The benefits of the Mediterranean diet are talked about a lot these days. The people of the region live longer, healthier lives than lots of us & doctors put it down to their food. Their diet is rich in seafood, vegetables and olive oil all of which contain healthy fats and fatty acids which prevent heart disease and protect the brain. Unfortunately all oils are not created equal and it is worth the money to buy the more expensive small batch extra virgin olive oil.
There are several types of olive oil on the market. Extra virgin is probably the most famous & the best for you as it is the least processed. Then there is virgin which is similar but not held to such rigorous standards. Olive oil and the light version are refined and have had most of the nutrients taken out. They can be useful for cooking as they have a higher smoke point.
For using on salads, in dips, purees and as a dressing on its own extra virgin is the only way to go. It has a much more complex taste due to high levels of vitamins and minerals and polyphenols which give those wonderful bitter grassy notes. It has a lower smoke point than other vegetable oils and should not be heated very much.
Small batch producers are the ones who take the most care over making this oil. They typically hand pick the fruit and select the best ones for the extra virgin oil. They are then pressed to extract the pure juices. Large producers use a mechanized process which is not nearly so gentle and harvesting with machines means rotten fruit can be mixed in producing rancid oils.
There are several ways to check whether an oil you have purchased is pure. Firstly, you can check the smell. Pour a couple of tablespoons of oil into a glass and swirl it around with your hand over the top. Then take your hand away and inhale the aromas. They should be grassy, like olives and fruit. Any scents of vinegar or cardboard indicate adulterated oil.
Smell is the first indicator of purity. It should be grassy, fruity and smell like olives. If there are aromas of vinegar or cardboard this indicates a rancid oil which is most likely adulterated. Many sellers will let customers have a taste. When doing this think of wine tasting. Roll it around your mouth and then swallow. A pure oil will give a bitter taste in the back of the throat. This is from the polyphenols which are super healthy and add complexity to the flavor.
The fatty acids in olive oil are what provide the benefits to health. They protect the heart and are thought to lower blood pressure. The polyphenols are a great antioxidant and are associated with lower rates of cancer in the Mediterranean.
Buying cheap olive oil is tempting but seeking out small batch products is more beneficial for your health and taste buds. They cost more because they are more pure and better quality. Extra virgin is not only delicious it is a health food so it is worth the extra dollars to be sure you get the right product.
There are several types of olive oil on the market. Extra virgin is probably the most famous & the best for you as it is the least processed. Then there is virgin which is similar but not held to such rigorous standards. Olive oil and the light version are refined and have had most of the nutrients taken out. They can be useful for cooking as they have a higher smoke point.
For using on salads, in dips, purees and as a dressing on its own extra virgin is the only way to go. It has a much more complex taste due to high levels of vitamins and minerals and polyphenols which give those wonderful bitter grassy notes. It has a lower smoke point than other vegetable oils and should not be heated very much.
Small batch producers are the ones who take the most care over making this oil. They typically hand pick the fruit and select the best ones for the extra virgin oil. They are then pressed to extract the pure juices. Large producers use a mechanized process which is not nearly so gentle and harvesting with machines means rotten fruit can be mixed in producing rancid oils.
There are several ways to check whether an oil you have purchased is pure. Firstly, you can check the smell. Pour a couple of tablespoons of oil into a glass and swirl it around with your hand over the top. Then take your hand away and inhale the aromas. They should be grassy, like olives and fruit. Any scents of vinegar or cardboard indicate adulterated oil.
Smell is the first indicator of purity. It should be grassy, fruity and smell like olives. If there are aromas of vinegar or cardboard this indicates a rancid oil which is most likely adulterated. Many sellers will let customers have a taste. When doing this think of wine tasting. Roll it around your mouth and then swallow. A pure oil will give a bitter taste in the back of the throat. This is from the polyphenols which are super healthy and add complexity to the flavor.
The fatty acids in olive oil are what provide the benefits to health. They protect the heart and are thought to lower blood pressure. The polyphenols are a great antioxidant and are associated with lower rates of cancer in the Mediterranean.
Buying cheap olive oil is tempting but seeking out small batch products is more beneficial for your health and taste buds. They cost more because they are more pure and better quality. Extra virgin is not only delicious it is a health food so it is worth the extra dollars to be sure you get the right product.
About the Author:
Check out our list of providers for small batch extra virgin olive oil by going to the related homepage. Visit this great website at http://sanpauloolivefarm.com right away and access fast and efficient service.
