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 olive oils.
If you've ever wondered what the difference is between regular olive oil and premium extra virgin olive oil, this article explains it in detail.
🌿 1. Oil Type: Refined vs. Premium Extra Virgin
The main difference between regular olive oil and premium EVOO is the production process.
Normal Olive Oil (Refined or Mild)
🔸 It is obtained from lower quality or defective olives.
🔸 It undergoes 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 optimum 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 stages 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 using methods that protect the fruit.
✅ Indicates the 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 sensory 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 of its health benefits, while refined oil loses many of them.
🏺 5. Packaging and Preservation
Regular Olive Oil
🔸 It is sold in transparent plastic bottles, which facilitates 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 oil's properties intact.
✅ Conclusion: Which One to Choose?
If you're looking for an oil with authentic flavor, healthy properties, and guaranteed quality, Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the best choice.
At OLIVA SI, we select premium oils of the highest quality, guaranteeing a unique culinary experience.
🛒 Discover the difference with our premium olive oils.
👉 Buy here and enjoy the best EVOO.