What is Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is not only to be kept and stored on your kitchen shelves. It is a healthy way of living life, especially for Canadians who want to embrace well-balanced and nutritious, Mediterranean-inspired diets.

EVOO is renowned for its rich flavour, versatility, and impressive health benefits. It is mainly known as "liquid gold," and individuals love consuming it in their daily meals. 

Experts use it for culinary applications and health benefits, and it is even used in cosmetics to promote smooth and beautiful skin and hair.

But the question remains: What exactly is extra virgin olive oil, and why should we consider incorporating it into our daily routine? Hang on there. This blog will cover everything you want to know about EVOO.

You can get yours from The Spice Trader. They provide cold-pressed EVOO with the best local flavours, including Smoked Olive Oil, Jalapeño Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Lemon, and Lime Olive oils.

History of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil has a truly fascinating story of its use throughout history. The origin of the olive tree dates back to the eastern Mediterranean region from 8000 BC, but the production of olive oil started around 4000 BC.

Many people claim that the production of olive oil began with the ancient Egyptians. Still, archaeological evidence suggests that the Greeks made the entire process much easier and were responsible for its spread throughout the ancient world.

Several specialised olive press machines were invented by the ancient Greeks and the Romans, who later followed them. These devices have been found throughout the Mediterranean region, including Tunisia, Turkey, and Libya.

Olive oil became a necessary export for Mycenaean Greece (c. 1450–1150 BC). Their skilled workers would produce olive oil by placing olives in woven mats and squeezing them until the oil was collected. Olive oil became so precious that it has been used since the Ancient Greeks. People use it for various purposes, from fuel, cooking, skin lotion, hair care, and perfume.

What makes EVOO so Special?

Olive oil comes from the fruits of olive trees. These green and black olive fruits are considered the best blessing to treat numerous illnesses. However, extra virgin olive oil depends on the olives, which are squeezed using various methods.

We label olive oil as "extra virgin" when it is extracted by pressing the olives. Regular olive oil is manufactured from a blend of processed oils. It reflects that the regular olive oil goes through chemical processing and heat treatment, while EVOO is fresh and pure, representing it as the highest grade of olive oil, making it top-notch.

How is EVOO Manufactured?

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) must be free from any alterations in colour, taste, nutrients, or vitamins. EVOO is produced by crushing the olives into a pulp rather than applying heat or infusing harsh chemicals to create other olive oils.

Once the olive pulp is ready, knead it to release the liquid. This liquid is then added to a centrifuge or a press that filters the oil from the rest of the olive material. The pure and flavourful oil is then put into bottles as extra virgin olive oil. The oil obtained through the cold extraction method of olives has the highest taste and nutritional value.

For this oil to qualify as extra virgin olive oil, its oleic acid level must not exceed 0.8%.

However, the end product is just olive oil when the remaining olive paste is heated and kneaded with extra chemicals to release more oil. Since it contains chemicals, this oil is not pure or of the same quality as extra virgin olive oil.

Olive Oil vs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Here’s the brief difference between olive oil and EVOO:

Manufacturing Process

The key difference between olive oil and extra virgin olive oil is the process used in manufacturing them. Only the finest methods are used to make extra virgin olive oil. In order to produce regular olive oil, the fruit pulp must be heated to high temperatures. This helps separate the oil from its pulp. EVOO shouldn't have excessive acidity, bitterness, or pungency.

However, cheaper olive oils undergo a refining procedure that removes the healthy nutrients from their oil. Therefore, using EVOO is more nutritious than less expensive olive oil, which is low in nutrients.

Colour Difference

Extra virgin olive oil is darker and has a greener shade because it is the pure extraction of olives, while standard olive oil has a light, pale yellowish colour.

Price Range

Extra virgin olive oil is expensive compared to standard olive oil. Manufacturing it takes time, as many olives have to be handpicked and pressed every hour to give the best quality EVOO. So, if we say, "You truly get what you have paid for," then it is not wrong! 

5 Amazing Facts About EVOO

The liquid gold possesses many natural superpowers. We have mentioned some of them for you:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a lower smoke point than regular olive oil.

• It has the lowest acidity level of all olive oils.

• EVOO contains the most antioxidants compared to other olive oils.

• It has a lower percentage of oleic acid (monounsaturated fat).

• EVOO has a unique, lighter colour compared to other oils that provide a hint of its royalness

3 Benefits of Using Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Consuming extra virgin olive oil on a daily basis comes with numerous health benefits. It can improve your skin texture, lower cholesterol levels, help you focus, improve your heart health, and so on. So, we have shared below five benefits of including olive oil in your diet:

1. Good for Your Heart

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in Canada, but what you eat can make a big difference. Extra virgin olive oil has high levels of monounsaturated fats, which are known as "good fats." These fats help lower cholesterol levels, keeping your arteries clear and reducing your risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Many people who follow the Mediterranean diet, which includes a lot of olive oil, have lower rates of heart problems. Although you can only have a tablespoon a day, you can drizzle it over a salad or mix it into cooked vegetables to get unlimited benefits.

2. Helps with Inflammation

Inflammation is the body's way of fighting off infection or injury, but if it lasts too long, it can cause problems. Extra virgin olive oil contains a natural substance known as oleocanthal. It works like a painkiller and helps reduce pain and swelling without needing hard medication.

If you usually feel soreness in the joints or on any part of your skin, applying olive oil to your skin and adding it to your meals may help ease discomfort in a natural way.

3. Boosts Brain Health

Taking care of your brain is as important as looking after your body, especially as you age. EVOO's healthy fats and antioxidants keep your brain cells protected from severe internal damage.

Olive oil also tends to improve memory and thinking skills and may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or any form of dementia. Adding olive oil to your meals a few times a week could support brain health in the long run.

Conclusion

Extra virgin olive oil is a supreme addition to any Canadian kitchen. Its rich flavour and countless health benefits make it a valuable asset to a balanced diet. You can drizzle EVOO over a salad, use it to cook different meals, or simply enjoy it as a dip.

EVOO can enhance the nutritional value and taste of your meals. So, next time you're at the grocery store, reach for a bottle of extra virgin olive oil. You can also order various finger-licking olive oil flavours from The Spice Trader and enjoy their multiple benefits.