Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil Brands – Varieties and Prices
Extra virgin olive oil of supreme quality. We test and rigorously select each EVOO in our catalog to ensure we offer the best extra virgin olive oil in the world. Our commitment is to provide a product with an exceptional aroma and unrivaled flavor.
Olive Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) has really only been around for a few years. The reason is that olive oil mills have always thought that to extract the maximum amount of oil from olives, it was necessary to use heat. However, recent studies have shown that this was actually a huge mistake. Applying heat during extraction causes the loss of those microcomponents that truly differentiate EVOO from a simple olive oil, particularly Vitamins and Polyphenols.
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Therefore, the mills that take care of their EVOO always cold extract, below 27 degrees. Logically, less oil is extracted but its quality is far superior, and so is its price, of course. And of course, during the first weeks of each harvest, the unfiltered oil, green and cloudy, is one of the most sought after by lovers of very fresh sensations.
Price of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
When buying EVOO, it is not enough to follow recommendations. It is important to read the labels to verify the origin, the variety, and the year of harvest. These factors ensure you are purchasing fresh and quality oil.
In Spain a curious phenomenon occurs, and that is that the price at origin of extra virgin olive oil does not differ too much from that of conventional olive oil. For example, in Italy, our olive-growing neighbor, the price of Extra Virgin can be double the price of “normal” olive oil. The basic reason is simple and sad at the same time, and that is that we still do not have enough knowledge to value our Liquid Gold, and the demand for plain olive oil remains huge.
How to choose a good extra virgin olive oil?
Always read the label carefully. It should include the producer’s name, the date of harvest and packaging, the variety, and the acidity.
Also look for dark glass bottles, which ensure that the oil has been protected from light.
Why is the origin of olive oil important?
Origin is key to avoiding frauds. Sometimes, oils sold are not 100% olive or are mixed with other lower quality oils. Always ensure that the EVOO comes from a reliable source.
Is it advisable to buy oil from previous harvests?
Avoid buying EVOO in plastic bottles or clear glass, as light negatively affects the oil. Ideally, it should be sold in opaque bottles, which protect its freshness and flavor.
How should I store extra virgin olive oil?
No. Always look for EVOO from the current harvest (usually around November). Olive oil degrades over time, so it is essential that it is fresh to enjoy all its organoleptic properties.
How to tell if an EVOO is of good quality?
A good EVOO should be pleasant to the taste, with fresh aromas and a slight touch of bitterness and spiciness. These are indicators that the oil is fresh and of good quality. If you notice a rancid taste, it is best to discard it.
Where to buy extra virgin olive oil?
To ensure you get the highest quality extra virgin olive oil, it is advisable to avoid large stores and opt for gourmet shops or specialized online stores, such as Aceitedelcampo.com, where detailed and extensive information about each EVOO is provided.
What is the price of extra virgin olive oil?
In recent years, the price of olive oil has increased significantly due to poor harvests caused by climate change. Extreme temperatures and lack of rain have negatively affected production, doubling prices in less than two years.
Despite this situation, new water conservation techniques are being implemented in the crops, and the upcoming harvests are expected to improve. Currently, the price of a 500 ml bottle of good EVOO should not be less than 15 euros. If the price is considerably lower, it is advisable to doubt its quality.
What is the best extra virgin olive oil?
There are many excellent extra virgin olive oils available from the price range mentioned above, most of them of Spanish origin. However, it is not always easy to find them in physical stores, as historically olive oil has been perceived as an economical product, which has limited its offer of high quality in the local market.
Today, this perception is changing, and thanks to specialized stores like ours, these prized juices are beginning to be marketed more in the domestic market. Some of the most internationally awarded include: