The different categories of Olive Oil can sometimes be considered confusing, but it is a very important thing to bear in mind in order to take care of our health and to use the best food products in our kitchens. In this article, we explain more about what each category means.
What is ‘Extra Virgin’ Olive Oil?
To begin with, we must point out that olive oil is the natural juice extracted from olives through mechanical processes.
This juice can be found in perfect condition, if it extracted at an appropriate temperature, using healthy olives and respecting every step of the production process. If so, then the final product will have great organoleptic and physicochemical properties, and it will be categorised as an extra virgin olive oil.
The term ‘extra virgin’ indicates that the olive juice is perfect, with an acidity of no more than 0.8% and with no organoleptic defects. It is the highest category of all.
The middle category: ‘Virgin’ Olive Oil
The category below ‘extra virgin’ is ‘virgin’ olive oil. It is still an olive juice, but there is one key difference: it has some small organoleptic defects and an acidity level over 1%. It is still a better option than other types of fats, but they do not have the extraordinary colour and scent that EVOOs have on an organoleptic level, nor the same concentration of healthy compounds.
The most basic category: Olive Oil
Below the virgin olive oils category, we find simply olive oils. They are a mixture of refined olive oil and extra virgin olive oil, in varying ratios.
Refined olive oils are not fit for human consumption and must be treated by a chemical refining process in which they lose all their flavour and aroma. If one of these oils contains a large quantity of EVOO, then the final result is an intense olive oil. If it contains a large quantity of refined oil, then the final product is a light olive oil.
As you may have noticed, these oils have a negative side – the chemical refining process. Whenever we can, we should avoid these products because they are not a good option for our health.
SIQEV EVOOs: the highest category
While we previously mentioned that extra virgin olive oils are the highest category, this is only true if we consider the current regulations. However, the QvExtra! association has decided to take these regulations further, by separating common EVOOs from those in the Premium category, in other words, SIQEV EVOOs.
Through our seal of quality, we recognise which EVOOs comply with more rigorous organoleptic and physicochemical requirements.
If you are interested in finding out more about our seal, you can do so by clicking here.
We hope that this brief explanation clears up any doubts you may have in mind, and we invite you to discover the world of SIQEV EVOOs. It is sure to be a unique experience for you and your health!
