How to Identify Quality Olive Oil
Olive oil is a condiment that is perfect for adding to sauces, breads, or used as a standalone sauce. That being said, there are so many different types of olive oil out there that it can be difficult to determine what is good quality and what is just a poor imitation. Here are some tips that can help you determine the olive oil quality before you buy so that you get the best oil every time.
How to Tell the Quality of Olive Oil
The first thing you want to look at when purchasing olive oil is the label. The label is going to hold information about what seals the oil has gotten, what certification it has, what pressing it is and if there is any other type of oil added in. You want to look for first press, as it is going to be the purest. When it comes to certification, you want to look for a seal from the International Olive Council for international brands, and the California Olive Oil Council for American brands.
This helps to ensure that the quality of the oil is good, that it is pure, that it is not mixed with any other oil, and that it is up to snuff. You can also look at the color of the oil, if there are samples, or the viscosity. Pure olive oil should be thick and a gorgeous green color. Though price is not the only indicator, the price tag does help you determine a bit about the oil.
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. A good bottle of olive oil is going to run about $25 and it can go more or less depending on the size of the bottle and the purity of the oil. If you are shopping at the grocery store, it can be a bit harder to find a great quality oil. With some time and effort, however, you can find a great option.
Why Does Olive Oil Quality Matter?
The quality of the olive oil matters first and foremost when it comes to flavor. Olive oil should taste good enough that you can use it as a condiment, not just an ingredient. Low-quality oil is not going to taste as good. Another thing to think about with quality is how it can be used. High-quality oil can be drizzled on bread, used in dressing, or it can be added to recipes.
The quality of the oil also helps to affect how healthy it is. Quality olive oil is a great thing, and finding a bottle that you are going to love and be able to use is a must. There are some truly great brands out there, if you just take the time to look and see what your options are.
Categorized in: EVOO