Olive oil has many health benefits and is loved around the world.Choosing an olive oil can be confusing.Olive oil is easy to choose if you pay attention to the label, your personal needs, and other factors.The perfect olive oil can be found with a little attention to detail.
Step 1: Do not be deceived by the location.
Some olive oil is better than others.The bottom of a bottle of olive oil tells you where the oil is from.Sometimes labeling can be a lie.The olive oil the company claims is from Italy may only have been packaged in Italy.While an oil boasting of being straight from Italy is not bad, make sure to check other aspects of the oil.The company may be trying to make easy sales by showing the oil's origin.
Step 2: The harvest date is important to note.
The harvest date on the label is important because olive oil does not have a long shelf life.You should buy an olive oil that has a recent harvest date.It takes two years for olive oil to last.The flavor goes away with time.The older the harvest date, the less taste the olive oil will have.If a bottle doesn't have a harvest date listed, put it back.Don't buy olive oil without knowing the harvest date.
Step 3: It's important to make sure there is a seal of approval.
There should be a seal of approval on the olive oil label.California-based olive oils should have a seal of approval from the California Olive Oil Council.The oil is more likely to be quality.Olive oil that comes with a seal of approval tends to be more upfront about harvest date and other factors.There is a seal on the back of olive oil.
Step 4: Don't use oils with high levels of free fatty acids.
The quality of the fruit used in your olive oil can be determined by free fatty acids.High levels of FFAs are indicative of a poor quality oil.There are oils with free fatty acids.The oil's ingredients label should include free fatty acid levels.Do not buy oils that don't list levels of stearic acid.
Step 5: You should look for an oil that has high levels of polyphenol content.
Polyphenol is found in olive oil.The higher the polyphenol content, the better the olive oil is.A polyphenol content between 300 and 500 is considered low.The taste is a downside to a higher polyphenol content.Olive oil can be a little more bitter if the polyphenol contents are over 800.
Step 6: Extra virgin olive oil is a good choice if you want to make a sauce.
Extra virgin oil is better for drizzling over breads, cheeses, or meats.Extra virgin olive oil will be very delicious when used as a sauce.When using olive oil as a salad dressing, choose a mild or medium strength oil.A more robust oil pairs well with heartier foods like tomatoes.
Step 7: If you're using it for cooking, use cheaper olive oil.
When cooking with olive oil, it loses a lot of its flavor during the process.splurging on expensive cooking oil is pointless.It's a good idea to go for a slightly lower priced oil.It won't taste as good as a more expensive brand, but taste is more important with cooking oils.Cheat brands of extra virgin olive oil are best for cooking in heat.
Step 8: Decide between the two choices.
Many people think that the oil is better, but it's not always the case.It depends on how quickly you want to use the oil.You need to use them quickly if you want to have a stronger taste.If you plan to use the oil right away, go for the unfiltered variety if you need a long shelf life.
Step 9: You have the option to choose the taste.
Different oils have different tastes.Pick an oil that matches your taste and account for taste when selecting it.Colavita brands have a very complex taste.Bertolli extra virgin is a more neutral taste.Think about other factors, such as the oils spiciness, grassiness, and so on.It might be hard to assess this at a grocery store.A farmer's market can give you a very specific flavor.A good overview of the product's flavor can be given by those selling olive oil.
Step 10: If it's possible, shop at a mill.
If you live near a mill that makes olive oil, you should be able to see a shop.The oil should be fresh.Mill workers can give you a better idea of the different flavors of oils.It is possible to buy directly from a mill.
Step 11: There are places that allow taste tests.
Most people don't have the right to live near a mill.It's always a good idea to shop at places that allow taste testing.Gourmet food stores, farmer's markets, and stores that specialize in olive oil allow a taste test.It's a good idea to sample the oil ahead of time to make sure it has the flavor you want.
Step 12: Look at the return policy.
If you don't like olive oil, you should be able to return it.You don't want to be stuck with a bottle of oil that does not suit you, as olive oil is expensive.Make sure you get some of your money back if you want to return olive oil.
Step 13: Check the bottles.
Dark bottles are best for storing olive oil.This will increase shelf life.A store that sells olive oil in dark bottles will likely provide better quality oil.Store olive oil in the wrong place.