Vol.1
Navigating the Olive Oil Aisle:
Tips for Choosing the Right Oil in a Sea of Options
Have you ever found yourself in the oils section of your local grocery store, confused about which brand of olive oil to choose? It’s a common predicament – one that we at this blog have also experienced. After all, it’s just a simple ingredient that we use on a daily basis, yet there are so many varieties and brands available. It’s easy to get lost in the sea of information and fancy jargon on the bottles.
But worry no more! We’ve got you covered with all the information you need to buy the best olive oil without any confusion. Say goodbye to the uncertainty and make your next trip to the grocery store a breeze!
Tip#1 – The Bottle
Before delving into the specifics of olive oil selection, there is one big criteria that should be considered before buying any olive oil: the color of the bottle.
It is essential you opt for an opaque bottle that is crafted from dark glass or metal. Olive oil can go spoil really quickly and exposure to light will speed up the deterioration process.
A bottle in a transparent glass jar is nothing but a massive red flag. Your oil will lose its taste and properties so quickly, it would be a waste of money for you.
So, be sure to choose wisely and opt for a bottle that protects your oil from light damage.
The Bastille du Laval EVOO comes in an ideal dark glass bottle that ensures maximum protection for your oil.
Tip#2 – The Label
Now, let’s focus on what is written on the actual bottle. You know the dark and opaque one. Be careful of the “Product of France/Italy/Spain” appellation, especially if the price point of the oil is very attractive.
Olive oil producers are required to label the source of the oil, but there is a significant loophole that some producers exploit. They can label the oil “Product of Italy,” for instance, even if it was just bottled in Italy. This means that they could import cheap oil from different countries and package it in Italy to take advantage of this labeling loophole.
To make an informed decision, don’t rely solely on this label. Take a few seconds to look for more information on either the front or back label. Look for the actual country of origin, such as Italy, Greece, Spain, or France.
The general rule of thumb is to go for an olive oil that comes from a single place rather than a blend. If the bottle lists multiple origins, it’s best to pass and look for a different option.
If there is no information on the bottle aside from the “Product of” label, it is also best to pass and find a different olive oil.
Ardence, our French olive oil, is crafted entirely from hand-picked French olives.
Tip#3 – The Quality
The quality grade of olive oil is of utmost importance, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the highest quality you can obtain. If the bottle you are looking at just says “Virgin” you can pick another one. You want it to be EVOO, there is no hesitation or debate here.
Additionally, choosing an oil that has been cold-pressed is the way to go. But what does that entail? During the olive oil processing, the temperature is kept below 27°C or 80°F. No heat or chemicals are used, only a mechanical press, allowing the oil to retain its quality. Cold-pressed olive oil is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and Vitamins E, K, and C. Excessive heat can destroy these essential components.
Most olive oils available on the market are cold-pressed, so if it’s not stated on the label, that is another big red flag.
It’s worth noting that there’s no such thing as a “second press” when it comes to olive oil. The term “first press” indicates that the oil has been extracted using a press, as opposed to any other possible extraction methods.
Tip#4 – The Purpose
When selecting your olive oil, it’s important to consider what you intend to use it for. Will you be using it for cooking or as a finishing oil?
Despite what many believe, olive oil is great for cooking. With a high smoke point of 410°F, it retains its nutritional benefits, making it ideal for sautéing, roasting, and frying. If you want to avoid burning the oil, it’s easy to tell when it’s reached its highest heat capacity – look for white smoke.
If you’re purchasing olive oil for cooking purposes, we suggest finding a good quality oil that meets all of the criteria we’ve discussed, but don’t go overboard on price. Remember, you’re using it to cook, and some oils can be quite expensive.
However, if you plan to use the oil as a finishing oil, that’s a different story. In that case, you’ll want to select an olive oil that has the specific flavors and intensity you’re seeking.
Tip#5 – The Varieties
Now that you are aware of what to look for in the grocery store, we have one final tip for you: consider the type of olives used to make the oil. While there are numerous olive varieties available, we’ll focus on the most popular ones and our personal favorites.
The Picual is a well-known Spanish olive that is highly regarded. It boasts a fruity flavor with hints of almond and a subtle apple aroma.
Another popular Spanish olive is the Arbequina, which is commonly used as a table oil. It has a fruity aroma with hints of banana and apple.
Consider taking a look at our organic Californian EVOO, called “Awake,” from Brightland, if you appreciate Arbequina EVOO.
The Hojiblanca is the third most popular Spanish EVOO, and it is known for its distinctive taste that starts out sweet but ends with a bitter aftertaste.
An olive variety that we particularly enjoy is the Aglandau, which is grown in Provence, France. It has a lively personality with a green and fruity taste. We appreciate its grassy notes and its delicate bitter and peppery finish.
Experience the Aglandau olive flavor for yourself by trying our Ardence EVOO from Bastille du Laval.
For those who prefer Italian olive oil, the recommended choices are the Leccino or the Frantoio varieties. A Leccino olive oil has a sweet and grassy taste with a fruity aftertaste, and leaves a slight peppery sensation when swallowed. On the other hand, Frantoio olive oil has a more pronounced spiciness and savory flavor.
Now you should have all the basic keys to buy olive oil at the grocery store or directly at Delys Boutique!
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