Extra Virgin Olive Oil

What is extra virgin olive oil?

Extra virgin olive oil is an oil obtained from the pressing of olives, which are grown in many regions of the world, but above all in Italy, Spain and Greece. Extra virgin olive oil is characterized by an intense and fruity flavour, with an unmistakable aroma which makes it a versatile and much loved ingredient in the kitchen.

How to choose extra virgin olive oil?

Choosing a high quality extra virgin olive oil is essential to obtain the best results in the kitchen. Here are some useful tips for choosing extra virgin olive oil:

• Check the production date and the expiry date of the oil, to have the guarantee of buying a fresh and quality product;
• Taste the oil, swirling it in your mouth to evaluate the flavor and texture;
• Look at the color of the oil, which should be deep green and clear;
• You prefer extra virgin olive oil obtained from hand-picked olives and processed immediately after harvesting;
• Choose extra virgin olive oil from organic or biodynamic crops, which guarantee a natural and sustainable product.

The benefits of extra virgin olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil is one of the healthiest and most nutritious ingredients that can be used in the kitchen. Thanks to its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, extra virgin olive oil helps keep cholesterol at normal levels and prevents cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, extra virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which make it an ally for the health and well-being of the body.

How to preserve extra virgin olive oil

To preserve extra virgin olive oil for a long time, it is important to use glass or stainless steel containers, which do not alter the flavor and properties of the oil. Furthermore, it is important to store the oil in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Finally, the extra virgin olive oil must be consumed within a year of the date of production, to guarantee the freshness and quality of the product.

Where to buy extra virgin olive oil

Today, thanks to e-commerce, it is possible to buy high quality extra virgin olive oil online, choosing from a vast selection of producers and varieties. However, it is important to choose a reliable and professional e-commerce, which offers respectable guarantees of quality and safety on the products offered. Furthermore, it is possible to buy extra virgin olive oil directly from the manufacturing companies, participating in tastings and guided tours to discover the oil production process and get to know the producers closely. Finally, it is possible to buy extra virgin olive oil in specialized food shops, where it is possible to find high quality products and guaranteed origin.

The varieties of extra virgin olive oil

Italy is famous all over the world for the production of high quality extra virgin olive oil, thanks to the variety of olives and the cultivation technique used. The main varieties of Italian extra virgin olive oil are:

• Leccino: an oil with a delicate and fruity taste, suitable for use in the kitchen;
• Frantoio: an oil with an intense and spicy taste, ideal for flavoring meat and fish dishes;
• Moraiolo: an oil with a strong and bitter taste, excellent for use raw on salads and vegetables;
• Coratina: an oil with a strong and bitter taste, perfect for flavoring meat and fish dishes.

Extra virgin olive oil in Italian cuisine

Extra virgin olive oil is a fundamental ingredient of Italian cuisine, used to flavor numerous dishes of the Italian culinary tradition. Extra virgin olive oil is used both raw, to flavor salads, vegetables and meat and fish dishes, and cooked, to prepare sauces and sautéed foods. Thanks to its intense and fruity flavor, extra virgin olive oil gives dishes a unique and unmistakable aroma, which represents one of the distinctive characteristics of Italian cuisine.

In conclusion, extra virgin olive oil is a fundamental ingredient of Italian cuisine, a product with many beneficial properties for the health of the body and a symbol of Italian culture and tradition. Thanks to the vast choice of varieties and producers available online, it is possible to buy high quality extra virgin olive oil easily and conveniently, discovering the different nuances of flavor and aroma offered by the Italian varieties.