Make Your Meals Healthier And Tastier With High-Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The research carried out on olive oil over the last few years by respected institutions, such as Harvard and Oxford Universities has had very positive results. It has been found that the most beneficial olive oil is ‘extra virgin’ olive oil — the oil created by the first pressing of the olives. Choosing extra virgin olive oil as your main source of dietary fat is a great way of maintaining good health as this type of oil can actually lower the risk of coronary heart disease by reducing blood cholesterol levels. Saturated fats increase both blood pressure levels and the risk of heart disease.
Homer called it ‘liquid gold’. From ancient times to the present day, it has stood the test of time and still remains one of the healthiest natural foods on the planet. The high-quality extra virgin olive oil, where the olives are ground into a paste and cold-pressed. Its production involves no heat treatment or chemicals, and it is the product of the first-press. Heat treatments and chemicals reduce the quality. Virgin is the product of the second press. Extra virgin has the lowest acidity, the richest flavor, and the most goodness.
This is the best olive oil in the world and therefore requires rigorous chemical testing in order to verify its authenticity as an extra virgin oil. Chemical tests are also conducted to make sure that it doesn’t degrade in high temperatures. On a side note, any oil that isn’t produced entirely through mechanical means is instantly disqualified. This is to reduce the chance of having a quality chasm between different batches of oil, which always comes because of human error. Olive oil that aspires to gain the prestigious extra virgin classification must go an oral test by the International Olive Council. A standard bottle of oil is placed in front of a testing panel, which samples the oil for its qualities. If the oil has zero defects and has a slightly fruity taste, it gains the title of being extra virgin olive oil.
Although extra virgin classification supposedly makes it the ‘best olive oil’, it does not necessarily have to be the favorite of customers. Every oil lover has differing opinions on what their favorite oils are. However, anyone who knows about the process can appreciate the time and effort that goes into perfecting the blend, which is why even if they are not a person’s favorite taste, they are still considered the most well-made oils on the market!
Author’s Bio: Author is an online blogger. This article is about high-quality extra virgin olive oil.