What is EVOO?

Olive oil is one of the most representative products of the Mediterranean diet. However, within the wide world of olive oils, there is a type of oil that stands out for its superior quality: EVOO, or Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Here we tell you what EVOO is. Will you join us?

Meaning of EVOO

EVOO, or Extra Virgin Olive Oil, is an oil obtained directly from olives through a cold mechanical extraction process, without the use of any type of chemical treatment. This process guarantees that the oil retains all its properties, such as the flavor, aroma and color characteristic of high quality olive oil.

The acronym EVOO stands for “Extra Virgin Olive Oil”, a term used to describe the quality and purity of this type of oil. The “virgin” refers to the fact that the oil has been obtained naturally, without refining or chemical processing, while the “extra” means that it is the highest quality oil, with very low acidity and exceptional flavor and aroma.

To be classified as EVOO, the oil must meet certain strict criteria established by regulatory bodies such as the European Union and the International Olive Oil Council (IOC). These criteria include a maximum acidity of 0.8% and the absence of flavor and aroma defects, which guarantees that the oil is completely pure and of excellent quality.

Origin of EVOO

Olive oil has its roots in ancient Mediterranean civilizations, which already used olive oil for food and other purposes. However, the concept of “EVOO” as we know it today began to take shape in the 20th century, with the development of more sophisticated extraction processes and the need to classify the different types of olive oil according to their quality.

The term EVOO became popular in Spain, which is one of the world’s leading producers of olive oil. From there, it spread to other Mediterranean countries, such as Italy and Greece, and became a standard for naming high-quality olive oils. Today, Spain, Italy and Greece are the three major producers of EVOO, and most of the production is destined for international markets.

What is the difference between EVOO and olive oil?

Although both come from the olive tree, EVOO and regular olive oil are two very different products. The main difference lies in their quality and the process of obtaining each one. Here are some of the differences:

• Extraction process: EVOO is obtained through a cold extraction process, which means that the olives are pressed at low temperatures to prevent the loss of nutrients and properties. In contrast, ordinary olive oil can undergo refining processes that include the use of heat and chemicals, which reduces the quality of the oil.

• Acidity: EVOO has an acidity of less than 0.8%, which indicates that it is a pure, high quality oil. Ordinary olive oil, on the other hand, usually has a higher acidity due to the refining processes it undergoes.

• Flavor and aroma: EVOO is recognized for its intense flavor and fruity aroma, which can vary depending on the olive variety used and the extraction process. Regular olive oil, on the other hand, has a more neutral flavor and lacks other sensory characteristics that EVOO has.

• Nutritional properties: EVOO preserves all the antioxidants, vitamins and healthy fats present in olives, which makes it an excellent source of monounsaturated fatty acids, essential for cardiovascular health. Refined olive oil, when going through a filtering and purification process, loses many of these properties, although it is still a source of healthy fat.

• Uses in the kitchen: due to its exceptional flavor and aromas, EVOO is ideal for use raw, as a salad dressing, for dressings or as an accompaniment to gourmet dishes. Regular olive oil, being more neutral, is more suitable for cooking at high temperatures, such as frying or sautéing.

In short, EVOO is the olive oil par excellence when you are looking for a top quality product, with superior nutritional benefits and an unmistakable flavor and aroma. Therefore, if you are looking for an olive oil that is not only healthy, but also delicious and full of beneficial properties, our EVOO is the perfect choice for you. Find them in our tienda online of olive oil.