need to worry about chemicals or pesticides inside the bottle.
Pros- Pure and organic
- Imported from Greece
- Great for marinades
Cons- Plastic packaging needs improvement
2Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
– Runner UpUsing Pompeian Robust extra virgin olive oil will enhance the taste of any dish that begins with sautéing and is finished with drizzling. Pompeian’s olive oil’s robust taste profile makes it ideal for marinades and salads. It’s a high-quality extra virgin olive oil with no rancid flavor, so you won’t feel bad about using it to sear a piece of meat or sauté some onions. Also, it is naturally gluten-free and does not have any allergens. This indicates that it has undergone independent testing to confirm that it is 100 % pure olive oil.
Pros- No rancid flavors
- Gluten-free
- Non-allergenic
Cons- Multiple locations’ blend
3Partanna Extra Virgin Olive Oil
– Honorable MentionPartana Extra Virgin Olive Oil is cold-pressed and made in Italy (Sicily) exclusively using nocellara del belice olives from the Trapani district. With deep artichoke and almond flavors with a peppery finish, this oil is ideal for frying, dipping, and pouring over salads and vegetables.
Additionally, you may use it as a salad dressing base or as a dip for crusty bread. This oil is a little heavier, but that isn’t always a bad thing. Simply said, it indicates that this extra-virgin olive oil is unique in and of itself. It can be used as a condiment or whenever you want to add real Italian flavor to your dishes.
Pros- Cold-pressed
- Ideal for dipping
- Inexpensive
Cons- A little heavier for some
4Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil
– Most ConvenientFilippo Berio extra virgin olive oil is cold-pressed to preserve its vitality and is high in heart-healthy unsaturated fats and antioxidants, as well as being cholesterol-free, trans-fat-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, and salt-free. It has a well-balanced, rich taste that’s raw and fragrant with a hint of olive in it. It can be used in marinating, roasting, and sautéing meats, fish, and vegetables, as well as in salad dressings, sauces, and gravies. Filippo offers a wide range of well-balanced extra virgin and extra light olive oils, as well as powerful, organic, and delicate oils made from olives produced in Italy and California, to satisfy every palette.
Pros- Heart-healthy
- Gluten-free
- Versatility
Cons- Poor packaging
5La Tourangelle Extra Virgin Olive Oil
– Also ConsiderLa Tourangelle Organic extra virgin olive oil is 100 % organic. It’s a well-balanced, robust, and flavorful extra virgin olive oil with notes of freshly cut grass, almond, and fresh olive leaves, as well as a crisp, peppery finish. Taste produced from the highest quality ingredients is the cornerstone of all its natural, handmade oils. Its dressings and vinaigrettes make it simple for expert chefs, inexperienced cooks, and foodies to create unique dishes. It is excellent for salads, meats, pasta, and other dishes.
Moreover, its natural handmade oils and vinaigrettes are the finishing touch to a delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In addition to organic extra virgin olive oil, La Tourangelle also sells avococo butter alternatives and pesto oil, among other things. You will be bringing the finest taste to your kitchen.
Pros- Great fresh taste
- Versatility
- Natural and sustainable
Cons- Slightly costly
People Also Asked
Q: Does light olive oil have fewer calories?A: Each tablespoon of olive oil contains the same amount of calories. The phrases light or extra light denotes a lighter color, fragrance, or flavor.
Q: What is non-extra virgin olive oil?A: Sometimes olive oil is referred to be pure, light tasting, or traditional olive oil. A blend of refined and extra virgin/virgin olive oils, it's the best of both worlds. Compared to extra-virgin olive oil, it has a milder flavor and has many of the same health benefits.
Q: Is green olive oil superior?A: Olive oil doesn't have to be a certain color in order to be good or taste good. Good olive oil can be pale yellow or dark green, depending on the type of olive, where it's grown, and when the harvest happens.
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