“Is organic food really healthier? Is the cost worth it?” Some may ask. Well, taking the example of olive oil, we can definitely answer these questions. Traditionally, all kinds of olive oil used to be considered organic. No additives or pesticides were used to aid production. However, conventionally, some questions arise. Conventional olive does not necessarily contain such additives or pesticides; however, it has not been certified to claim otherwise. Considering that conventional olives do not contain harmful chemicals, most people consider them to be organic, and thus, healthy.
For its health benefits, strong taste, and fragrance, olive oil is considered to be the queen of oils. Olive oil is a great source of antioxidants and omega-3 monounsaturated fatty acids. Depending on their nutritional value, taste, and method of harvesting, processing, and packaging, various types of olive oil at different prices can be found at olive oil department stores.
Types of Olive Oil
Olive oil is classified into six basic types:
Extra virgin olive oil
This is among the best olive oils. The acidity level of extra virgin olive oil is under 1 percent and is rich in antioxidants. That is what makes it the queen of oils and separates it from all the other oils. Via the first cold pressing of freshly picked olives, extra virgin olive oil is achieved. In color, it is greenish golden, bright green, and has a powerful aroma and taste. It is inhibited by high heat cooking for nutritional value, taste, and aroma. This type can be found at olive oil department stores.
Virgin olive oil
Slightly inferior to extra virgin olive oil is virgin olive oil. The primary distinction between the two oils is that virgin olive oil has an acidity level of around 2.0%. For cooking purposes, virgin olive is fine, mainly for sautéing and baking, and it can also be used in salads. Virgin olive oil is ideal for massaging the body and hair, too. This type can also be found at olive oil department stores.
Refined olive oil
By refining virgin olive oil, refined olive oil is obtained. Virgin olive oil refining reduces the amount of acidity. For bulk use, processed olive oil is made and is very inexpensive. Refined olive oil is known to be much lower than other olive oil varieties and does not have the distinctive flavor, taste, or fragrance of pure olive oil. For cooking purposes, but not for salads, refined olive oil is suitable. This is commonly available at olive oil department stores.
Pure olive oil
Easy olive oil is pure olive oil, commonly found at any good quality olive oil department stores. It consists of a mixture of refined olive oil and extra virgin olive oil. Pure olive oil has an acidity level of about 2.0 percent, but it is very poor in nutritional value compared to extra virgin olive oil. Pure olive oil is ideal for heavy-duty cooking, but it is not suitable for salads as it lacks flavor and fragrance.
Olive pomace oil
Olive pomace oil is very similar to that of pure olive oil. Some oil residue remaining can be removed from olive pomace after all of the oil and water are extracted from olives. This oil, derived from the olive pomace, holds none of the extra virgin olive oil’s nutrition, taste, and fragrance. It is then blended with virgin olive oil to provide some of the benefits of olive oil. For high heat cooking, olive tomato oil is fine.
Lite/light olive oil
The word “lite” is usually taken to be low in calories, but olive oil is not the same. Lite olive oil is a very low grade of olive oil, in fact. It has the same amount of calories in it, but olive oil is low in nutrition, taste, and fragrance. Medium olive oil or lite olive oil is ideal for cooking or baking, where the taste of fruity olive is objectionable.
These are several unique varieties of different kinds of olive oil. All of these are readily provided at an olive oil department store, which anyone can visit.
Benefits of Olive Oil
- Olive Oil Is Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats
- It contains excessive amounts of antioxidants
- Strong anti-inflammatory properties
- It prevents strokes
- Protects against cardiovascular diseases
- Helps in fighting Alzheimer’s
- Helps in reducing the risk of contracting type 2 diabetes
- It has anti-cancer properties
- Can help in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
- Contains antibacterial properties
Olive oils are essential for your body. It is why it’s important to ensure that you buy the right kind from a reliable olive oil department store, which gives you the most bang for your buck. Tip: to save a few bucks, get your olive oils from a coop store. You will also be able to find more olive oil options there.
