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Olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), is renowned for its health benefits and rich flavor, but not all olive oils are created equal. Some are blended with cheaper oils, diluted, or chemically processed, reducing their quality and nutritional value. Recognizing high-quality olive oil can ensure you’re getting the best taste and health benefits. Here are several tips to help you identify whether your olive oil is truly of high quality:
1. Check the Label for ‘Extra Virgin’
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is the highest quality olive oil, extracted using cold-pressing methods without chemicals or heat. It retains more nutrients and natural flavors.
Look for the term ‘Extra Virgin’ on the label, which indicates the oil meets high standards for purity, low acidity (below 0.8%), and no defects in taste or smell.
2. Verify the Harvest Date
High-quality olive oil should have a harvest date on the label. This tells you when the olives were picked and pressed. Olive oil is best consumed within 18 months of harvest for peak freshness.
If there’s no harvest date or if it’s too old, it may indicate lower quality.
3. Look for Certification Seals
Check if the olive oil bottle has certifications from trusted authorities like:
DOP (Denominazione d’Origine Protetta) from Italy
AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) from France
COOC (California Olive Oil Council) from the U.S.
PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) from the European Union
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