Olive oil is an essential ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, but not all oils are created equal. On the market we find everything from refined oils to premium extra virgin oils.
If you have ever wondered what the difference is between regular olive oil and premium extra virgin olive oil, this article will explain it to you in detail.
🌿 1. Type of Oil: Refined vs. Premium Extra Virgin
The main difference between a normal olive oil and a premium EVOO is the extraction process.
Normal Olive Oil (Refined or Mild)
🔸 It is obtained from lower quality or defective olives.
🔸 It goes through a chemical and thermal refining process to eliminate unwanted odors, colors and flavors.
🔸 It is mixed with a small amount of virgin olive oil to make it suitable for consumption.
Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Premium EVOO)
✅ It comes from selected olives, harvested at their optimal point.
✅ It is extracted only by mechanical and cold procedures (less than 27°C).
✅ It does not undergo refining or chemical treatments, preserving its natural flavor, aroma and nutrients.
🔍 Conclusion: Regular olive oil is a processed product, while premium EVOO is a pure and natural product.
🫒 2. Quality of the Raw Material
Regular Olive Oil
🔸 It is made with olives that can be in different states of ripeness, even damaged or harvested from the ground.
🔸 It does not usually specify its origin or variety of olive.
Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil
✅ It is made with top quality olives, harvested by hand or with methods that protect the fruit.
✅ Indicate variety of olive (Picual, Hojiblanca, Picuda, etc.) and geographical origin.
🔍 Conclusion: The quality of the olives is key to obtaining an exceptional oil.
🍃 3. Flavor, Aroma and Texture
Regular Olive Oil
🔸 Its flavor is mild or neutral, since its natural characteristics are eliminated during refining.
🔸 It has no fruity, herbaceous or spicy nuances.
Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil
✅ Its flavor is rich and balanced, with fruity, herbaceous notes and a slight characteristic bitterness or spiciness.
✅ Its aroma is deep and varies depending on the variety of olive.
🔍 Conclusion: A premium EVOO is a sensorial experience, while refined oil loses its original essence.
⚡ 4. Health Benefits
Regular Olive Oil
🔸 During refining, it loses much of its antioxidants and polyphenols.
🔸 May contain solvent or chemical residues.
Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil
✅ Rich in polyphenols, vitamin E and natural antioxidants, beneficial for cardiovascular health and skin.
✅ It has anti-inflammatory properties and protects against cellular aging.
🔍 Conclusion: A premium EVOO retains all its health benefits, while refined oil loses much of it.
🏺 5. Packaging and Conservation
Regular Olive Oil
🔸 It is sold in transparent plastic bottles, which facilitates its oxidation and degradation.
🔸 It does not usually indicate the harvest date or details about its storage.
Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil
✅ It is packaged in dark glass, ceramic or stainless steel bottles, protecting it from light and oxidation.
✅ Its labeling indicates variety, origin, extraction method and harvest date.
🔍 Conclusion: Proper packaging keeps the properties of the oil intact.
✅ Conclusion: Which One to Choose?
If you are looking for an oil with authentic flavour, healthy properties and guaranteed quality, Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the best option.
At OLIVA SI, we select premium oils of the highest quality, guaranteeing a unique gastronomic experience.
🛒 Discover the difference with our premium olive oils.
👉 Buy here and enjoy the best EVOO.