Know Your Oils

Consumers of olive oil are often faced with a bewildering choice on the supermarket shelves and in the more exclusive deli's.

Prices may range from just $3 or $4 per litre to $40.00 or more for a bottle. There is a real difference in the quality and in the characteristics of the oil!

Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a superior oil. It is the finest quality olive oil that you can buy. The oil is extracted from the fruit using mechanical or physical means, it has an excellent aroma and taste, and must have a free fatty acid content (oleic acid) of not more than 1%.

Virgin Olive Oil is a slightly lower classification than extra virgin oil, may have less aroma and taste and the acidity may be as high as 2%

Pure Olive Oil or Olive Oil is usually a blend of refined oil and either extra virgin oil or virgin oil.

Refined Olive Oil is oil that has been extracted from the pomice or paste (the residue left after initial oil extraction) using solvents.

Light or Extra Light Olive Oil usually is of light colour or taste. "Light" does not refer to a reduction in calories. Remember that olive oil has no cholesterol in it.

Pomace Oil is is a low grade of the refined oil. Again it is usually extracted using solvents. It can be used for cooking if flavour is not important.

Lampante Oil is a low grade oil that is really only suitable for burning in lamps. As it usually has an acidity level of more than 3.3%. It must be refined further before being fit for human consumption.