What Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

Wondering what extra virgin olive oil is? It’s a type of olive oil produced without chemicals or additives — simply from optimally ripe olives that are ideally hand-picked and always cold-pressed.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is considered the highest quality olive oil thanks to its unique flavor, aroma, and nutritional properties. Unlike other types of olive oil, EVOO has a very low acidity level and a high concentration of antioxidants.

Criteria for Extra Virgin Olive Oil

To be classified as extra virgin, olive oil must meet strict quality standards set by the International Olive Council (IOC). This means it must have:

• Acidity below 0.80%,

• No off-flavors or chemical odors,

• Compliance with defined physical and chemical parameters.

You can review the parameters of this year’s Bilini EVOO on our website.

How Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil Made?

The production process starts with hand-picking olives at optimal ripeness. After harvesting, olives are carefully sorted and washed to remove debris. Then they are cold-pressed, preserving the oil’s nutrients.

After pressing, the oil is stored in special containers to settle and remove cloudiness. Finally, it is decanted or filtered to remove any remaining solids or impurities.

How to Recognize High-Quality EVOO

As we’ve described before, quality EVOO can be identified by its taste, aroma, and color. It offers an intense olive flavor with fresh, mild notes. The color is usually golden yellow, and the aroma is distinct and refreshing.

Shelf Life of EVOO

When buying extra virgin olive oil, always check that the label says “extra virgin.” Also, pay attention to the production and expiration dates—EVOO typically lasts for 24 months.

EVOO in Cooking

Good to remember: raw use is best—ideal for salads, sauces, and marinades. However, cooking with EVOO is also fine: recent studies confirm that olive oil, due to its high smoke point, is one of the best oils for frying.

Check out the “Healthy Food” section on our blog for recipes using EVOO in the kitchen.

Health Benefits of extra virgin olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil offers numerous health benefits. Its high levels of antioxidants and healthy fats can reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. It can also improve digestion and reduce inflammation.

What then makes EVOO so special? Among different types of olive oil—including refined and pure—EVOO stands out as the highest-quality option. When choosing olive oil, consider its production method and the quality of the olives used.

In Summary; Extra virgin olive oil is a unique, high-quality product with significant health benefits. To get the most from it:

• Choose labeled “extra virgin”;
• Check the production and expiry dates;
• Opt for reputable producers.

Use EVOO correctly—ideally raw, but also fine for cooking—so you can fully enjoy both its flavor and its health advantages.