With many U.S. residents focusing on healthy lifestyle changes, the popularity of olive oil has received quite a boost. Packed with beneficial fats and antioxidants, olive oil is a healthy substitute for butter, margarine, solid fats and other types of cooking oil. You'll find a range of olive oils on market shelves that vary widely in price. Virgin olive oils tend to be more expensive.
Olive Oil Defined
Although they are commonly thought of as vegetables, olives are actually fruit grown on trees. Growers cultivate olives in France, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, California and South America. Harvest times vary from one region to another; olives are plucked by hand. When an olive is first plucked, its flavor is bitter and almost inedible. Growers transport olives to the mill, where they are thoroughly mashed. The mashed olives are spread onto thin mats, which are then stacked and pressed. The pressing process extracts the oil and water from the fruit. Once the oil has settled, all vegetable water is removed and pure olive oil remains.
Types of Olive Oil
All oil obtained through the first pressing is considered virgin olive oil. If the oil contains less than one percent of oleic acid, it is considered extra virgin olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is widely considered the finest type, possessing the smoothest texture and best flavor. Olive oil from the first pressing that contains up to four percent oleic acid is simply considered virgin olive oil.
Other than washing, decanting, centrifuging and filtering, extra virgin olive oil and virgin olive oil have not undergone any type of treatment. After the first olive pressing, the used olive mash then goes through multiple operations involving heat, pressure and chemicals. The oil obtained from these processes is simply considered olive oil. It has very little taste or aroma. Regular olive oil is generally combined with a small amount of virgin olive oil before use.
Uses
Extra virgin olive oil can be used in nearly any type of food preparation. It is popular as a salad dressing or drizzled over fresh bread. It can also be used as a substitute for butter or margarine in many recipes. Extra virgin olive oil should not, however, be used in high-heat cooking, such as deep frying due to its relatively low smoke point.
Virgin olive oil is generally best when used as a marinade or incorporated into recipes. It is very rarely drizzled on top of foods directly before eating. Regular olive oil is most commonly used in recipes, although it does not impart much flavor or texture.
Olive Oil Tips
To preserve its flavor and consistency, virgin olive oil should be stored in a dark, cool place. Avoid storing it near the oven, where the heat can alter its taste. Also, do not store it in the refrigerator, as the cold temperatures will cause it to become cloudy and crystallize. If this does happen, simply leave the olive oil at room temperature for a day or two and it will return to its original state. If stored properly, virgin olive oil can stay fresh for up to two years.
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