Five Things Everybody Should Learn About Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is a vital element of the Mediterranean diet. The health benefits of olive oil have been confirmed in countless studies, and nearly everything it touches becomes more delicious.
While humans have grown olives and crushed them into oil for many thousands of years, the majority of people still know very little about Liquid Gold. This confusion has been amplified by misleading marketing and disorienting details.
And while whole courses (even college curriculums) are dedicated to the production of this staple, its health benefits and culinary applications, there are some things you should be aware of about this essential staple.
All olive oils are not created equal
Olive oil producers and olive oil farmers are faced with many changing conditions. They are required to take decisions according to their resources and the market.
People who want to produce high-end extra virgin olive oil have to handle every process with expertise and determination, not to mention the added cost.
Extra virgin oil means that it's free of flavor defects and has passed a series of lab tests. The oil is created by juicing olives, and is free of other ingredients.
Quality matters
Extra virgin olive oil of premium quality is not just delicious , but it also has more health benefits than oils of lower grade like virgin olive oil or pure olive oil.
Even oils that are virgin may differ in their quality and value. For instance, extra virgin olive oils with higher antioxidant levels are likely to last longer than other oils and will contain more of the vitamins we pay for.
It's okay to be bitter
Fresh olives are bitter, therefore the oil that is made of fresh olives ought to be as bitter. Actually, the bitterness is a sign of the healthy nutrients we expect when choosing kalamata olives.
The good news is that consumers aren't afraid of bitter flavors as they did previously. In other categories like beer, chocolates and coffee bitter flavors have become more popular and are often associated with well-crafted goods.
Keep it fresh
Extra virgin olive oil begins to lose its quality when it is made. The shelf life is drastically affected due to exposure to heat, light , and air. Most olive oil, is not extra virgin after it has been eaten.
It's like if you spent more for a Ferrari but you only got to drive a Kia your first time behind the wheel.
Find the harvest date or bottling date on each bottle you purchase. The older the date, the more reliable. It is unlikely to find a "best before" date if the date is less than a year from now.
It is best kept sealed in a cool, dark cupboard. It is possible to use the bottle or tin in a couple of months after opening it.
It is a great tool for everything
It is now common knowledge that cbd cooking oil can be used to replace less healthy fats in virtually every dish.
From baking and poaching, to sauteing , deep-frying or baking substituting butter and seeds with extra virgin olive oil is not just the most healthy option, but your foods will also taste better too.
