Olive Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil: What is the difference?

Olive Oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil? They are both made from olives, but the method of extracting the oil is different. Here are some differences between them. 

What is Olive Oil?

Olive oil is extracted from olives, the fruit of olive trees. It has a great flavor for dressing in salad, pasta, as well as cooking. 

Olive oil is also the healthiest cooking oil. It contains many substances that help protect against serious diseases, including heart diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, chronic inflammation, etc. 

What is the difference between Olive Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil? 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the most expensive kind of olive oil and has the highest quality. It has undergone the least processing, and there is no heat, chemicals and solvent involved in the extraction. 

“Extra virgin olive oil is produced from the first pressing of the olives, without any heat,” explains Rosemary Stanton, nutritionist and visiting fellow with UNSW. 

Extra virgin olive oil is darker in color than others. It has the distinct olive flavor and fruity aroma, a perfect palette with no flaws. Many people find that extra virgin olive oil has a more pleasant taste than regular olive oil, which is a bit fruity, a little bitter just like biting into an olive, and slightly peppery. 

Why should we use Extra Virgin Olive Oil? 

Why is Extra Virgin Olive Oil more expensive than regular olive oil? And why should we use it? 

The method of extracting Extra Virgin Olive Oil requires stricter standards and takes a substantial amount of time, so its price is significantly higher than other kinds of olive oil.

Since Extra Virgin Olive Oil has gone through the least processing, it contains fewer chemicals and more nutrients. The heat in the extracting process of lower quality olive oil can destroy some of the nutrients in fresh olives, and the chemicals can strip away the oil’s flavor and benefits. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is higher in antioxidants, vitamins, and other natural ingredients. 

Also, the taste of Extra Virgin Olive Oil is more pleasant for many people. Especially when using olive oil as dressing, the oil’s flavor is crucial as it can enhance your dish immediately.

In summary, Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a better taste and more health benefits than regular olive oil. If you want to explore olive oils, opting for Extra Virgin Olive Oil will be a great start for you!