What does olive oil taste like? And the extra virgin?

In the Mediterranean diet, olive oil (and extra virgin oil) is a fundamental ingredient. But what does olive oil really taste like? And more specifically, what is the difference in flavor between olive oil and extra virgin olive oil?

Olive Oil Flavor:

Olive oil has a fruity flavor combined with a bitter and spicy touch. Its flavor may vary depending on the variety of olive used, the type of cultivation and the method of extraction of the olive oil.

Generally, olive oil is known for its versatility and its ability to enhance the flavors of foods. The flavor characteristics of olive oil are:

1. Fruity Notes: Olive oil usually has fruity nuances, ranging from milder flavors, such as apple or almond, to more intense and herbaceous flavors.

2. Bitterness and Pungency: If an olive oil has a bitter and pungent taste, it is a positive sign. The bitter taste of olive oil comes from phenolic compounds, and is usually perceived in the back of the throat. On the other hand, its spicy flavor while spicy is due to the presence of antioxidants, and is usually perceived in the throat or mouth.

Olive oil is a lower quality oil, which is obtained by mixing virgin olive oil (20%) with refined oil (80%), its flavor being less intense than extra virgin. Olive oil usually deteriorates and oxidizes sooner, losing its beneficial properties more easily. It usually has a lighter and less greenish color than extra virgin, and it is the most acidic oil (and therefore of lower quality).

Flavor of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO):

For its part, extra virgin olive oil, which is the oil most chosen by consumers thanks to its beneficial properties, differs from the flavor of standard olive oil because of the following:

1. Fruity Notes: Extra virgin olive oil often displays a more noticeable fruity intensity than standard olive oil. In it, you can perceive fresh notes of freshly harvested olives, with nuances ranging from green grass to tomato.

2. Bitterness and Spicy: Compared to standard olive oil, extra virgin olive oil usually has more bitter and spicy touches. This is thanks to its high polyphenol content, which in addition to giving the oil more flavor, is also a sign that it provides health benefits.

For an olive oil to be labeled "extra virgin", it must meet certain requirements, such as that its acidity is less than 0.8% and that it has been extracted using mechanical procedures.

If you want to taste an authentic quality extra virgin olive oil, from 9 ancient olive trees, click here: