Extra virgin oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet. It contains healthy fats which help in reducing the risk of chronic disorders. However, picking the right bottle can be tricky if you are not well-informed and face a variety of olive oil in the supermarket. Plus, there are many substandard oils in pretty packages being offered out there. To guide you in choosing the best olive oil, here are some tips:
Educate Yourself about the Meaning of Extra Virgin
A lot of people know they should look for extra virgin olive oil although they don’t really know what the label means. Extra virgin indicates how the oil was extracted. Extra virgin olive oil is extracted in a mechanical pressing that makes them fresher and with higher quality. This kind of olive oil is abundant in polyphenols which can benefit your health.
Don’t Ignore the Expiration Date
As with any edible items, olive oil has an expiration date so go for the freshest one. Do not purchase extra virgin olive oil that is more than one year. But, think about the expiration date as a general guide instead of a guarantee for freshness because olive oil can go bad when exposed to heat, light, and air.
Choose the Right Bottle
The best olive oil to purchase is the one bottled in dark-colored glass instead of plastic. This ensures that the oil is well-protected against BPAs and light.
Get It from the Right Supplier
As a responsible buyer, find olive oils that have a Certified Organic or Non-GMO Project label to ensure you get higher quality raw materials. Also, purchase from local artisanal and small-scale olive oil producers to reduce the drawbacks of large-scale producers. Quality olive oils like Oilala olive oil are made from quality olives without additives such as pesticides and canola oil.
Visit an Olive Specialty Store
This store, along with an olive bar, allows you to sample the wares. Go for one with bitter, fresh, and grassy taste. After finding the one you like, get a bottle tucked towards the shelf’s back where it is cooler and darker since this is the preferred environment for extra virgin olive oil. Once you open the bottle at home, taste it immediately. If it does not have that freshness and bitterness go back to the store to return it.
Don’t Buy a Lot
Purchasing smaller olive oil quantities can help you guard against rancidity. It is best to buy more often in smaller quantities than purchase big and risk the olive oil going bad unused.
