Key Point: There are many poor-quality extra virgin olive oils on the market. Some are fake, and some are real, but not worthy of the ‘extra virgin’ label. 10 Real Extra Virgin Olive Oil Brands It damages the oil as the PVCs react with the oil and contaminates it making it imperfect for consumption.

All Ellora Farms extra virgin olive oil comes from the ‘Koroneiki’ variety of olives, and it is 100% cold-pressed. In this section, we will take a look at ten extra virgin olive oil brands that produce top-quality oils.Heart-Healthy: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to have heart-health benefits. These fats can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. The cold pressing is done within the first few hours of the harvest to maintain olives’ original essence and freshness. Another key indicator of freshness is bottle color and material. Light, heat, and oxygen are all enemies of olive oil, meaning your best bet is that the liquid gold is contained in a dark glass or entirely opaque bottle, ideally not made from plastic or a non-stainless-steel type of metal, and stored away from windows or industrial lights. (Neither Lycopolus nor Jenkins will buy bottles that have been stored on the top shelf of a grocery store.) Sadly, even if it looks like extra virgin olive oil and has a label stating so, we have no way to be sure it is the genuine article.

When it comes to cooking, olive oil is there for you. You can use it to sauté, bake, fry, or even grill your foods. Here are some of the most popular ways to use olive oil in your cooking: The polyphenols present in extra virgin olive oil also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to protect against chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Additionally, olive oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and support weight loss. Gluten-free and Cholesterol-free: Olive oil is naturally gluten-free and cholesterol-free, making it a healthier option for cooking. Cobram’s oils are certified for their authenticity by the COOC in California, and the company has won many awards too.One thing that bothered me was no international certification, which made me quite skeptical about the brand’s authenticity. The quality was just average. Versatile: Olive oil can be used in a wide variety of dishes, including sautéing, frying, baking, and as a base for marinades and dressings. It can also be used as a finishing oil, adding a rich flavor to salads, pasta dishes, and bread. When it comes to the container issue, it’s good to keep in mind that olive oil should be stored in a cool, dark place to preserve its freshness and flavor. So, a dark-colored glass bottle or a tinted plastic container are a good option. It’s also important to make sure that the oil is not exposed to direct sunlight or heat sources, such as a stove or oven.

You can use it for almost everything from sautéing to baking and frying. However, the price again was quite high, which was also a low point for me. 3. Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Searching the lot number will provide full traceability for the product, as well as laboratory analysis of the oil and all the findings. Finally, Jenkins says, you can look for the olive varietal or the estate on which the olives were grown and pressed. While there are equally delicious olive oils being made everywhere from well-known countries like Italy, Greece, and Spain, to less-thought-of places like California, Chile, and Australia, bigger industrial producers tend to mix a bunch of different strains together (even if they’re all technically extra-virgin). Also, the use of plastic itself was a clear disappointment for many considering its health hazards.Furthermore, this oil is one to trust as it has certification from the California Olive Oil Council (COOC), which has one of the strictest requirements in the world. Key Point: Extra virgin olive oil should be pure cold-pressed juice from fresh olives. It should contain no additives and should have a very low level of free acidity. Fake Extra Virgin Olive Oil Scandals It’s great that you’ve had positive health results from using Bertolli extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil. While it’s hard to say how much of your cholesterol drop and weight loss is due to the oil specifically, it’s certainly a healthy addition to your diet.

Moving forward to nutritional content, it has 900kcal with 100g of fat per 100ml, out of which 15g is saturated fat. Even as someone who cooks the vast majority of her meals at home and goes through a lot of olive oil every week, I find that section of the grocery store overwhelming. Some hail from Greece, others from California, others still from Italy. Some are small with high price tags, others are bigger at a reasonable cost. Some boast that they’re “extra-virgin,” and others say “pure” or “refined.” The sheer number of options gives me decision fatigue — which is why I consulted a group of 15 experts to narrow it down to some of the tastiest, most reliable options on the market.

Other olive oils we tasted

First, the oil should be the 100% pure juice extracted from the olive fruit. This extraction should be by mechanical means only, such as a press or centrifuge and it should involve no chemicals. It comes with a tag of anti-oxidants and is free of chemicals, which also helps maintain weight and body nourishment.