Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is one of the most used terms in the cooking world. Not only is it versatile, but when you encounter its best version? Oh boy, you don’t want to go back.
Read on to discover what is EVOO oil, what makes it such a game changer in the kitchen, and discover a golden place to get the best EVOO possible.
Plus, a little gift for you at the end. Let’s go!
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What is EVOO oil
Extra virgin olive oil is a vegetable oil extracted from olives that must meet certain specifications and criteria.
Thanks to its versatility, it can be used for finishing a plate as a topping, for both flavor and texture; it can be used for gently sautéing vegetables, and according to a recent announcement by Starbucks’ CEO, it can be a coffee-enhancing ingredient!
Could you imagine? EVOO coffee!
Held as one of chefs’ and home cooks’ favorite options, EVOO is the purest form of olive oil and has some fantastic health benefits.
Benefits of EVOO oil
First and foremost, EVOO is rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. It also contains a variety of antioxidants, including polyphenols, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help protect against chronic diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Studies have suggested that extra virgin olive oil may aid in weight loss, improve brain function, and even help prevent depression.
These numerous benefits are the driving factor behind Starbucks’ newest “Oleato” coffee line announcement. The company’s CEO, Howard Schultz, said during an interview that after his traveling adventures in Italy, he adopted one the most common habits Sicilian seniors have: drinking a full spoon of extra virgin olive oil each morning.
Apart from its taste- which depends on the olives’ origin and harvest time, ranges from fruity to peppery and even touches herbaceous tones -Schultz experienced benefits to his health after incorporating this practice.
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Types of olive oil
According to International Olive Council (yes, that exists), EVOO is labeled as such only when it meets the following specifications:
- The free fatty acidity of the product doesn’t exceed 0.8% – low acidity means better retention of antioxidants and nutrients.
- It has a peroxide value lower than 20 – peroxide is a sign of a damaged product due to high temperatures, so that’s a no-no.
- It is made only by mechanical means, without solvents or other fruits. At all moments, the product should not reach temperatures over 27°C (80°F).
With that said, the different ways of processing olives result in 5 types of olive oil:
Extra virgin olive oil: EVOO is the purest and most favored type of olive oil for cooking. It boasts a better flavor and aroma than other classifications and is generally considered healthier.
Virgin olive oil: Next in line is virgin olive oil, which is cheaper and a suitable replacement for those who cannot distinguish between the two.
Refined olive oil: Refined olive oil results from further processing of olive oil without altering its glyceridic structure. It lacks flavor and aroma.
Lampante virgin olive oil: Lampante virgin olive oil is not intended for consumption due to its unpleasant taste and scent. This variety is typically further processed for other uses.
Olive oil: Olive oil is a blend of virgin and refined olive oil and is suitable for human consumption, providing a burst of flavor to various dishes.
When to use EVOO or regular olive oil
It’s important to note that not all olive oils are created equal. As we established earlier, extra virgin olive oil is made from the first cold pressing of the olives. It contains no chemicals or solvents, making it the purest form of olive oil.
On the other hand, regular olive oil is a blend of cold-pressed and processed oils, making it less flavorful and nutrient-dense than EVOO. Regular olive oil has a higher smoke point than its extra virgin counterpart.
As a general rule, you should use extra virgin olive oil when you want the flavor of the oil to shine through, such as in salads, dips, and finishing a dish. Regular olive oil is better suited for cooking at high temperatures, for example, when searing proteins.
The best EVOO you can find
EVOO is synonymous with quality. We all love quality, especially when we can taste it. That’s precisely the direction a brand like Lot22 follows with its product.
What makes Lot22 unique is its ability to stay connected with farmers in each hemisphere so they can have fresh olive oil every six months.
You see, olives are harvested once in each hemisphere. Thanks to its connections to small farms in the Southern Hemisphere, Lot22 can take advantage of a second growing season and have fresh olive oil every six months.
Regarding EVOO, Lot22 partners only with experienced local producers in the US and top producers in Italy.
A gift just for you
In this article, we’ve been talking about Extra Virgin Olive Oil and how game-changing it can be. And because of that, Lot22 wants Branded Joy readers to take advantage of an exclusive FREE deal.
How does that work? Simple. Just enter the $500 Foodie Gift Bag Giveaway with your email, and you’ll be participating.
Here’s what the prizes look like:
- $300 in LOT22 Olive Oil.
- $200 in Postmates LOT22 gift cards.
In this giveaway, you’ll have the chance to get your hands on Lot22’s greatest flavors—such as Corantina Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Corantina has a rich and robust profile, pungency, and pleasant bitterness. Subtle notes of tropical fruit, cinnamon, and pepper. Best of all? It is incredibly high in polyphenols (613), making it an outstanding source of antioxidants. Perfect for salad dressings and finishing pasta. Or, thanks to its antioxidant levels, you could drink spoons full of goodness just for the health benefits—your call.
This and many others could be yours for free if you enter the giveaway. If you’d love to give it a shot, click the button below.