Discerning palates look for a set of unique characteristics in the ingredients they cook with. That is why, to buy good olive oil, there are a number of keys to consider that set the gourmet version of this product apart from others. We can say for certain that the world of olive oil has many details that influence its composition, from the moment the fruit begins to ripen on the tree to the long-awaited moment it is served at the table. Everything counts for its quality, flavour and the preservation of its healthy properties. That is why you should bear in mind the differences between gourmet olive oil and other types, as they are what determine its importance within the Mediterranean diet. Here are the aspects to consider in order to identify the best types.
How to buy good olive oil?
The main key to buying good olive oil: make sure it is extra virgin
This is the golden rule when choosing olive oil. Extra virgin oils retain all the properties of the product, unlike refined ones. These are some of the points to consider in identifying a good AOVE:
- A more intense flavour, with fruity notes.
- Its characteristic green colour.
- The olives have been harvested before reaching full ripeness, picked by hand so that the flesh is not damaged by falling to the ground.
- The pressing has been done cold, without applying any heat to increase the yield.
In this article you will find more details on how to tell extra virgin olive oil apart from others.
The origin of the product
Many people pay close attention to the origin of premium olive oil. Climatic conditions and the style of production contribute a range of nuances that also count towards the final quality. This information is easy to find, as it always appears on the bottle label or on the bottler's website. The olive tree covers many hectares in the Mediterranean area, in Europe as well as in Africa and Asia. In our experience, southern Spain, led by Andalusia, is the best region of all to buy good olive oil. As a result, it has become the main producer of this liquid gold, closely linked to Andalusian culture and landscapes.
The degree of acidity
Gourmet olive oil is characterised by a high quantity of free fatty acids. This means that the lower the acidity, the higher the quality of the product. In fact, the acidity level must not exceed 0,8 degrees. Contrary to what is commonly thought, acidity does not affect the flavour, but it does affect the quality of the oil. Here you can find out more about the acidity of extra virgin olive oil.
The date and type of packaging
These two factors must not be forgotten if you are going to buy good olive oil. As for time, it is not advisable to consume extra virgin olive oil if more than a year has passed since its harvest, as it will have lost a significant part of its properties even though it does not expire. Of course, its aroma and flavour will also have changed. This means that the less time since production, the better. As for the packaging when buying good olive oil, we are not only talking about its design (which also adds value) but also about its opacity. Light oxidises oil and also causes it to lose its nutritional properties. Now that you know the keys to buying good olive oil, it is time to take the step and try it at your own table. At Aceites La Matilla we offer you a wide variety of products in our gourmet olive oil shop. Thanks to e-commerce, the advantages of buying AOVE online are at your fingertips.
