We all know how healthy olive oil is; it’s rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which increases life expectancy by lowering the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. It’s also known to fight osteoporosis, prevent skin cancer and help with depression. Its many benefits do not mean that olive oil is always of the best value; in fact, the majority of olive oils on the market are not good quality. Keep reading to ensure you get the best for your next bottle.
How Olive Oil Is Made
Olives are picked, pressed and separated in a meticulous process. It is important that when the olives are picked off of the trees, they are stored in shallow containers so as not to crush each other. Crushing can lead to oxidation and fermentation, which produce a bitter taste.
In the process of pressing, large stainless tell rollers grind the olives into a paste, which is then stirred with water in a process called malaxation, which allows the oil molecules to concentrate.
A process of stirring occurs for up to 40 minutes, and then the paste is placed in a centrifuge. Inside the centrifuge, the pulp is spun at high speeds to separate the oil and water from the solid material.
The oil is then stored in a stainless steel container at 65 degrees Fahrenheit before it is bottled and shipped off.
Signs of a High-Quality Olive Oil
When picking out a bottle of olive oil, there are a few key qualities to look for to ensure you’re getting a good one:
- Pungent
A high-quality olive oil should give a slight kick at the back of your throat, a brief peppery sensation. This is a good sign! It means the oil is fresh and contains healthy antioxidants. But don’t worry, this sharp feeling shouldn’t last long. - Fruity
Since olives are a fruit, it makes sense that olive oil should have a fruity flavor. Whether the olives used were ripe or not, the oil should taste fresh and light rather than heavy. - Bitter
Surprisingly, a little bitterness in olive oil is a good thing. It’s a sign that the olives were fresh when pressed. Some people may not enjoy this flavor, but a lack of bitterness might mean the oil is old.
Red Flags of Low-Quality Olive Oil
If you notice any of these flavors, it could be a sign that your olive oil isn’t the best quality:
- Metallic
If your olive oil has a metallic taste, it may have had too much contact with metal during processing. This isn’t a flavor you want in good olive oil. - Moldy
A musty or moldy flavor means the oil was likely stored improperly. Bad storage conditions allow fungi and bacteria to grow, which affects the taste. - Vinegary
If your olive oil smells or tastes sour, like vinegar or wine, it’s probably gone through some unwanted fermentation. Fresh olive oil should never taste like this. - Rancid
Like any other oil, olive oil has a shelf life. If it smells like rotting meat or tastes like old, stale nuts, it’s past its prime.
Simple Tests to Check Your Olive Oil
There are a couple of easy ways to check if your olive oil is the real deal:
Check the Label
Look for the words “100% extra virgin olive oil” on the bottle. This is a good sign that you’re buying high-quality oil. You can also do a quick online search to see if big brands meet the standards they claim.
Fridge Test
Real extra-virgin olive oil is made up of mostly monounsaturated fats, which solidify when cold. To test it, put your olive oil in the fridge. If it gets thick and cloudy—or even solidifies completely—it’s a good sign you’ve got real olive oil.
For the highest quality, consider buying olive oil from local artisans. These smaller, locally-produced oils tend to pass every authenticity test with flying colors.
Brands to Look Out For
If you’re looking for top-tier olive oil, these brands are highly rated for quality and authenticity:
We Recommend:
- Enzo Organic Delicate – Known for its fresh, clean taste and organic certification.
- Chacewater Mission – Offers a balanced flavor and high antioxidant content.
- California Blend – Praised for its smooth, fruity taste and local production.
- Frantoio Grove – Stands out for its robust flavor and farm-to-bottle transparency.
- Pacific Sun – Known for its fresh, artisanal approach and commitment to quality.
However, some big names have failed to meet extra-virgin olive oil standards in studies, including the following:
Avoid:
- Bertolli – Found to have lower quality due to blending with cheaper oils.
- Pompeian – Often fails freshness tests, suggesting a lack of proper storage.
- Colavita – Has been cited for quality issues and possible dilution with non-virgin oils.
- Filippo Berio – Criticized for failing to meet extra-virgin standards, possibly due to overprocessing.
- Newman’s Own – Found to be inconsistent in quality and may not always be true extra-virgin.
Choosing the right olive oil ensures you’re getting the health benefits without compromising on taste or quality.
How to Store Olive Oil for Maximum Freshness
Proper storage is essential to keep olive oil tasting fresh and maintaining its health benefits. One of the most important things to remember is that olive oil doesn’t do well in warm or overly bright environments. To extend its shelf life, store it in a cool, dark place, away from heat sources like your stove or direct sunlight. Exposure to heat can quickly degrade the oil, affecting both its flavor and nutritional value.
Once you’ve opened a bottle, aim to use the olive oil within six months to a year. Even though olive oil can last longer unopened, exposure to air and light once the seal is broken will slowly reduce its quality. While it might be tempting to refrigerate it, doing so can cause the oil to solidify and lose some of its unique flavor. Instead, keep it in a pantry or cupboard with a stable, cool temperature to enjoy it at its best.
Making the Right Choice with Olive Oil
Olive oil is a kitchen staple that not only adds flavor to your meals but also provides essential nutrients for long-term health. However, it’s important to choose the right kind of olive oil to enjoy all the benefits it offers. High-quality extra-virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants, supports heart health, and enhances the taste of your dishes.
By knowing what to look for—whether it’s pungency, fruitiness, or even a touch of bitterness—you can ensure that the olive oil you’re using is fresh and authentic. Stick to trusted brands or local producers for the best results, and avoid those that don’t meet the standards.
Investing in good olive oil means investing in your health. With a bit of knowledge, you can make sure you’re always getting the best.
