PURCHASING EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Olive oil is high in monosaturated “healthy” fats, and if the oil is high quality, will be rich in antioxidant polyphenols. Olive oil has many health benefits and has been associated with lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Olive oil consumption has also been linked with a reduced risk of breast and colorectal cancers, and lower risk of death from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 

The key is to consume high quality olive oil from a reputable provider as the majority of olive oils are diluted with lesser quality, often inflammatory oils. As Larry Olmsted, author of Real Food, Fake Food writes, “Most oils sold in the United States are fake.” To increase profit, some producers and dealers dilute high quality EVOO by mixing it with less expensive, lower quality oils, or older -  sometimes rancid - oil left over from previous seasons’ crops. When UC Davis researchers tested olive oil bought off the shelf in the US, they found that 69 percent of imported “extra-virgin” samples failed to meet international standards.

Most regions of the country have increased purity and quality regulations and requirements for EVOO. In the US, California holds amongst the highest standard in the world for extra virgin olive oil. Trust the California Olive Oil Commission’s (COOC) seal as it means the oil has passed the most stringent quality assurance testing and is 100% California grown. The seal is your guarantee for freshness and truth in labeling. To purchase highest quality EVOO produced outside of the US, be sure to look for: one of more of these stamps of approval:

·      The European Union’s PDO ‘Protected Designation of Origin’ stamp

·      Italy’s 100% Quality Italian stamp

·      Australian or Chilean EVOO, as it’s the least likely to be adulterated.

Labels with phrases like “cold pressed,” “pure,” and “light,” sound impressive but are simply marketing catchphrases. Other factors to consider?

  • EXTRA VIRGIN refers to the way the oil was extracted. With EVOO, extraction is usually a mechanical pressing vs. other types that use chemical solvents to extract the juice. EVOO is not a guarantee of purity or quality, although the designation does generally mean a fresher, higher-quality oil which will have more polyphenols.

  • EXPIRATION DATE - Purchase the freshest EVOO possible, especially if there’s a harvest date listed. Avoid buying EVOO that’s more than a year old or has been exposed to heat, air and light. Shop in stores where the stock sells consistently.

  • CONTAINER - Purchase EVOO that is bottled in dark-colored glass — never plastic — to keep light and BPAs out of your oil.

  • TRUST YOUR SOURCE - Look for Non-GMO and/or Certified Organic label to increase the chances that the raw materials will be of a higher quality. Or buy from specialty grocery shops or local, small batch, and artisanal olive oil makers.

  • SMALL IS GOOD - To guard against rancidity, buy smaller quantities of EVOO.

  • PROTECT YOUR EVOO - Fresh Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is full of important health benefits. Thought to be higher in polyphenols, which may reduce the risk of heart disease, it also contains antioxidants and is low in saturated fat.

BRANDS TO TRUST

  1. Bertolli Organic EVOO - Made from organic olives and produced using organic farming standards. Globally recognized for quality and, awarded best oil at multiple prestigious international olive oil competitions.

  2. Chacewater California EVOO - Best in class 2020, Silver Medal 2020

  3. California Ranch - Mildly robust, with a moderate polyphenol level - the easiest to find in your local grocery store. Also try Lucini, their more robust line

  4. Cobram Estate  – Australia’s most awarded extra virgin olive oil. Best in class 2018, Gold 2020. Also available with CA olives

  5. Ellora EVOO - 100% Pure Cretan Extra Virgin Olive Oil . Origin and authenticity is certified by EU standards, and the company maintains a focus on environmental consciousness and tradition.

  6. Kasandrinos Organic EVOO - A century-old family orchard producing 100% certified organic, non-GMO extra virgin olive oil. Mechanical cold-pressing within 48 hours.

  7. Kirkland Organic - High quality, great taste, Costco’s brand

  8. McEvoy Ranch Organic - 2021 gold and silver

  9. Olea Estates 100% EVOO - grown on a single family farm in Greece.  

  10. Partanna EVOO - Produced since 1916 by the Asaro familia in Partanna, Sicily, this EVOO is cold-pressed, unfiltered and winner of Gold Medals.