Different Types of Olive Oil Available

Types of Olive Oil

Understanding the different types of olive oil empowers you to make informed choices. Here's a breakdown of some key categories —

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO):

The most prized olive oil, EVOO is extracted through mechanical pressing without heat or chemicals. It boasts the lowest acidity (less than 0.8%) and delivers the most robust flavour and aroma. This oil is ideal for dipping bread, drizzling on salads, or finishing cooked dishes where the dominant taste of pure olive is necessary.

• Virgin Olive Oil:

Similar to EVOO production methods, virgin olive oil has a marginally higher acidity (up to 2.0%). It may have a subtle, less intense flavour than EVOO, making it suitable for light cooking, such as sauteing or dressings.

• Refined Olive Oil:

Produced by treating virgin olive oil with heat or chemicals to remove impurities and acidity, refined olive oil has a neutral flavour and high smoke point. This makes it ideal for high-heat cooking, such as frying or stir-frying.

• Pure/Refined Olive Oil:

This category typically blends refined olive oil and a small amount of virgin olive oil, balancing affordability and a touch of olive flavour. It's suitable for general cooking applications.

• Olive-pomace Oil:

This is extracted from the leftover olive pulp after pressing which undergoes further processing to obtain oil. It has a neutral flavour and is generally used for frying or industrial purposes.

• Lampante Oil:

This grade of olive oil is unsuitable for human consumption due to its high acidity and unappealing taste. It often undergoes refining before being used in industrial applications.

• Light Olive Oil:

This is not an actual classification and often refers to refined olive oil with a lighter colour and taste.

• Blended Olive Oil:

This combines olive oils from different sources/varieties, offering a consistent flavour profile.

• Organic Olive Oil:

This variant is produced using organic farming practices without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers.

• Early Harvest Olive Oil:

This is made from olives harvested early in the season; it boasts a higher polyphenol content and a peppery or grassy flavour.

• Late Harvest Olive Oil:

Olives are picked when fully ripe, resulting in a milder, fruitier flavour.

• Flavoured Olive Oil:

Infused with herbs, spices, or citrus fruits, these oils add a unique twist to dishes but may contain lower-quality olive oil as a base. This variant is often blended with canola or sunflower oil.

Choosing the Right Olive Oil

With the diverse options available, selecting the right olive oil depends on your intended use.

• For Salads and Dipping:

Extra Virgin Olive oil is the perfect choice as it offers intense flavour along with health benefits.

• For Light Cooking:

Using virgin olive oil or a blend offering a balance of flavour and affordability is a good choice.

• For High-Heat Cooking:

Going for refined olive oil with its high smoke point is the most appropriate option.