Are you planning to go out and pick out your very first bottle of olive oil in India soon? Well, we hope you have a great time shopping for it! We do hope you have done your due diligence when it comes to the things to consider when it comes to buying the best bottle of olive oil? Well, if you haven't then you need not fret, because we got you covered. Read on to find out more.
The Labels:
Ok, here when we say “labels” we are not talking about a particular company. Instead, we are talking about some of the terminologies that you might across on olive oil bottles in the market. A lot of these terminologies can be confusing for first-time olive oil shoppers. This is why we have decided to dive in and clear any and every confusion for you.
Extra-virgin vs Virgin Olive Oils:
Both extra-virgin and virgin olive oil India manufactures are produced with the help of a crushing method. This is done by crushing olives into a paste and then pressing it to bring out the oil in it. There is no heat used in any of the processes involved in this kind of extraction. The main difference between extra-virgin and virgin olive oil is that extra virgin oils are made within 24 hours of picking the olives. This is why the fatty acid content in extra virgin olive oil is less when compared to virgin olive oils. Another difference between extra-virgin oils and virgin olive oils is that the former also has more polyphenols in it.
Filtered vs Unfiltered Oils:
Unfiltered oils are those that still contain tiny particles of olive flesh in them. These particles, in turn, reduce the shelf life of the oil itself. The particles will also end up giving the oil a cloudy appearance, unlike the clear appearance of the filtered olive oil.
Pure Olive Oil
Pure olive oil, also simply known as olive oil fall below extra-virgin and virgin standards. This is essentially because they are heavily processed to help remove flavours or fragrances. They do contain monounsaturated fats in them, but healthy polyphenols are nowhere to be found. Another variety that is found in India is pomace olive oil for cooking. This is another kind that falls under the same tag as pure olive oil.
Product of Italy
Yes, we know this sounds really fancy, but that does not mean that the olives the olive oil was made from were grown in Italy. It simply means that the oil was processed in Italy.
The Shopping:
Now comes the tricky part; the actual shopping. Apart from the labels mentioned above, there are other things that you need to keep in mind when buying your first bottle of olive oil.
Exposure to light
When olive oil is exposed to light, over a period of time, it will go rancid, without a doubt. This is why ALWAYS buy the olive oil that comes in a dark-tinted bottle or that is available in a can and remember to store it in a cool and dark place at home.
Dates of Bottling and Expiration:
It is always important to notice both the bottling and the expiration dates on the bottle of the olive oil in India. This will help guide you on the shelf life of the oil.
The Size:
Even if you plan to use the olive oil on a regular basis, it is important that you buy smaller bottles instead of one big bottle. This is because soon as you open a big bottle, the polyphenols and the flavour end up diminishing when they are exposed to air.
The Colour
Contrary to popular belief, the colour of the olive oil doesn't indicate the quality of the olive. Instead, it is an indicator of the kind of olives used and their ripeness.
The Bottom Line:
The regular usage of olive oil can truly change your life, but it is extremely important to know how to buy the right olive oil for you. We sure hope this guide will come in handy in your time of need.
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